Soka University of America
Originally founded in Japan and guided by Buddhist principles, Soka University of America is a 4-year liberal arts institution in Orange County. SUA hosts a bachelor’s degree-granting program with concentrations in Environmental Studies, Social & Behavioral Sciences, Humanities, and International Studies. In addition, Soka includes study abroad fees in its tuition to enable every student to participate in one semester abroad. For journalistically inclined students, SUA publishes a student-run campus and global news magazine called The Pearl.
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Private
- Not for Profit
- Coed
Need Aware
This school may consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission
Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Suburb or town
Admissions Requirements
SAT
No
ACT
No
Transcript
Yes
Important Deadlines
| Application Type | Application Deadline | Reply Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Early Action Acceptance is not binding, but student will receive admissions decision earlier. | November 1 | |
| Fall Regular Decision | January 15 | May 1 |
Admitted Student Stats
2%
Submitting ACT
38%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 30
Average SAT Composite: 1337
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Master's
Total Number of Students
455
Total Number of Undergrads
445
Classroom Sizes
0
100
80%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
87%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
7:1
US National: 21:1Tuition, Cost & Aid
Key Financial Stats
Tuition
| In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $37,450 |
| Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $37,450 |
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
| $13,892 |
| Books and Supplies | $938 |
Aid & Grants
0
100
100%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution. Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
19%
Average Aid Per Year
$34,200
19%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$2,061
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$31,907
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
52%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$7,481
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$17,278
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$185
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Student Organizations
31
Size of Town
Suburb or town
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
Yes
On Campus Women's Center
No
Housing
0
100
99%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
Yes
Athletics
Divisional Sports Nickname
Lions
School Colors
blue, white, and gold
Varsity Athletics Association
NAIA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Not applicable
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Yes
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Top 5 Cities
Orange
Los Angeles
New York
San Francisco
Washington
What Students Are Saying
Soka is truly one of a kind. Students will graduate with an understanding of various world cultures and an appreciation for cultural differences. They will have discovered and/or developed their passions and will be ready to go out into the world and make it a better place.
Anon from Aliso Viejo, CA
SUA is a wonderful university where students who have various backgrounds can expand their points of views! All people at Soka is so nice, and I really like peaceful atmosphere of this university! Liberal Arts education and a small class size class help us to find our identities and to find value in everything.
Momo
Soka University is a private, non-profit, four-year liberal arts college and graduate school located on 103-acres in south Orange County, California in the City of Aliso Viejo.
With a small class room settings (students to faculty ratio = 8:1), each student gains great attention and help from professors.
The school also offers generous financial aid to both domestic and international students. Full tuition scholarship is available to all students whose earned family income is $60,000 or less.
With a small class room settings (students to faculty ratio = 8:1), each student gains great attention and help from professors.
The school also offers generous financial aid to both domestic and international students. Full tuition scholarship is available to all students whose earned family income is $60,000 or less.
from Aliso Viejo, CA
Soka University of America gave me so many opportunities to grow and challenge myself as a human being as well as meet and befriend amazing people from all over the world. The mandatory study abroad was one of the best experiences of my life. Whatever your interests are, there is a club or activity for you, and if not you can start one yourself!
Ellyssa from Renton, WA
Soka University challenges me a lot in many ways. By getting many great opportunities and learning closely with professors and global friends, I am able to broaden my perspectives and interests. I have learned a lot not only academics but also many life lessons.
Nobuyo from Aliso Viejo, CA
the school is beautiful and is student-oriented. there are only 400 students in the campus. being in a small-sized campus is nice-- you can know each other and make different friends from all around the world.
ya-chien from aliso viejo, ca
A unique school with unique program and unique faculty. It will change you and make a distinguished individual even after your first year. Soka will help you financially and will give you a chance to prove that you are worth it.
Jaroslav from Aliso Viejo, CA
If you would like to study liberal arts and are ok with the small campus and student body, I would highly recommend attending SUA. The close contact you get with professors opens many doors for you, and the internationality of the school together with the guaranteed study abroad semester provides you with an open-minded and progressive education. While the city surrounding SUA is relatively small and quiet, there are many beautiful beaches and a variety of interesting communities in close proximity.
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