BYU vs. Soka University of America

Comparable Facts

Compare Brigham Young University in Provo, UT with Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Brigham Young University is larger than Soka University of America based on total student enrollment (35,873 students vs. 495 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brigham Young University is located in Provo, UT (Midsize City setting); Soka University of America is in Aliso Viejo, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• Brigham Young University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Soka University of America is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brigham Young University 21:1; Soka University of America 7:1.

BYU vs. Soka University of America Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BYU 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 BYU ($15,691 vs. $16,694).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Brigham Young University are 27.7% lower than at Soka University of America ($10,396 vs. $14,378).
• Soka University of America is 479.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than BYU (about $32,040 more per year; $38,728.00 vs. $6,688.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 479.1% higher at Soka University of America than at Brigham Young University (about $32,040 more per year; $38,728.00 vs. $6,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Soka University of America than at Brigham Young University (100% vs. 51%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Soka University of America students is 546.7% larger than aid received by Brigham Young University students ($39,373 vs. $6,088).

BYU vs. Soka University of America Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BYU 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 BYU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Soka University of America (1420) is 50 points higher than at BYU (1370).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Brigham Young University 1270/1460; Soka University of America 1333/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Brigham Young University 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BYU - Test optional; Soka University of America - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: BYU Dec 16, 2026; Soka University of America Jan 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman BYU students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Soka University of America (3.7).
• BYU has a higher acceptance rate (67.8%) than Soka University of America (43.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 77.5% at BYU vs. 45.8% at Soka University of America.

BYU vs. Soka University of America Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BYU 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.

• Soka University of America's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Brigham Young University's (78%).
• Graduates from Brigham Young University have median earnings of about $69,100 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for Soka University of America.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Brigham Young University graduates have a $11,288 lower median loan debt than Soka University of America graduates ($11,000 vs. $22,288).
• Among borrowers, BYU graduates have an estimated $117 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Soka University of America graduates ($113 vs. $230).
• More Soka University of America graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former BYU students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 80%)

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.