San Diego State vs. Soka University of America

Comparable Facts

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

San Diego State University is larger than Soka University of America based on total student enrollment (41,137 students vs. 495 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Diego State University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); Soka University of America is in Aliso Viejo, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• San Diego State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Soka University of America is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Diego State University 27:1; Soka University of America 7:1.

San Diego State vs. Soka University of America Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Diego State 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 San Diego State University than Soka University of America ($14,704 vs. $15,691).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Soka University of America are 37.6% lower than at San Diego State University ($14,378 vs. $23,030).
• Soka University of America is 343.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Diego State (about $30,000 more per year; $38,728.00 vs. $8,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 81.6% higher at Soka University of America than at San Diego State University (about $17,400 more per year; $38,728.00 vs. $21,328.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Soka University of America than at San Diego State University (100% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Soka University of America students is 226.7% larger than aid received by San Diego State University students ($39,373 vs. $12,053).

San Diego State vs. Soka University of America Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, San Diego State 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 San Diego State.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Soka University of America (1420) is 220 points higher than at San Diego State (1200).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: San Diego State University 1090/1300; Soka University of America 1333/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: San Diego State University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Diego State - Test-free; Soka University of America - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Diego State Nov 30, 2026; Soka University of America Jan 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman San Diego State students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at Soka University of America (3.7).
• Soka University of America has a higher acceptance rate (43.4%) than San Diego State (36.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at San Diego State vs. 45.8% at Soka University of America.

San Diego State vs. Soka University of America Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for San Diego State 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 San Diego State University's (66%).
• Graduates from San Diego State University have median earnings of about $53,400 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for Soka University of America.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Diego State University graduates have a $6,939 lower median loan debt than Soka University of America graduates ($15,349 vs. $22,288).
• Among borrowers, San Diego State graduates have an estimated $72 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Soka University of America graduates ($158 vs. $230).
• More Soka University of America graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Diego State students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 65%)

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.