Cal State Fullerton vs. Soka University of America

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Fullerton in Fullerton, 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 University Fullerton is larger than Soka University of America based on total student enrollment (43,662 students vs. 495 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Fullerton is located in Fullerton, CA (Midsize City setting); Soka University of America is in Aliso Viejo, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• California State University Fullerton 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 University Fullerton 26:1; Soka University of America 7:1.

Cal State Fullerton vs. Soka University of America Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cal State Fullerton 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 University Fullerton than Soka University of America ($7,064 vs. $15,691).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Soka University of America are 24.6% lower than at California State University Fullerton ($14,378 vs. $19,080).
• Soka University of America is 418.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cal State Fullerton (about $31,258 more per year; $38,728.00 vs. $7,470.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 93% higher at Soka University of America than at California State University Fullerton (about $18,658 more per year; $38,728.00 vs. $20,070.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Soka University of America than at California State University Fullerton (100% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Soka University of America students is 250.5% larger than aid received by California State University Fullerton students ($39,373 vs. $11,234).

Cal State Fullerton vs. Soka University of America Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cal State Fullerton 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 Cal State Fullerton.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Soka University of America (1420) is 330 points higher than at Cal State Fullerton (1090).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: California State University Fullerton 1000/1180; Soka University of America 1333/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: California State University Fullerton 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cal State Fullerton - Test-free; Soka University of America - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cal State Fullerton Nov 30, 2026; Soka University of America Jan 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Cal State Fullerton students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Soka University of America (3.7).
• Cal State Fullerton has a higher acceptance rate (90.5%) than Soka University of America (43.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.2% at Cal State Fullerton vs. 45.8% at Soka University of America.

Cal State Fullerton vs. Soka University of America Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cal State Fullerton 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 University Fullerton's (50%).
• Graduates from California State University Fullerton have median earnings of about $49,000 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 University Fullerton graduates have a $7,288 lower median loan debt than Soka University of America graduates ($15,000 vs. $22,288).
• Among borrowers, Cal State Fullerton graduates have an estimated $75 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Soka University of America graduates ($155 vs. $230).
• More Soka University of America graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cal State Fullerton students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 69%)

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.