Union College vs. Soka University of America

Comparable Facts

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

Union College is larger than Soka University of America based on total student enrollment (2,065 students vs. 495 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Union College is located in Schenectady, NY (Small City setting); Soka University of America is in Aliso Viejo, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• Union College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Soka University of America is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Union College 9:1; Soka University of America 7:1.

Union College vs. Soka University of America Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Union College 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 Union College ($15,691 vs. $42,137).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Soka University of America are 15.5% lower than at Union College ($14,378 vs. $17,010).
• Union College is 78.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Soka University of America (about $30,311 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $38,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 78.3% higher at Union College than at Soka University of America (about $30,311 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $38,728.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Soka University of America than at Union College (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union College students is 8% larger than aid received by Soka University of America students ($42,534 vs. $39,373).

Union College vs. Soka University of America Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Union College 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 Union College.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Soka University of America (1420) is 20 points higher than at Union College (1400).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Union College 1310/1480; Soka University of America 1333/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Union College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Union College - Test optional; Soka University of America - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Union College Jan 15, 2027; Soka University of America Jan 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Soka University of America students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Union College (3.5).
• Union College has a higher acceptance rate (43.9%) than Soka University of America (43.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.9% at Union College vs. 45.8% at Soka University of America.

Union College vs. Soka University of America Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Union College 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 Union College's (86%).
• Graduates from Union College have median earnings of about $74,200 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for Soka University of America.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Soka University of America graduates have a $4,712 lower median loan debt than Union College graduates ($22,288 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Soka University of America graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union College graduates ($230 vs. $279).
• More Union College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Soka University of America students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 86%)

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.