UCSB vs. Soka University of America

Comparable Facts

Compare University of California Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara is larger than Soka University of America based on total student enrollment (26,133 students vs. 495 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of California Santa Barbara is located in Santa Barbara, CA (Midsize Suburban setting); Soka University of America is in Aliso Viejo, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• University of California Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara 17:1; Soka University of America 7:1.

UCSB vs. Soka University of America Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UCSB 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 UCSB ($15,691 vs. $17,658).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Soka University of America are 29.1% lower than at University of California Santa Barbara ($14,378 vs. $20,279).
• Soka University of America is 135.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than UCSB (about $22,314 more per year; $38,728.00 vs. $16,414.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.7% higher at UCSB than at Soka University of America (about $11,886 more per year; $50,614.00 vs. $38,728.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Soka University of America than at University of California Santa Barbara (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Soka University of America students is 59.4% larger than aid received by University of California Santa Barbara students ($39,373 vs. $24,695).

UCSB vs. Soka University of America Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UCSB 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 UCSB.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Soka University of America (1420) is 70 points higher than at UCSB (1350).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of California Santa Barbara 1230/1460; Soka University of America 1333/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of California Santa Barbara 28/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UCSB - Test-free; Soka University of America - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UCSB Nov 30, 2026; Soka University of America Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UCSB 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 UCSB (33%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.8% at UCSB vs. 45.8% at Soka University of America.

UCSB vs. Soka University of America Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UCSB 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 Santa Barbara's (80%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of California Santa Barbara graduates have a $5,837 lower median loan debt than Soka University of America graduates ($16,451 vs. $22,288).
• Among borrowers, UCSB graduates have an estimated $60 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Soka University of America graduates ($170 vs. $230).
• More Soka University of America graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UCSB 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.