Domestic Students
File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Soka’s school code is 038144. File as early as possible after October 1. Soka uses the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid.
How to Apply for Financial Aid
SUA believes that every student should have access to education and that paying for college shouldn’t be a barrier. This is why our Office of Financial aid provides opportunities to all U.S. Citizens and eligible non-citizens, international students, and undocumented or DACA students who are admitted to SUA. Below you can explore our different financial aid applications and decide which application is best for you.
Important dates and deadlines
All financial aid applications generally open in early October.
These deadlines apply to both the Aliso Viejo and Monterey campuses for all students.
Please see the steps below for application links and instructions.
Financial aid applications open
Oct 1
Priority deadline — new applicants
Feb 15
Financial aid application deadline
Mar 2
Supporting materials due
May 1
Which application is right for you?
If you are a U.S. citizen or U.S. national, you will be considered a domestic student at Soka. To apply for financial aid you should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Please visit the Domestic Student section below.
If you are an eligible non-citizen, you will be considered a domestic student at Soka. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Eligible noncitizens include U.S. permanent residents—including conditional permanent residents—and students in certain other immigration categories, such as refugees, individuals granted asylum, Cuban-Haitian entrants, and certain qualifying parolees or T visa holders.
Citizens of the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia should also complete the FAFSA.
For additional information, review Federal Student Aid’s eligible noncitizen requirements.
Visit the Domestic Students section below for application instructions.
As an international student you will complete Soka’s financial aid application.
Please see the International Students section below.
Most international students attend SUA in F-1 student status. Students attending or planning to attend Soka in other non-immigrant categories, such as J or H, generally will still follow the international student financial aid process.
If you hold a T visa, review the eligible noncitizen information above. If you hold a U visa, review the Dreamer Students section below.
To apply for financial aid at Soka, you will either apply for financial aid through the California Dream Act Application or the Soka Financial Aid Application.
Visit the Dreamer Students section below to determine which application may be appropriate for you.
If you have another immigration status and are unsure which application to use, contact the Office of Financial Aid.
International Students
The Soka International Student Financial Aid Application for 2027-2028 is now open. It is one online application that replaces the PDF forms of past years.
- Fill in the 2027-2028 Financial Aid Application Worksheet to gather what the application asks for. The worksheet is not your application, so do not send it to our office.
- Apply online in one sitting, using the button below. Most students finish in about 30 minutes. The application saves your answers only when you submit it.
- Watch your email for your summary and certification sheet. Print it, sign it by hand, and return it with the documents it lists.
You are encouraged to apply by February 15 to receive an aid offer in March. Submit your completed application and all supporting financial documentation by the priority deadline. Submit no later than March 2 to be considered for priority funding — late applications may affect your eligibility for need-based grants.
Dreamer Students
There are two types of financial aid applications for Dreamers. These are the California Dream Financial Aid Application or the Soka Dream Financial Aid Application.
Please see below if you are unsure which application is right for you.
Complete the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) if you do not qualify for federal student aid because of your immigration status and meet California’s AB 540 eligibility requirements.
Students who may qualify include undocumented students, students with or without Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), U visa holders, and students with Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
AB 540 eligibility includes specific California school attendance or coursework requirements, graduation or other educational completion requirements, and an affidavit requirement. Qualifying education may include California high school, adult school, or community college attendance.
Review the California Student Aid Commission’s eligibility and application information before applying. You do not need DACA status or a Social Security number to complete the CADAA.
The Soka Dream Financial Aid Application is an SUA application used to determine eligibility for institutional financial aid.
You may be eligible to use this application if you:
- Do not qualify for federal student aid because of your citizenship or immigration status;
- Do not meet the AB 540 requirements for the California Dream Act Application; and
- Do not fall under SUA’s international student financial aid application process.
If this describes you, complete the Soka Dream Financial Aid Application for 2027-2028 online. Soka Dream and international students use one online application, which replaces the PDF forms of past years. Its first questions will tell you if a different application is right for you.
- Fill in the 2027-2028 Financial Aid Application Worksheet to gather what the application asks for. The worksheet is not your application, so do not send it to our office.
- Apply online in one sitting, using the button below. Most students finish in about 30 minutes. The application saves your answers only when you submit it.
- Watch your email for your summary and certification sheet. Print it, sign it by hand, and return it with the documents it lists.
Deadlines: February 15, 2027 for incoming students; March 2, 2027 for continuing students.
If you are unsure which application to complete, contact the Office of Financial Aid for assistance.
Undergraduate Net Price Calculator
The net price calculator gives you a personalized estimate of what attending Soka might cost your family after grants and scholarships are factored in.
Types of aid
Learn what grants, scholarships, and loans are available to students.
Cost of Attendance
Contact the Office of Financial Aid
SUA Aliso Viejo
1 University Drive
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
(949) 480-4342 | financialaid@soka.edu
Office hours
Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our office is on the second floor of Founders Hall.
Monterey Institute for International Studies at SUA
(949) 480-4342 | miisfinancialaid@soka.edu
Office hours
Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.