UC Berkeley vs. Soka University of America

Comparable Facts

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

University of California Berkeley is larger than Soka University of America based on total student enrollment (45,882 students vs. 495 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of California Berkeley is located in Berkeley, CA (Midsize City setting); Soka University of America is in Aliso Viejo, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• University of California Berkeley is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Soka University of America is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of California Berkeley 18:1; Soka University of America 7:1.

UC Berkeley vs. Soka University of America Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UC Berkeley 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 UC Berkeley ($15,691 vs. $16,538).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Soka University of America are 39.5% lower than at University of California Berkeley ($14,378 vs. $23,750).
• Soka University of America is 136.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than UC Berkeley (about $22,381 more per year; $38,728.00 vs. $16,347.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.5% higher at UC Berkeley than at Soka University of America (about $11,819 more per year; $50,547.00 vs. $38,728.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Soka University of America than at University of California Berkeley (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Soka University of America students is 33% larger than aid received by University of California Berkeley students ($39,373 vs. $29,608).

UC Berkeley vs. Soka University of America Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UC Berkeley 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 UC Berkeley.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of California Berkeley (1420) is the same as at Soka University of America (1420).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of California Berkeley 1310/1530; Soka University of America 1333/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of California Berkeley 30/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UC Berkeley - Test-free; Soka University of America - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UC Berkeley Nov 30, 2026; Soka University of America Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UC Berkeley students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Soka University of America (3.7).
• Soka University of America has a higher acceptance rate (43.4%) than UC Berkeley (11%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 46% at UC Berkeley vs. 45.8% at Soka University of America.

UC Berkeley vs. Soka University of America Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UC Berkeley 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).

• University of California Berkeley's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than Soka University of America's (87%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of California Berkeley graduates have a $8,088 lower median loan debt than Soka University of America graduates ($14,200 vs. $22,288).
• Among borrowers, UC Berkeley graduates have an estimated $84 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Soka University of America graduates ($146 vs. $230).
• More Soka University of America graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UC Berkeley students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 79%)

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.