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    Soka University of America

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    Overview

    Soka University of America is a private, non-profit 4-year college located in Aliso Viejo, California. There are currently 445 undergraduates at Soka and the school’s acceptance rate is 57%. The tuition at Soka is $35,544.

    Soka University of America
    University University
    Universities are larger institutions that typically contain multiple different schools for different subjects. Students at these schools will be connected to a large group of peers and have many resources at their fingertips.
    21 Suburb
    Suburban schools are a great option for students who want to take advantage of the amenities of the city while escaping the hustle and bustle. At a suburban school you’ll be within a stone’s throw of the city, but you will maintain a strong campus culture and remain grounded in your college’s community.
    Need Blind Need Blind
    Soka University of America does not factor economic need into their admissions decisions. So, your ability to pay will not affect your chances of admission.

    Scholarships & Financial Aid

    $52,758

    Sticker Price
    Sticker Price

    $31,491

    Average Annual Aid
    Average Annual Aid

    $21,267

    Average Annual Cost
    Average Annual Cost

    Cost Breakdown

    Tuition
    $35,544
    Books & Supplies
    $1,152
    Room & Board
    $13,422
    Other
    $2,640

    Estimated Cost:

    $52,758

    for the 2023-2024 Academic Year

    The sticker price at Soka is $52,758. This sticker price includes costs for tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses.


    It’s also important to note that the cost of attendance can vary from year to year and typically it will rise over your four years in college. With that said, your financial aid will also be recalculated every year to take any price increases, as well as any changes in your financial situation, into account.


    College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at Soka would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.

    Soka University of America Financial Aid

    Students who are applying for financial aid at Soka University of America need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA). The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.


    The FAFSA code for Soka University of America is 038144.


    If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out our How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.

    Using State Grants at Soka

    If you reside in California and are considering Soka, be sure to investigate the Cal Grant. You can apply by submitting your FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application, but you must meet the program's deadline in order to qualify. If you meet financial and other requirements, you may receive over $14,000 per year towards education expenses. The amount received depends on the type of institution you attend and your financial need.

    Pell Grants at Soka University of America

    17% of students at Soka University of America receive Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to Soka University of America.


    You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.

    Outside Scholarships

    Soka students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:


    Admissions

    57%

    Admission Rate

    26

    Average ACT

    1302 is the median SAT score and 26 is the median ACT score for admitted students at Soka. A score that is close to this median value indicates that you have a good chance of admission to the institution. However, it’s important to remember that colleges judge applications holistically. If the rest of your application is strong, it’s possible to make up for lower test scores.

    Is Soka test-optional?

    Soka University of America is test-optional, which means that it does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that some students will submit their test scores and others will not. If you choose not to submit your ACT or SAT score, the admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you are not sure whether you should submit your standardized test scores, our guide on submitting scores to test-optional schools can help.

    What SAT/ACT score do you need to get into Soka University of America?

    Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT and ACT as one of many factors to determine their admissions decisions. A high score on one of these tests does not guarantee admission to a college, and a low score does not guarantee rejection. However, the majority of accepted applicants to Soka University of America receive between a and a on their ACT, or a 1245 and a 1430 on their SAT.

    November
    1

    Early Action

    January
    15

    Regular Decision

    What is the application deadline at Soka?

    Students must apply by January 15 to enroll at Soka during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.


    And if you’re considering applying Early Action at Soka, remember that the deadline is November 1.

    Should I apply Early Action at Soka?

    Early Action is a great option for students who want to hear back from a college before the Regular Decision admissions are released. At some colleges, applying Early Action can also help your admissions chances. However, this varies on a college-by-college basis, so it will not always give you a boost.

    Be on the lookout for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action options. These are not the same as Early Action, and although they can be great options for some students, they are not a good fit for everyone. If you’re considering applying for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action, be sure to read the college’s admissions website carefully. Make sure that these restrictions fit with your college admissions plan.

    Is Soka University of America need-blind?

    Yes, Soka University of America has need-blind admissions, which means they do not take financial need into account when they decide who to accept. If your FAFSA and/or CSS Profile indicate that you would need substantial financial aid, you will still be on equal footing with applicants who do not require any aid at all.

    Academics

    Student/Faculty Ratio

    Student/Faculty Ratio 7:1

    Graduation Rate

    Graduation Rate 88%

    Student Body

    Undergraduate Students

    Undergraduate Students 445

    Pell Grant 19%

    Undergrad Students Over 25 1%

    Percent Male / Female 35% / 65%

    Ethnic Diversity at Soka

    53% International / Non-Citizen

    14% White

    13% Hispanic

    12% Asian / Pacific Islander

    5% Multiracial

    2% Black

    1% Unknown

    Student Outcomes


    Graduate Income

    Graduate Income $55,017

    Median Debt $15,650

    Debt 10 years after graduation $166

    Graduation Rate 88%

    What is the graduation rate at Soka University of America?

    88% of students who start at Soka University of America end up finishing their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 30% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.

    How much do graduates of Soka University of America go on to earn?

    10 years after starting school at Soka University of America, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $55,017. This is $4,626 more than the national median.


    Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.

    How much do students at Soka take out in loans?

    Graduates of Soka have to take out a median of $15,650 in federal student loans. This is $2,150 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.

    Data Sources

    We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.

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