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Soka University of America

Aliso Viejo, California · Private

44%acceptance rate
1345–1493SAT middle 50%
–ACT middle 50%
$18,807average net price

Soka University of America admitted 44% of 635 applicants (Common Data Set 2024-2025). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1345–1493 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 87% of students graduate within six years.

Your chances at Soka University of America

Enter a score to see whether Soka University of America is a reach, target or likely school for you.

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Target

Based on the admit rate (44%) alone. Add a score for a sharper read.

A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.

Application deadlines

Soka University of America’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:

Early action
November 1, 2026
Regular decision
January 15, 2027

The application fee is $30, and Soka University of America accepts the Common App fee waiver. Soka University of America asks for one teacher recommendation and a counselor recommendation.

Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check Soka University of America’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.

Early decision and early action

Soka University of America offers early action but didn’t report its early admit rate.

241 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 189 took it, and 23 were admitted from it.

What admissions weighs

How Soka University of America rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.

Very important

  • Course rigor
  • GPA
  • Essay
  • Recommendations
  • Activities
  • Character

Important

  • Volunteering
  • Showing interest

Considered

  • Class rank
  • Test scores
  • Interview
  • Talent or ability
  • First generation
  • Where you live
  • State residency
  • Work experience

Not considered

  • Legacy
  • Religion

High school GPA

First-year students averaged a 3.60 GPA. 45% of those who reported a class rank were in the top 10% of their class.

  • 4.08%
  • 3.75–3.9943%
  • 3.50–3.7429%
  • 3.25–3.4915%
  • 3.00–3.243%
  • 2.50–2.992%
  • 2.00–2.490%
  • Under 2.00%

Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.

What it costs

Full price with housing is $55,064 a year. After grants, students paid $18,807 on average.

Average price after grants, by family income:

  • $0–30k$14,587
  • $30–48k$9,183
  • $48–75k$9,378
  • $75–110k$12,566
  • $110k+$32,663

Quick answers

What is Soka University of America’s acceptance rate?

Soka University of America admitted 44% of applicants: 277 of 635 (Common Data Set 2024-2025).

When is Soka University of America’s early action deadline?

For 2026–27, early action is due November 1, 2026 and regular decision is due January 15, 2027. Common App deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone.

What SAT score do you need for Soka University of America?

The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 1345 to 1493, with a median around 1420. A score at or above 1420 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.

How much is Soka University of America’s application fee?

The application fee is $30 for 2026–27, and Soka University of America accepts the Common App fee waiver.

What does Soka University of America require?

Besides the application and transcript, Soka University of America asks for one teacher recommendation and a counselor recommendation.

Does Soka University of America have supplemental essays?

Yes. For 2026–27, Soka University of America asks 1 question of its own on top of the main essay (one essay, 500–750 words, uploaded as a file). Its supplemental essays page lists each one word for word with the word limit.

Not sure which colleges fit?

A Clarity Prep mentor builds a balanced list with your student and checks in every week until it’s done.

Writing your essays? See Soka University of America’s supplemental essays and get a free essay review.

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