Apply for Financial Aid

Each student must complete a financial aid application to be considered for need-based financial aid; which includes grants, scholarships, and loans. Scholarships are based on academic achievement (such as the Merit Scholarship) and the student’s admission application.

  • FAFSA

    Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a requirement. 

  • Types of Aid

    Information on aid available for Soka graduate students.

Checklist

  • You may complete the FAFSA even before you file your taxes. Estimate your annual family income based on last year’s taxes. You will have an opportunity to update this information during the verification process.
  • You are encouraged to complete the FAFSA by February 15, even if this is before you file taxes, in order to receive an “Estimated Financial Aid Offer” Letter with your Admission decision in March. 
  • Submit your FAFSA online no later than March 2 to be considered for priority funding. If you submit your FAFSA after the deadline, you may only qualify for federal financial aid.
  • The Soka University of America school code is: 038144
  • The verification documents must be submitted by students who have been selected for verification by the Department of Education.
  • Any required documentation will be listed on your Learn Account on your “To Do” list.

You will be able to view your financial aid awards after all requested verification documents have been reviewed. An email notification will be sent in order to accept and/or decline your financial aid online.

  • If you are first time borrowers, you must complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Loan Entrance Counseling for any Federal Direct Student Loans.
  • Your parents will have to complete an online application for the PLUS loan as well as complete an online application each year that they wish to borrow.
  • The Direct Loan Application, MPN, and Entrance Counseling must be completed online.

Important Dates and Deadlines

Date Event

October 1 

FAFSA application is available

February 15 

Priority Financial Aid application deadline (new applicants)

March 2 

Financial Aid application deadline

2nd week of March

Preliminary financial aid packages are released for newly admitted students

May 1

Verification forms and supporting documentation due (all students)

1st week of June

Verified financial aid packages released (all students)

1st week of September

Financial aid disbursement for Fall semester

Contact Us

Office of Financial Aid 
1 University Drive 
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

(949) 480-4342 | financialaid@soka.edu

Office Hours

We are open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our offices are located on the second floor of Founders Hall. To schedule an appointment, please email financialaid@soka.edu