Cal Poly vs. Soka University of America

Comparable Facts

Compare California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo in San Luis Obispo, CA with Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is larger than Soka University of America based on total student enrollment (23,069 students vs. 495 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is located in San Luis Obispo, CA (Small Suburban setting); Soka University of America is in Aliso Viejo, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Soka University of America is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo 19:1; Soka University of America 7:1.

Cal Poly vs. Soka University of America Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cal Poly 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 Cal Poly ($15,691 vs. $17,453).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Soka University of America are 23.5% lower than at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo ($14,378 vs. $18,792).
• Soka University of America is 184.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cal Poly (about $25,132 more per year; $38,728.00 vs. $13,596.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.7% higher at Soka University of America than at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo (about $4,063 more per year; $38,728.00 vs. $34,665.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Soka University of America than at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo (100% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Soka University of America students is 174.6% larger than aid received by California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo students ($39,373 vs. $14,338).

Cal Poly vs. Soka University of America Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cal Poly 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 Cal Poly.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Soka University of America (1420) is 100 points higher than at Cal Poly (1320).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo 1220/1410; Soka University of America 1333/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo 26/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cal Poly - Test-free; Soka University of America - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cal Poly Nov 30, 2026; Soka University of America Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cal Poly students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Soka University of America (3.7).
• Soka University of America has a higher acceptance rate (43.4%) than Cal Poly (31.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.6% at Cal Poly vs. 45.8% at Soka University of America.

Cal Poly vs. Soka University of America Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cal Poly 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).

• Soka University of America's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo's (75%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo graduates have a $3,622 lower median loan debt than Soka University of America graduates ($18,666 vs. $22,288).
• Among borrowers, Cal Poly graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Soka University of America graduates ($193 vs. $230).
• More Soka University of America graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cal Poly students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 85%)

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.