Admissions & Aid
What do you want to contribute to the world?
That’s the question a Soka education is built around. Small classes, classmates from 40+ nations, and one of the most generous financial aid programs anywhere — the path to answering it is more accessible than you might think.
Everything you need is here.
Undergraduate application basics
Soka admits all undergraduates as first-year students. Here’s how the process works.
Apply using the Common App or the Soka Online Application. Applications open August 1.
Once you apply, you'll receive access to your GoSoka! account — your personal admissions hub for uploading documents, connecting with your counselor, and tracking your decision. See the full steps and checklist on our How to Apply page.
Steps to Apply
Soka reviews applications holistically. We look for academic strength and intellectual curiosity, leadership and community engagement, a global citizenship mindset, and a commitment to contributing to something beyond yourself.
Admission and financial aid deadlines differ — make sure you know both before you apply.
Undergraduate admission dates and deadlines →
Financial aid
Soka's financial aid program is built on one principle: access should never be an obstacle.
The Soka Opportunity Plan
Soka's flagship aid program is built around a simple idea: your ambition shouldn't be limited by your family's income. See how the plan works and what you may qualify for.
Explore your aid options
From university grants to federal and state aid, there's more available than most families realize. Use our Net Price Calculator to get a personalized estimate before you apply.
For international students
Soka’s Office of International Student Services guides you from application through arrival — and stays with you throughout your time here. We help you navigate U.S. visa requirements, stay in compliance, and feel at home from day one.
- Visa and immigration information
- Applying for an F-1 student visa
- Transferring an F-1 visa
- I-901 SEVIS fee
- Obtaining a California driver’s license
- Getting a U.S. Social Security number
- Curricular Practical Training
International Student Services Aid for International Students
You belong here
Forty nations represented in a single student body of 480. Average class size of 12. A campus three miles from the Pacific, midway between Los Angeles and San Diego. Once you’re in, here’s where to go next.
Academics
A single degree built around the question that opens this page — what do you want to contribute to the world? Small seminars, close faculty relationships, and a curriculum designed to make you think across disciplines and act on what you find. Explore what you'll study.
Student life
Over 25 years, students from 60+ nations have called Soka home. You'll live alongside your classmates, lead student organizations, compete in 11 intercollegiate sports, and build something that outlasts your four years. See what daily life looks like when difference is the starting point for dialogue.
Visit campus
Three miles from the Pacific, midway between Los Angeles and San Diego, Soka's campus is worth the trip. Schedule an in-person tour to walk the grounds, meet students, and get a feel for what daily life here looks like. Our open house events bring prospective students and their families for a full day of academics, student life, and community — the best way to know if Soka is right for you.
Parents and counselors
We know families have questions too. Find information, resources, and contact details tailored for parents and high school counselors.
Admitted students
Congratulations. Your next steps to becoming part of the Soka community are mapped out and waiting for you.
You belong here
Forty nations represented in a single student body of 480. Average class size of 12. A campus three miles from the Pacific, midway between Los Angeles and San Diego. Once you’re in, here’s where to go next.
Academics
A single degree built around the question that opens this page — what do you want to contribute to the world? Small seminars, close faculty relationships, and a curriculum designed to make you think across disciplines and act on what you find. Explore what you'll study.
Student life
Over 25 years, students from 60+ nations have called Soka home. You'll live alongside your classmates, lead student organizations, compete in 11 intercollegiate sports, and build something that outlasts your four years. See what daily life looks like when difference is the starting point for dialogue.
Visit campus
Three miles from the Pacific, midway between Los Angeles and San Diego, Soka's campus is worth the trip. Schedule an in-person tour to walk the grounds, meet students, and get a feel for what daily life here looks like. Our open house events bring prospective students and their families for a full day of academics, student life, and community — the best way to know if Soka is right for you.
Parents and counselors
We know families have questions too. Find information, resources, and contact details tailored for parents and high school counselors.
Admitted students
Congratulations. Your next steps to becoming part of the Soka community are mapped out and waiting for you.
Learn more
Join our mailing list or attend an information meeting to learn more about Soka.
Graduate School application basics
Soka’s Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Societal Change prepares educators and leaders to pursue meaningful change — with depth, rigor, and a global frame.
Create a GoSoka! account at admissions.soka.edu/apply to apply, track your checklist, and receive your decision. Prefer a paper application? Email grad_admissions@soka.edu to request a PDF.
All required materials must be received by February 15 of your enrollment year. Mailed materials take 3–5 business days to process — plan ahead. Late, emailed, or faxed submissions cannot be accepted.
Upload documents through your GoSoka! account after you apply.
- Application form and fee — submitted through GoSoka! at admissions.soka.edu/apply, or by paper application on request
- Official transcripts — from all colleges and universities attended; sent directly from the institution
- Two letters of recommendation — from people who can speak to your academic work and leadership potential
- Personal statement — why this program, why now, and what you intend to do with it
- Resume or curriculum vitae — summarizing your professional and academic background
- Academic writing sample — demonstrates your capacity for graduate-level research and analysis
- English proficiency documentation — required if applicable
- Official GRE or MAT scores — optional
Admission and financial aid deadlines differ — make sure you know both before you apply.
Financial aid
Soka's financial aid program for graduate students includes merit scholarships, grants, and loan options for domestic, international, and Dreamer students. Aid is available to admitted students who apply.
Graduate housing
Suite-style graduate housing sits steps from your classes — designed for focus, rest, and connection with peers. Limited on-campus family housing is available for students with dependents.
Small cohort. Global reach. Real research.
The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Societal Change is built for people who believe education can move society forward. The curriculum spans educational leadership, history and philosophy of education, law and policy, and international and comparative education — giving you the tools to lead at every level, from local classrooms to global initiatives.
Classes meet in person, with a 4:1 student-faculty ratio. You’ll work alongside a small, select cohort diverse in age, background, and nationality, with the option to pursue summer field research domestically or internationally, with grants available.
Visit campus
Soka’s campus is three miles from the Pacific, midway between Los Angeles and San Diego. If you’re considering the program, an in-person visit is worth your time.
Learn more
Join our mailing list or attend an information meeting to learn more about the graduate program.
Apply now
Already started your application? Login to your GoSoka! account.
Undergraduate program
Ready to start your application? Create an account or log in to the GoSoka portal to begin.
Graduate School
Ready to start your application? Create an account or log in to the GoSoka portal to begin.
Contact Admissions & Aid
Office of Admission
Mailing Address
Soka University of America
Attn. Office of Admission
1 University Drive
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Toll-free: 1-888-600-7652
Undergraduate Admissions
(949) 480-4150 | admission@soka.edu
Graduate Admissions
(949) 480-4150 | grad_admissions@soka.edu
International Student Services
(949) 480-4150 | internationaladmission@soka.edu
Office of Financial Aid
Mailing Address
Soka University of America
Attn. Office of Financial Aid
1 University Drive
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Phone: (949) 480-4342
Email: financialaid@soka.edu