Soka University of America

Aliso Viejo, CA · Private

Official website

Navora's full analysis of Soka University of America — where an applicant's profile stands against the published cohort, requirements tracking, essays and deadlines — is free with an account.

See the full analysis — free

Admission rate

Soka University of America admitted 43.4% of applicants university-wide (275 of 634).

CohortAdmit rateAdmittedApplicants
University-wide43.4%275634
Men32.1%80249
Women50.8%195384

Also offers Early Action (closes Nov 15) — the Common Data Set doesn't publish EA admit counts.

Of 275 admitted students, 126 enrolled (45.8% yield).

Soka University of America U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard · Sections C1–C2 · 2023Published cohort admit rates — context, not an applicant-specific probability.

Test scores and GPA of admitted students

SAT (mid-50%)
1333–1510
ACT (mid-50%)
median 26
GPA (mid-50%, 4.0 scale)
3.803.80

Testing policy: Test-optional (considered if submitted)

Soka University of America U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard · Sections C9–C12 · 2023Published admit stats reflect the entire incoming class unless explicitly labeled international-only.

Cost and financial aid

Published cost of attendance: $55,064/yr.

Out-of-state tuition$38,728
Fees, housing, food, books & other$16,440
Sticker cost of attendance$55,064/yr

Average net price by family income (US, federal aid data)

Under $30k$12,020
$30k–48k$10,619
$48k–75k$12,049
$75k–110k$12,724
Over $110k$30,940

U.S. Dept. of Education · College Scorecard — average net price by family income (Title IV, from IPEDS) · 2023

US applicants

Need- and merit-based aid available.

  • Soka University of America Merit ScholarshipUp to $20,000 per year (Merit)
  • Soka Merit Scholarship$5,000 to $15,000 per year (Merit)
  • Soka Opportunity ScholarshipVaries (up to full demonstrated need) (Need Based)
  • Soka University of America Full Tuition ScholarshipFull tuition (Full Tuition)
  • Soka University of America Need-Based GrantUp to full tuition based on financial need (Full Tuition)

International applicants

Meets full demonstrated need for internationals.

  • Soka University of America Merit ScholarshipUp to $20,000 per year (Merit)
  • Soka Merit Scholarship$5,000 to $15,000 per year (Merit)
  • Soka Opportunity ScholarshipVaries (up to full demonstrated need) (Need Based)
  • Soka University of America Full Tuition ScholarshipFull tuition (Full Tuition)
  • Soka University of America Need-Based GrantUp to full tuition based on financial need (Full Tuition)

Soka University of America U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard · Sections G–H · 2023

Application requirements

US applicants

  • Official transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Essays
  • List of extracurricular activities
  • English proficiency
  • ACT or SAT scores (optional)
  • Application fee

International applicants

  • Official transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Essays
  • List of extracurricular activities
  • English proficiency
  • ACT or SAT scores (optional)
  • Application fee
  • GPA credential conversion
  • Predicted Class XII marksheet
  • Financial documentation (I-20)

Soka University of America · Application requirements (official admissions pages) · 2025

Essay prompts

  1. In the view of global human progress, which path seems more promising to you: revolution or evolution? What role do you see for dialogue being a catalyst for progress? Please elaborate. (500-750 words)2000 words · Required
  2. In today’s world, what is your purpose in seeking a liberal arts education? How would you use your SUA education as a tool to shape your future living a contributive life? (500-750 words)2000 words · Required

Draft these in the free Essay Coach

Prompts from the Common App member feed · verified Jul 3, 2026

Graduate outcomes

Median earnings
$55,017
Median earnings · 10 years after entry
Graduation rate
91.8%
Within 150% of normal time
First-year retention
90%
Return for year two · CDS Section B
Median debt
$15,650
At graduation

Soka University of America · U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (2023 release) · 2023Earnings and debt figures are federal data for aid-receiving graduates — cohort outcomes, not a guarantee for any individual student.

Published rankings

  • U.S. News Liberal Arts: #37
  • Forbes: #367

Academics and campus

Student–faculty ratio: 9:1.

Soka University of America U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard · Sections E, F, I · 2023Published institutional figures for the reporting year — descriptive of the current student body, not a prediction about your experience.

Similar colleges