San Jose State vs. Soka University of America

Comparable Facts

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

San Jose State University is larger than Soka University of America based on total student enrollment (37,661 students vs. 495 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

San Jose State vs. Soka University of America Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Jose 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 Jose State University than Soka University of America ($13,892 vs. $15,691).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Soka University of America are 31.4% lower than at San Jose State University ($14,378 vs. $20,971).
• Soka University of America is 360.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Jose State (about $30,318 more per year; $38,728.00 vs. $8,410.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 84.3% higher at Soka University of America than at San Jose State University (about $17,718 more per year; $38,728.00 vs. $21,010.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Soka University of America than at San Jose State University (100% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Soka University of America students is 218.7% larger than aid received by San Jose State University students ($39,373 vs. $12,353).

San Jose State vs. Soka University of America Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Soka University of America (1420) is 290 points higher than at San Jose State (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: San Jose State University 1010/1240; Soka University of America 1333/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: San Jose State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Jose State - Test-free; Soka University of America - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Jose State Dec 15, 2026; Soka University of America Jan 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Soka University of America students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at San Jose State (3.35).
• San Jose State has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than Soka University of America (43.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at San Jose State vs. 45.8% at Soka University of America.

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

How do outcomes compare for San Jose 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 Jose State University's (46%).
• Graduates from San Jose State University have median earnings of about $59,900 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 Jose State University graduates have a $7,288 lower median loan debt than Soka University of America graduates ($15,000 vs. $22,288).
• Among borrowers, San Jose State 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 San Jose State students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 73%)

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.