Soka University of America
Soka University of America — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Soka University of America at a Glance
Soka University of America (SUA) is a private liberal arts college in Aliso Viejo, California. Originally founded in 1987 by Daisaku Ikeda, the founder of the Soka Gakkai International Buddhist movement, it was established on its current campus in 2001. It maintains a secular curriculum which emphasizes pacifism, human rights, and the creative coexistence of nature and humanity, though allegations of sectarism and proselytizing in the past.
1987
39 years old
$1.2B
$1.2 billion (2020)
495
445 undergrad · 10 grad
71
103 acres
Identity
How to Apply to Soka University of America
Official admissions page2 required
Is Soka University of America Worth It?
Soka University of America delivers solid financial returns for its graduates. At $18,260/year, it's priced 10% below average, while graduates go on to earn $55,017 — 2% above the national average.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.3 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
With a 89% graduation rate, the vast majority of students finish their degree and reach these earning outcomes.
How Soka University of America compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #2 of 29 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Yeshiva Toras Chaim | 84 | $5,356 | $62,526 |
| #2 | Soka University of America | 67 | $18,260 | $55,017 |
| #3 | Brescia University | 67 | $8,709 | $45,500 |
| #4 | Baptist University of Florida | 64 | $10,372 | $42,836 |
| #5 | Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science | 54 | $19,622 | $66,111 |
| #6 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Soka University of America's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in CA.
Best Programs at Soka University of America
The highest-earning program at Soka University of America is Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at $25,600/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduate from Soka University of America earns $25,600, while a Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduate earns $25,600. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduates carry $19,500 in median debt vs. $19,500 for Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $18,260/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $25,600 | $25,600 | $19,500 |
Similar Colleges in CA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Aliso Viejo, CA
- Student Body
- 484 students
- Admission Rate
- 43%
- Graduation Rate
- 89%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $18,260
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $55,017
- Median Student Debt
- $15,650