The Soka Opportunity Plan

Our Tuition Promise

The Soka Opportunity Plan ensures that all admitted undergraduate students whose family income is less than $90,000*, and who have demonstrated financial need**, will not pay tuition out of pocket. Soka University of America will cover your tuition through a combination of grants and scholarships from the university, federal and state governments, and private agencies.

Students with a higher demonstrated financial need may qualify for additional gift aid to help reduce other educational expenses, such as living costs, books, and transportation, covered within our Cost of Attendance.

In addition, students whose family income is under $200,000*, will have a minimum of half of their tuition covered by grants and scholarships from the university, federal and state governments, and private agencies. Depending on the level of financial need, students in this bracket may qualify for even more aid to further reduce their tuition costs. Soka University is committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to pursue their education with minimal financial barriers. By combining university, federal, state, and private sources of funding, we strive to make a Soka education accessible to a broader range of families.

For families with incomes between $200,001 and $250,000*, students are eligible to have a minimum of one-quarter of their tuition covered by grants and scholarships. As with other tiers, students may qualify for additional aid depending on their demonstrated financial need.

Furthermore, all admitted students, regardless of family income, will receive a merit scholarship. This scholarship is awarded based on the strength of the student’s application for admission and is renewable for up to 8 semesters (or 4 years), provided the student maintains the required academic standards.

Eligibility Requirements

• This plan will go into effect for the 2025-2026 academic year
• Complete an application for financial aid by March 2 each year
• Meet the income requirements outlined above
• Have demonstrated financial need^** as determined for need-based financial aid
• Must be working on a first college bachelor’s degree
• Students who qualify for this plan will have a maximum of eight terms (four years) of eligibility
• Students must maintain SUA’s satisfactory academic progress requirements

* Income includes wages, interest, dividends, capital gains, untaxed income, etc.

** Families with income below $90,000 and significant assets may receive a prorated amount of tuition up to their demonstrated financial need as determined by their application for financial aid.

Families With Higher Incomes

SUA also offers many grants and scholarships to families with higher incomes. SUA offers multiple scholarship opportunities that are not based on family income. For example, merit scholarships are offered to all students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements upon entrance to the university.

For a full list of all financial aid opportunities available at SUA, please visit our Undergraduate Types of Aid page.