Pepperdine vs. Soka University of America

Comparable Facts

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

Pepperdine University is larger than Soka University of America based on total student enrollment (8,976 students vs. 495 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pepperdine University is located in Malibu, CA (Rural Fringe setting); Soka University of America is in Aliso Viejo, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• Pepperdine 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: Pepperdine University 12:1; Soka University of America 7:1.

Pepperdine vs. Soka University of America Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pepperdine 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 Pepperdine ($15,691 vs. $66,585).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Soka University of America are 33.9% lower than at Pepperdine University ($14,378 vs. $21,750).
• Pepperdine University is 80.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Soka University of America (about $31,190 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $38,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 80.5% higher at Pepperdine than at Soka University of America (about $31,190 more per year; $69,918.00 vs. $38,728.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Soka University of America than at Pepperdine University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Soka University of America students is 46.2% larger than aid received by Pepperdine University students ($39,373 vs. $26,927).

Pepperdine vs. Soka University of America Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Pepperdine 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 Pepperdine.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Soka University of America (1420) is 50 points higher than at Pepperdine (1370).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 1290/1450; Soka University of America 1333/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pepperdine University 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pepperdine - Test optional; Soka University of America - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pepperdine Jan 15, 2027; Soka University of America Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Pepperdine students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Soka University of America (3.7).
• Pepperdine has a higher acceptance rate (62.9%) than Soka University of America (43.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.6% at Pepperdine vs. 45.8% at Soka University of America.

Pepperdine vs. Soka University of America Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pepperdine 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 Pepperdine University's (81%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Soka University of America graduates have a $3,712 lower median loan debt than Pepperdine graduates ($22,288 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Soka University of America graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Pepperdine graduates ($230 vs. $268).
• More Soka University of America graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pepperdine students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 75%)

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.