USC vs. Soka University of America

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Southern California in Los Angeles, 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 Southern California is larger than Soka University of America based on total student enrollment (46,566 students vs. 495 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

USC vs. Soka University of America Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USC 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 USC ($15,691 vs. $43,412).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Soka University of America are 27.9% lower than at University of Southern California ($14,378 vs. $19,931).
• University of Southern California is 86.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Soka University of America (about $33,369 more per year; $72,097.00 vs. $38,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 86.2% higher at USC than at Soka University of America (about $33,369 more per year; $72,097.00 vs. $38,728.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Soka University of America than at University of Southern California (100% vs. 70%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Southern California students is 19.1% larger than aid received by Soka University of America students ($46,897 vs. $39,373).

USC vs. Soka University of America Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USC 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 USC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Southern California (1500) is 80 points higher than at Soka University of America (1420).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Southern California 1450/1550; Soka University of America 1333/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Southern California 32/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USC - Test optional; Soka University of America - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Soka University of America Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman USC students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at Soka University of America (3.7).
• Soka University of America has a higher acceptance rate (43.4%) than USC (9.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 43.3% at USC vs. 45.8% at Soka University of America.

USC vs. Soka University of America Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USC 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 Southern California's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than Soka University of America's (87%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Soka University of America graduates have a $87 lower median loan debt than USC graduates ($22,288 vs. $22,375).
• Among borrowers, Soka University of America graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USC graduates ($230 vs. $231).
• More Soka University of America graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USC students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 81%)

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.