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Financial Aid FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is SUA's financial aid policy?
- How do I apply as a U.S. citizen for financial aid at SUA?
- I understand that Soka's process for evaluating my financial need is a similar process that other colleges use. Does this mean that I can expect to pay the same at SUA as I would at any other college?
- What is the total cost of attending SUA? Can we be assured costs won't rise dramatically after the first couple of classes are recruited?
- I'm an international student. Do I need to fill out the FAFSA financial aid form? What should I do if I want to apply for financial aid?
- My parents did not make enough money last year to be required to file a federal tax form. What should they do?
- When will I find out if I am eligible to receive aid at SUA?
- I still have some questions about the financial aid process and would prefer speaking to someone in person or by telephone. Who can be contacted with questions?
What is SUA's financial aid policy?
Meeting the costs of an undergraduate education represents a significant investment for many families. At Soka University of America, however, we are committed to providing a comprehensive, merit and need-based financial aid programs that make it possible for admitted students who meet specific requirements and deadlines to attend Soka University. SUA admits students without regard to their ability to pay. SUA's need-blind admission policy means that a student's financial need will not affect his or her possible admission to the university.
How do I apply as a U.S. citizen for financial aid at SUA?
A U.S. citizen or permanent resident who wants to be considered for financial aid must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA) for the appropriate year. Both early and regular applicants will be required to complete and submit the FAFSA form annually by March 1st of each year. Required parental tax information (see our Domestic/Financial Aid web page) must be submitted by May 1st of each year. Applicants accepted during the early admission process may request an estimate of financial aid by contacting the Office of Financial Aid. FAFSA forms will be available after January 1st on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov
I understand that Soka University's process for evaluating my financial need is asimilar process that other colleges use. Does this mean that I can expect to pay the same at SUA as I would at any other college?
No. Although the processes for evaluating need are similar, the amount you may pay at SUA may be different from what you would pay at another institution because total costs are different for each institution.
What is the total cost of attending SUA? Can we be assured costs won't rise dramatically after the first couple of classes are recruited?
The total direct cost to attend SUA for the 2013-14 year will be $40,842. This figure includes $27,214 for tuition, $10,628 for room and board and incidental costs of approximately $3,000 for a domestic student and $4,000 for international students.
I'm an international student. Do I need to fill out the FAFSA financial aid form? What should I do if I want to apply for financial aid?
International students do NOT need to fill out the FAFSA form. International students must complete an International Student Financial Aid Application. You can print out a PDF version of the International Student Financial Aid Application. The completed form must be received at SUA by March 2nd.My parents did not make enough money last year to be required to file a federal tax form. What should they do?
Have your parents submit a statement indicating income supported with copies of W-2 and/or check stubs. International students should submit officially translated documents with income figures converted to U.S. dollars.
When will I find out if I am eligible to receive aid at SUA?
Merit Scholarship letters will be mailed before March 31st. However,financial aid award letters cannot be sent until SUA has received ALL required documentation to complete a financial aid file. Therefore, SUA encourages the families of financial aid applicants to file their taxes as early as possible. Returning students will be notified of their financial aid status before the conclusion of the academic year. Please note that both FAFSA forms and International Financial Aid forms are due by March 2nd annually. All supporting income tax forms and bank statements are due by May 1st. Do NOT wait for the final Admission decision before submitting your application for financial aid.
I still have some questions about the financial aid process and would prefer speaking to someone in person or by telephone. Who can be contacted with questions?
Please contact Cindy Cohen, Financial Aid Advisor, at (949) 480-4042, email at ccohen@soka.edu.
