On a hillside in Aliso Viejo, surrounded by wilderness park, Soka University of America teaches a single undergraduate degree: a BA in Liberal Arts. The college opened in 2001 and has about 400 students, with a large share from outside the US. Every student learns a language and spends a semester abroad, with the cost included in tuition. Classes are seminar-sized.
Aliso Viejo, California, United States
Official website: soka.edu
2001
Private liberal arts college
About 400 undergraduates
Required semester abroad
$38,000 – $42,000
Tuition before financial aid
$16,000 – $19,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on soka.edu before you apply.
BA Liberal Arts, Environmental Studies
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
SAT optional, TOEFL: 80
BA Liberal Arts, International Studies
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
SAT optional, TOEFL: 80
BA Liberal Arts, Life Sciences
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
SAT optional, TOEFL: 80
BA Liberal Arts, Social and Behavioral Sciences
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
SAT optional, TOEFL: 80
MA Educational Leadership and Societal Change
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
Bachelor's degree, TOEFL: 80
A study abroad semester included in tuition.
A large international share for a small college.
Small seminar classes.
Graduates go on to graduate school in the US and abroad.
Alumni work in education, NGOs, international organisations and business.
Many alumni use their second language at work.
Undergrad
Regular Decision January
Postgrad
Main intake
The campus borders Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, with trails that run down toward the coast. Most students live on campus all four years.
Laguna Beach is about ten minutes by car. Orange County is suburban and expensive, and public transport is limited.
Form I-20 issued by Soka University of America
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Soka offers Early Action with a November deadline and Regular Decision with a January deadline. International students should apply early to be considered for aid.
All undergraduate programmes start in late August.
It's the F-1 student visa. Get your I-20 from Soka University of America first (they need your deposit and bank documents), then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and attend the visa interview. Book the interview early in peak season.
Everyone takes the BA in Liberal Arts, choosing a concentration such as environmental studies or international studies. Admission looks at grades, essays and English ability, with TOEFL around 80.
Yes. Soka gives need-based aid to international students, and its Soka Opportunity Scholarship covers full tuition for students from lower-income families.
