International students: Soka is one of the few universities in the United States to offer need-based aid to international students. Visit Aid for International Undergraduate Students or Aid for International Graduate Students for eligibility and application steps.
How to Apply for Financial Aid
The financial aid process at Soka starts with a single question: which application applies to you? Once you know that, the steps are straightforward. The Office of Financial Aid is available to help at any point along the way.
Important dates and deadlines
Dates apply to all students — domestic, international, and Dreamer. Aid offers are released the second week of March. Verified aid packages are released the first week of June. Financial aid disbursement for fall semester occurs the first week of classes.
Financial aid applications open
Oct 1
Priority deadline — new applicants
Feb 15
Financial aid application deadline
Mar 2
Supporting materials due
May 1
Domestic students
If you are a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or eligible non-citizen, file the FAFSA.
File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Soka's school code is 041386. File as early as possible after October 1. Soka uses the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid.
Once admitted, you will receive a financial aid offer through your GoSoka! applicant portal. Review it carefully — your offer will itemize grants, scholarships, and any loans or work-study included.
You are never required to accept loans.
Some students are selected for verification by the federal government. If selected, the Office of Financial Aid will contact you with a list of required documents. Submit all materials by May 1.
Confirm your aid package through your GoSoka! account. Federal Direct Loans require completion of a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and entrance counseling at studentaid.gov before funds are disbursed.
Explore your aid options
Types of aid
Learn what grants, scholarships, and loans are available to domestic students.
Soka Opportunity Plan
See how Soka's need-based aid program works and what your family might expect to pay.
Dreamer students
Undocumented and DACA students are not eligible for federal aid but have full access to Soka’s institutional grants, scholarships, and university loan programs. The first step is determining which application applies to you.
California Dream Application
You qualify if you meet California AB 540 requirements: attended a California high school for at least three years (or equivalent), graduated or earned a GED/HiSET/TASC, will enroll at an accredited California institution, and do not hold a valid nonimmigrant visa. Students with Temporary Protected Status or a U Visa may be eligible.
Soka Dream Application
If you don't meet AB 540 requirements, use the Soka Dream Financial Aid Application — a university-specific form for students ineligible for FAFSA who do not qualify under AB 540, AB 130, or AB 131.
Once admitted, you will receive a financial aid offer through your GoSoka! applicant portal itemizing your institutional grants, scholarships, and any loan options.
You are never required to accept loans.
If additional documentation is needed, the Office of Financial Aid will contact you. Submit all requested materials by May 1.
Confirm your aid package through your GoSoka! account. Students borrowing through the Soka institutional loan program will complete a separate promissory note process. The Office of Financial Aid will provide instructions.
Domestic graduate students
If you are a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or eligible non-citizen, file the FAFSA.
File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid at studentaid.gov. Soka's graduate school code is 038144. File by February 15 to receive an estimated aid offer with your admission decision in March. The priority deadline is March 2.
If selected for verification by the Department of Education, required documents will appear on your To Do list in your Learn account.
Once verification documents are reviewed, you'll receive an email to accept or decline your aid offer online through your Soka account.
If you accept federal loans, first-time borrowers must complete a Master Promissory Note and Loan Entrance Counseling at studentaid.gov. Your parents must complete a separate online application for the PLUS loan each year they wish to borrow.
Dreamer graduate students
Undocumented and DACA students are not eligible for federal aid but have full access to Soka’s institutional grants, scholarships, and university loan programs. The first step is determining which application applies to you.
California Dream Application
You qualify if you meet California AB 540 requirements: attended a California high school for at least three years (or equivalent), graduated or earned a GED/HiSET/TASC, will enroll at an accredited California institution, and do not hold a valid nonimmigrant visa. Students with Temporary Protected Status or a U Visa may be eligible.
California Dream Act Application
Soka Dream Application
If you don't meet AB 540 requirements, use the Soka Dream Financial Aid Application — a university-specific form for students ineligible for FAFSA who do not qualify under AB 540, AB 130, or AB 131.
Required documents will appear on your To Do list in your Learn account after your application is reviewed.
You'll receive an official aid offer with instructions to accept or decline online through your Soka account.
Contact the Office of Financial Aid
Soka University of America
Attn: Office of Financial Aid
1 University Drive
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
(949) 480-4342 |financialaid@soka.edu
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Our offices are located on the second floor of Founders Hall. To schedule an appointment, email financialaid@soka.edu