Soka University of America
Aliso Viejo, United States
- Cost of Living$ 27,336
- Tuition Fee From$ 32,000
- Country Rank#745
- Batch Strength7,292
- Global Diversity7.8%
- Gender Ratio55 : 45
Overview
About
Soka University of America (SUA) is a private liberal arts college located in Aliso Viejo, California. It was initially formed in 1987, but Daisaku Ikeda, the man behind the Soka Gakkai International Buddhist movement, moved it to its current location in 2001. Despite being connected to Soka Gakkai, it upholds a secular curriculum that places a focus on nonviolence, human rights, and the harmonious coexistence of environment and people. A little over 60% of SUA's student body is American, with the remaining 40% from 30 other nations across six continents.
SUA consists of a graduate school with a Master's programme in Educational Leadership and Societal Change as well as a four-year liberal arts college. The Pacific Basin Research Centre and the recently established Centre for Race, Ethnicity, and Human Rights are both located at the university. The university has been recognized as one of the top 30 liberal arts colleges in the USA by US News and World Report, and it has obtained accreditation from the WSCUC (WASC Senior College and University Commission).
Ranking
SUA is ranked in the recent US News and World Report of 2024. The university was ranked #56 in National Liberal Arts College and #23 in Best Value Schools. Additionally, another list the university appeared in was Top Performers on Social Mobility at #42. The Christian Science Monitor ranked the university second among the top 10 institutions with the greatest global perspectives in 2015. Some of the Soka University of America rankings are given below -
- #3820 - In the World - EduRank 2024
- #1068 - In North America - EduRank 2024
- #997 - In the United States - EduRank 2024
- #85 - In California - EduRank 2024
Year
QS Ranks
US News Ranks
2023
-
-
2022
-
-
Facilities
The university offers a range of Soka University of America facilities for students to get involved on campus through student organisations, student activities, and athletics. Sponsored events and outings are a few of the student activities which give students the chance to interact with both the on- and off-campus communities. Student life would not be complete without clubs and organisations. The university campus is home to a diverse range of organisations, including dance teams, social justice organisations, environmental advocacy groups, a sports club, and the Soka Student Union. Cross-country, swimming and diving, track and field, soccer and women's golf are among the collegiate-level sports in which students also take an active part.
Notable Alumni
Courses
Admission
Acceptance Rate
The Soka University of America has an acceptance rate of 57% in 2024. Hence the university follows a selective admission process for its new applicants. If you wish to get in, make sure that your grades and scores are high. Along with this, it is important to participate in extracurriculars as a cherry on top of your application.
Entry Requirements
Candidates from outside the United States who are interested in enrolling in any course at SUA should submit an application by Early Action on November 1 and by Regular Admission on January 15. Students can use the Online Application Portal with an application fee of $30 and the offline application fee is $45. Glance through the important Soka University of America entry requirements below -
Basic Admission Requirements:
- A completed application form
- Official transcripts or IERF Detailed Report
- Proof of English Proficiency Test scores
- 2 Academic Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Two Personal Essays (500 - 750 words)
- List of Extracurricular Activities
- SAT or ACT Test Scores (optional)
- Resume or CV (for graduate applicants only)
- GRE or GMAT (optional)
- Bachelor’s Degree in the related course
- Statement of Purpose (for graduate studies)
- A sample of academic writing
Fees
Take a look at Soka University of America fees for some of the top courses are given below -
- MA in Educational Leadership & Societal Change: $32,250 (per year)
- BA in Liberal Arts: $32,250 (per year)
English Language Proficiency Requirements
To ensure that all students are able to thrive in its English language academic environment, SUA requires international students whose first language is not English to demonstrate their English language proficiency. International applicants can demonstrate their English proficiency by submitting scores from the TOEFL iBT or IELTS exams, or other equivalent tests. The minimum scores required may vary depending on the programme and level of study. In some cases, applicants may also be required to participate in an interview or take an English proficiency test administered by the university. Demonstrating English proficiency is an important requirement for international students wishing to study at Soka University of America. The university accepts the following test results as part of its admission requirements -
|
Tests |
Minimum Score Requirements |
|
TOEFL (iBT) |
100 |
|
DET |
120 |
Placements
SUA offers its students the chance to work on-campus so they can obtain practical experience in a workplace that will help them find jobs after graduation. This applies to jobs supported by the government as well as jobs funded by the universities. Payscale estimates that Soka University graduates can make an average yearly salary of $58,982. Following are the salaries for graduates who have secured a Soka University of America placement -
- Software Development Engineer: $114,000
- Senior Finance Manager: $110,000
- Senior UX Designer: $100,000
- Executive Assistant: $63,000
- Business Analyst: $56,000
- Programme Manager: $55,000
Scholarship
The Soka University of America does not offer international students any scholarships. In such a case, UniScholars empowers students to pursue their dreams of studying abroad by providing comprehensive scholarship guidance. Their experts meticulously research and match you with the most suitable international scholarship opportunities, ensuring you have the financial support to explore the world while you learn.
Finances
Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at Soka University of America. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!
Accommodation
There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend Soka University of America. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.
UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.
Cost of Living
Aliso Viejo, California is a small city located in Orange County, and it offers a great environment for international students. Here are some things you might want to know about student life in Aliso Viejo. The city is home to several colleges and universities, including Soka University of America, which is a popular choice for international students. The city also has excellent public schools, making it a great choice for families with children. Aliso Viejo is known for its close-knit community and welcoming atmosphere. As an international student, you will find a supportive and inclusive environment, with many opportunities to get involved in community events and activities. Now, let’s take a look at the breakdown of the cost of living in Aliso Viejo -
|
Item |
Cost (Per Month) |
|
Off-Campus Accommodation |
$1,524 |
|
On-Campus Accommodation |
$1,491 |
|
Transportation |
$111 |
|
Food |
$371 |
|
Utility |
$153 |
|
Entertainment |
$68 |
|
Groceries |
$60 |
|
Clothes |
$126 |
|
Health Insurance |
$80 |
|
Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation (Per Month) |
$2,511 |
|
Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation (Per Month) |
$2,460 |
|
Annual Cost of Living |
$30,132 |