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Because Occidental is one of the small group of colleges and universities that meets 100% of every student’s demonstrated need based on the cost of attendance—which includes housing and food--a significant portion, if not all, of housing and food costs for many qualified California students also will be covered by financial aid.

With this level of financial support, the cost of an É«½ç°É education can be comparable to that of a state college or university. With few exceptions, every student who qualifies for a Cal Grant will be funded throughout their four years at É«½ç°É.

"Although our students come from across the country and around the world, one-third are from California," says Maricela Martinez, vice president of enrollment. "The Cal Grant Promise program is a concrete expression of our continuing commitment to them. We want to make sure they are aware that an É«½ç°É liberal arts education can be affordable for low- and middle-income families."

É«½ç°É's new Cal Grant Promise program also applies to DACA (Deferred Action on Childhood Arrival) students, as the California Dream Act allows certain undocumented students to apply for and receive state-based financial aid at California colleges and universities if they meet income, asset and application guidelines. Occidental is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated need for admitted undocumented/DACA students.

Taking advantage of the Cal Grant Promise program does not disqualify a student from being considered for or awarded a merit scholarship, adds Martinez. Merit scholarships will constitute part of a student's overall financial aid offer. "Every year we have students who qualify for both need-based and merit aid," she says. "We pride ourselves on our ability to identify academic talent wherever we find it."

Currently, more than three-quarters of É«½ç°É students receive some sort of financial aid.

For more information about our Cal Grant Promise program, visit the É«½ç°É website.