California State Polytechnic University-Pomona vs. Soka University of America

Comparable Facts

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

California State Polytechnic University Pomona is larger than Soka University of America based on total student enrollment (27,636 students vs. 495 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State Polytechnic University Pomona is located in Pomona, CA (Midsize City setting); Soka University of America is in Aliso Viejo, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• California State Polytechnic University Pomona 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 State Polytechnic University Pomona 25:1; Soka University of America 7:1.

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona vs. Soka University of America Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona 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 State Polytechnic University Pomona than Soka University of America ($11,940 vs. $15,691).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Soka University of America are 13.8% lower than at California State Polytechnic University Pomona ($14,378 vs. $16,682).
• Soka University of America is 397.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than California State Polytechnic University-Pomona (about $30,948 more per year; $38,728.00 vs. $7,780.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 90% higher at Soka University of America than at California State Polytechnic University Pomona (about $18,348 more per year; $38,728.00 vs. $20,380.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Soka University of America than at California State Polytechnic University Pomona (100% vs. 74%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Soka University of America students is 232.7% larger than aid received by California State Polytechnic University Pomona students ($39,373 vs. $11,833).

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona vs. Soka University of America Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona 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 California State Polytechnic University-Pomona.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Soka University of America (1420) is 290 points higher than at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: California State Polytechnic University Pomona 1010/1250; Soka University of America 1333/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: California State Polytechnic University Pomona 19/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California State Polytechnic University-Pomona - Test-free; Soka University of America - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Nov 30, 2026; Soka University of America Jan 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Soka University of America students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona (3.69).
• California State Polytechnic University-Pomona has a higher acceptance rate (75.2%) than Soka University of America (43.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona vs. 45.8% at Soka University of America.

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona vs. Soka University of America Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for California State Polytechnic University-Pomona 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 California State Polytechnic University Pomona's (50%).
• Graduates from California State Polytechnic University Pomona have median earnings of about $55,400 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for Soka University of America.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State Polytechnic University Pomona graduates have a $3,288 lower median loan debt than Soka University of America graduates ($19,000 vs. $22,288).
• Among borrowers, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Soka University of America graduates ($196 vs. $230).
• More Soka University of America graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former California State Polytechnic University-Pomona students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 72%)

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.