About Soka University of America
The financial picture tells a compelling story for families earning under $75,000. Students from households making $30,000 to $48,000 pay an average net price of just $9,183 annually. Even middle-income families earning $48,000 to $75,000 pay only $9,378 per year. Graduates earn a median of $55,017 ten years after graduation while carrying modest debt loads of $15,650. The monthly loan payment averages just $166, making this expensive-looking education surprisingly affordable for many.
The intimate learning environment features a 7:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring relationships. Women comprise 60.78% of the student body, while the campus draws students from across the country with only 27.45% from California. The Lions compete in 12 varsity sports through the NJCAA, though athletics take a backseat to academic and philosophical development.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 7:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 72.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 87.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 86.9%
- Retention Rate
- 92.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,017
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $30,228 |
Campus Life
Housing capacity reaches 572, accommodating most of the student body in residential halls that buzz with international perspectives. Students represent dozens of countries, creating dining hall conversations that span continents. The mandatory study abroad program means half your classmates are always overseas, returning with stories from their semester in different countries.
About 30 minutes from both Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean, weekend adventures range from beach trips to city exploration. The Buddhist-inspired philosophy permeates campus culture, emphasizing peace, human rights, and global citizenship. Students organize meditation sessions and social justice forums alongside typical college activities. The 92.25% retention rate reflects how this tight-knit environment keeps students engaged through their unique liberal arts journey.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 572 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 2001
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 44°–68°F
- July Avg
- 60°–79°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 12.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 39.2%
- Women
- 60.8%
- White
- 14.0%
- Black
- 2.2%
- Hispanic
- 13.2%
- Asian
- 10.1%
- In-State Students
- 27.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 16.9%
Location
- Address
- Aliso Viejo, California 92656-8081
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,017
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $49,045
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 79.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $166/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $15,650
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Soka University of America?
Soka University of America accepts 56.63% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1340. The school's Buddhist philosophy and mandatory study abroad program attract students seeking a transformative liberal arts education.
How much does Soka University of America cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Soka University of America is $21,446, lower than the sticker price of $52,280. Students from families earning less than $48,000 pay under $15,000 per year, making this private college surprisingly affordable.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Soka University of America?
Soka University of America maintains a 7:1 student-faculty ratio with only 464 total students. This intimate setting allows for close mentorship and reflects the school's commitment to personalized education rooted in Buddhist values.
What are the career outcomes for Soka University of America graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $55,017 ten years after graduation, with an 83.6% employment rate. The school's 86.90% six-year graduation rate reflects strong student support and the transformative impact of mandatory global study experiences.
Where is Soka University of America located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Aliso Viejo, California, housing 572 students with a 92.25% retention rate. Students participate in 12 varsity sports as the Lions, competing in NJCAA athletics while building a tight-knit community.
Does Soka University of America require study abroad?
All students must study abroad as part of their degree requirements, reflecting the university's global citizenship mission. Founded in 2001 on Buddhist humanistic principles, the school draws 72.55% of its students from out of state for this unique international experience.
