UCSD vs. Soka University of America

Comparable Facts

Compare University of California San Diego in La Jolla, 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 San Diego is larger than Soka University of America based on total student enrollment (44,256 students vs. 495 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of California San Diego is located in La Jolla, CA (Large City setting); Soka University of America is in Aliso Viejo, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• University of California San Diego 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 San Diego 19:1; Soka University of America 7:1.

UCSD vs. Soka University of America Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UCSD 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 University of California San Diego than Soka University of America ($14,047 vs. $15,691).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Soka University of America are 24.2% lower than at University of California San Diego ($14,378 vs. $18,970).
• Soka University of America is 131.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than UCSD (about $21,970 more per year; $38,728.00 vs. $16,758.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.6% higher at UCSD than at Soka University of America (about $12,230 more per year; $50,958.00 vs. $38,728.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Soka University of America than at University of California San Diego (100% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Soka University of America students is 52.9% larger than aid received by University of California San Diego students ($39,373 vs. $25,757).

UCSD vs. Soka University of America Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UCSD 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 UCSD.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Soka University of America (1420) is 40 points higher than at UCSD (1380).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of California San Diego 1270/1480; Soka University of America 1333/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of California San Diego 28/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UCSD - Test-free; Soka University of America - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UCSD Nov 30, 2026; Soka University of America Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UCSD 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 UCSD (26.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at UCSD vs. 45.8% at Soka University of America.

UCSD vs. Soka University of America Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UCSD 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 University of California San Diego's (85%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of California San Diego graduates have a $3,788 lower median loan debt than Soka University of America graduates ($18,500 vs. $22,288).
• Among borrowers, UCSD graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Soka University of America graduates ($191 vs. $230).
• More Soka University of America graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UCSD students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 82%)

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.