SCU vs. Soka University of America

Comparable Facts

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

Santa Clara University is larger than Soka University of America based on total student enrollment (9,728 students vs. 495 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Santa Clara University is located in Santa Clara, CA (Midsize City setting); Soka University of America is in Aliso Viejo, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• Santa Clara 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: Santa Clara University 11:1; Soka University of America 7:1.

SCU vs. Soka University of America Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SCU 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 SCU ($15,691 vs. $53,883).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Soka University of America are 27.7% lower than at Santa Clara University ($14,378 vs. $19,893).
• Santa Clara University is 58.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Soka University of America (about $22,565 more per year; $61,293.00 vs. $38,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 58.3% higher at SCU than at Soka University of America (about $22,565 more per year; $61,293.00 vs. $38,728.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Soka University of America than at Santa Clara University (100% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Soka University of America students is 38.8% larger than aid received by Santa Clara University students ($39,373 vs. $28,368).

SCU vs. Soka University of America Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SCU 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 SCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Santa Clara University (1420) is the same as at Soka University of America (1420).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Santa Clara University 1350/1490; Soka University of America 1333/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Santa Clara University 31/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SCU - Test optional; Soka University of America - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SCU Jan 7, 2027; Soka University of America Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Soka University of America students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at SCU (3.67).
• SCU has a higher acceptance rate (48%) than Soka University of America (43.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at SCU vs. 45.8% at Soka University of America.

SCU vs. Soka University of America Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SCU 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 Santa Clara University's (85%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Santa Clara University graduates have a $788 lower median loan debt than Soka University of America graduates ($21,500 vs. $22,288).
• Among borrowers, SCU graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Soka University of America graduates ($222 vs. $230).
• More Soka University of America graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SCU students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 84%)

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.