Bates vs. Soka University of America

Comparable Facts

Compare Bates College in Lewiston, ME with Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bates College is larger than Soka University of America based on total student enrollment (1,760 students vs. 495 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bates College is located in Lewiston, ME (Small City setting); Soka University of America is in Aliso Viejo, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• Bates College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Soka University of America is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bates College 9:1; Soka University of America 7:1.

Bates vs. Soka University of America Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bates or Soka University of America? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Soka University of America than Bates ($15,691 vs. $24,723).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Soka University of America are 23.4% lower than at Bates College ($14,378 vs. $18,780).
• Bates College is 71.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Soka University of America (about $27,862 more per year; $66,590.00 vs. $38,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 71.9% higher at Bates than at Soka University of America (about $27,862 more per year; $66,590.00 vs. $38,728.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Soka University of America than at Bates College (100% vs. 40%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bates College students is 49.4% larger than aid received by Soka University of America students ($58,809 vs. $39,373).

Bates vs. Soka University of America Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bates or Soka University of America? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Soka University of America and Bates.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Bates College (1480) is 60 points higher than at Soka University of America (1420).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bates College 1420/1530; Soka University of America 1333/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bates College 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bates - Test optional; Soka University of America - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bates Jan 1, 2027; Soka University of America Jan 15, 2027.
• Soka University of America has a higher acceptance rate (43.4%) than Bates (13.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.5% at Bates vs. 45.8% at Soka University of America.

Bates vs. Soka University of America Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bates and Soka University of America? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Bates College's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Soka University of America's (87%).
• Graduates from Bates College have median earnings of about $75,700 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for Soka University of America.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bates College graduates have a $7,838 lower median loan debt than Soka University of America graduates ($14,450 vs. $22,288).
• Among borrowers, Bates graduates have an estimated $81 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Soka University of America graduates ($149 vs. $230).
• More Bates graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Soka University of America students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 86%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.