Caltech vs. Soka University of America

Comparable Facts

Compare California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, CA with Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California Institute of Technology is larger than Soka University of America based on total student enrollment (2,430 students vs. 495 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Institute of Technology is located in Pasadena, CA (Midsize City setting); Soka University of America is in Aliso Viejo, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• California Institute of Technology is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Soka University of America is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Institute of Technology 3:1; Soka University of America 7:1.

Caltech vs. Soka University of America Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Caltech 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 California Institute of Technology than Soka University of America ($14,513 vs. $15,691).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Soka University of America are 29.1% lower than at California Institute of Technology ($14,378 vs. $20,283).
• California Institute of Technology is 70.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Soka University of America (about $27,170 more per year; $65,898.00 vs. $38,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 70.2% higher at Caltech than at Soka University of America (about $27,170 more per year; $65,898.00 vs. $38,728.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Soka University of America than at California Institute of Technology (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Institute of Technology students is 83.8% larger than aid received by Soka University of America students ($72,373 vs. $39,373).

Caltech vs. Soka University of America Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Caltech or Soka University of America? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Soka University of America and Caltech.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Institute of Technology (1560) is 140 points higher than at Soka University of America (1420).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Institute of Technology 1530/1580; Soka University of America 1333/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Institute of Technology 35/36.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Caltech - Required; Soka University of America - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Caltech Jan 3, 2027; Soka University of America Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Caltech students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Soka University of America (3.7).
• Soka University of America has a higher acceptance rate (43.4%) than Caltech (2.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 61.2% at Caltech vs. 45.8% at Soka University of America.

Caltech vs. Soka University of America Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Caltech and Soka University of America? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• The graduation rate at Caltech is the same as at Soka University of America (87% vs. 87%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Institute of Technology graduates have a $7,938 lower median loan debt than Soka University of America graduates ($14,350 vs. $22,288).
• Among borrowers, Caltech graduates have an estimated $82 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Soka University of America graduates ($148 vs. $230).

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.