Admission and Financial Aid
Soka University of America (SUA) is committed to promoting equity, access, and integrity through administering a holistic admissions process and comprehensive merit and need-based financial aid. SUA currently uses an online application process and encourages prospective applicants to correctly submit all application and financial aid requirements as publicly published on our website before the posted deadlines.
Admissions
Important Dates and Deadlines
All undergraduate applicants to SUA will be applying as First-Year students. SUA does not offer transfer programs.
- Early Action (Non-binding): November 1
- Regular Admission: January 15
SUA employs a holistic admissions process. There are no minimum GPA requirements, nor are there guaranteed admission policies. All applicants will be required to submit a complete application before the posted deadlines for admission consideration. Applicants will be evaluated using a variety of factors such as GPA, letters of recommendation, essays, extracurricular involvement, and community service and leadership activities. Read more about How to Apply here!
Sending Transcripts
Transcripts and other academic records must be issued directly by the records/registrar’s office of your previous school(s). Official Transcripts must be officially sealed envelope without indication of being opened or show potential tampering. SUA does not accept emailed transcripts! For more information on sending transcripts and transcript requirements for international students, please visit our Transcript Requirements page.
Sending Recommendations
Soka University requires two and will accept up to three letters of recommendation. If the student applies with the Common Application, Soka University will accept the School Report, Counselor Recommendation, Teacher Evaluation, and Other Evaluation forms accompanying the Common Application.
Test-Optional Policy
SUA is a SAT/ACT test-optional institution. Students will not be required to submit SAT or ACT standardized test scores for admission consideration. However, if a student chooses to submit SAT or ACT scores, these will be evaluated as part of our wholistic admissions process. Learn more about How to Apply here!
English Proficiency
Applicants for whom English is not their native language will need to demonstrate English proficiency by submitting TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or Duolingo English Test results. It is preferred for applicants to pass the TOEFL iBT exam with a minimum score of 80 or pass the Duolingo English Test with a minimum score of 115 (160 scale). Learn more by visiting our How to Apply page!
Financial Aid
Types of Aid
Meeting the costs of higher education represents a significant investment for most families. At Soka University of America we are committed to taking on a partnership to help you along the way. To promote greater access, SUA has designed comprehensive merit and need-based financial aid programs comprised of institutional, state, and federal funds.
- Soka Opportunity Plan (Need-Based Grant)
- Merit Scholarships
- Other Scholarships
- Loans, work study and other funding options
We are a “need-blind” institution meaning that a student’s financial aid status will not affect his or her possible admission to the university.
Important Deadlines and Forms
All students will be required to submit their financial aid applications and any supporting documents by the deadlines posted on the Financial Aid webpage for financial aid consideration. View the links below for the appropriate financial aid application forms, deadlines and information.
All students are eligible for Financial Aid at SUA regardless of citizenship status. International and DACA Dreamer students are eligible for aid in the form of need-based grants, merit scholarships and Soka loans. All international students must submit the International Financial Aid form along with their admission application for financial aid consideration.
For more information on financial aid, please contact our financial aid office at financialaid@soka.edu.