This page describes the Soka Opportunity Plan for students who began at SUA before Fall 2026. If you were admitted for Fall 2026 or later, visit the Soka Opportunity Plan page.
What the Plan Covers
The Soka Opportunity Plan guarantees that all admitted undergraduate students with a family income under $90,000 and demonstrated financial need will not pay tuition out of pocket. Soka covers tuition through a combination of university grants and scholarships, federal and state programs, and private aid.
Students with greater demonstrated financial need may qualify for additional gift aid to help offset living expenses, books, and transportation within the Cost of Attendance.
For families earning under $200,000, a minimum of half of tuition is covered through the same combination of sources. Students in this bracket may qualify for more aid depending on demonstrated need.
For families earning between $200,001 and $250,000, a minimum of one-quarter of tuition is covered. Additional aid may be available based on demonstrated need.
All admitted students receive a merit scholarship regardless of family income, awarded on the strength of the admissions application. The scholarship is renewable for up to eight semesters provided the student maintains satisfactory academic progress.
Eligibility Requirements
- Started at SUA prior to Fall 2026
- Complete an application for financial aid by March 2 each year [VERIFY: confirm deadline current]
- Meet the income requirements outlined above
- Have demonstrated financial need as determined by your financial aid application
- Must be working toward a first bachelor’s degree
- Maximum of eight terms (four years) of eligibility
- Must maintain SUA’s satisfactory academic progress requirements
Family income includes wages, interest, dividends, capital gains, and untaxed income. Families with income below $90,000 and significant assets may receive a prorated tuition award up to their demonstrated financial need.
Other Aid Options
Soka offers grants and scholarships for families at all income levels, including merit scholarships for students with strong academic records at the time of admission. For a full list of aid opportunities, visit the Types of Aid page.
Contact the Office of Financial Aid
1 University Drive
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
(949) 480-4342 | Fax: (949) 480-4151 | financialaid@soka.edu
Office Hours
Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our offices on the second floor of Founders Hall. To schedule an appointment, email financialaid@soka.edu.