Soka University of America
About Soka University of America
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo teaches a single liberal arts degree, requires every student to study abroad, and keeps its student body small and unusually international. It was founded on Buddhist humanist principles and is open to students of any belief.
Founded
2001
Location
Aliso Viejo, California
Students
495
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
43.4%
Selective
Graduation Rate
91.8%
Above national average
Tuition
$38,728
Per year
Avg Net Price
$18,260
After financial aid
SAT Average
1440
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$55,017
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Very Selective
43.4 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$45
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 15
Soka University of America accepts 43.4% of applicants, with admitted students averaging around 1440 on the SAT. If you're near or above that range, you have a strong chance.
SAT Scores
1440/ 1600
ACT Scores
26/ 36
Average: 26 out of 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Excellent
91.8% complete their degree within six years
Retention
90.5%
4-Year Grad
88%
6-Year Grad
91%
Teaching Quality
7:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
76.9%
$/Student
$45.4K
Class Size
Small
88% of students graduate on time, and with a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, it's clear students get the personal attention they need to succeed.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$38,728
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$14,378
Books & Supplies
$1,062
Total Cost of Attendance
$55,064
After Financial Aid
$18,260
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$12,020
Receive Grants
20.4%
Take Loans
37.2%
Don't let the $38,728 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $18,260 after financial aid, a 53% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $12,020.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Soka University of America fund their education.
While in School
20.4%
Get Grants
Free money
37.2%
Take Loans
Must repay
$44,001
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$15,650
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$166/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 37.2% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $15,650. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Soka University of America.
Gender
61.8%
Female
38%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
484
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
11
Graduates
N/A
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
0.7%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 62% of the student body. 55.4% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
484
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Liberal Arts
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
No
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Soka University of America fields 7 varsity teams with 152 student athletes, about 31% of the student body.
Division
NAIA
Division II
Conference
California Pacific
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
7
Biggest: Soccer
Student Athletes
152
31% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
51% / 49%
78
Men
74
Women
7
Men's Teams
6
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Soka University of Americaearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$55,017
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 1Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$20K
98 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $43K six years out, growing to $55K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Soka University of America
What is the acceptance rate at Soka University of America?▾
How much does Soka University of America cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Soka University of America?▾
How much do Soka University of America graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.