Soka University of America: Value-Creating Liberal Arts Education for Global Citizens

Soka University of America (SUA) is a distinctive liberal arts institution in Aliso Viejo, California, founded on the philosophy of “value-creating” (Soka) education that emphasizes humanism, global citizenship, and peace.

Offering a single B.A. in Liberal Arts with five interdisciplinary concentrations, SUA prioritizes holistic learning, small class sizes, close faculty mentorship, and a mandatory, fully supported semester abroad to ensure genuine global engagement. Its diverse student body—representing over 40 countries—creates a “world in one village” campus culture, while the Soka Opportunity Plan makes the university highly accessible through generous need-based and merit-based financial aid.

Complemented by strong arts, athletics, and graduate programs in educational leadership, SUA consistently produces graduates who succeed at top global institutions and organizations, reflecting its mission to cultivate ethical, socially responsible leaders committed to contributing to a more peaceful and humane world.

Soka University of America: A Global Beacon for Value-Creative Education

Perched atop a scenic mesa in Aliso Viejo, California, Soka University of America (SUA) represents a bold reimagining of the traditional liberal arts college. While many institutions focus on specialized career preparation, SUA is built upon a distinct philosophical foundation: the cultivation of “global citizens” capable of creating value under any circumstance.

Spanning 103 acres of Mediterranean-style architecture just three miles from the Pacific Ocean, the university serves as both a sanctuary for rigorous thought and a launchpad for international contribution.

The Philosophical Foundation: Soka Education

The word Soka is a Japanese portmanteau of sozo (creation) and kachi (value). This “value-creating” pedagogy was first developed by Japanese educator Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and furthered by his successor, Josei Toda. However, it was the university’s founder, Daisaku Ikeda, who brought this vision to the global stage.

SUA’s mission is anchored by three core principles:

1. To be a center for philosophical reflection on the meaning of life.
2. To be a cradle for a new culture of humanity.
3. To be a fortress of peace for all humankind.

While the university is founded on Buddhist values of humanism and respect for life, it maintains a strictly non-sectarian curriculum, welcoming students of every faith—and no faith—into a dialogue of mutual respect.

A Borderless Curriculum: The B.A. in Liberal Arts

SUA offers a singular undergraduate major: Liberal Arts. This approach encourages students to see the interconnectedness of all knowledge rather than viewing subjects in isolation.

Academic Concentrations

Students tailor their degree by choosing one of five rigorous concentrations that address the most pressing issues of the 21st century:

• Environmental Studies: Integrating natural sciences with policy and ethics to tackle the climate crisis and biodiversity loss.
• Humanities: A deep dive into the arts, literature, and philosophy to explore the “big questions” of human existence.
• International Studies: Focusing on global politics, economics, and history to prepare students for careers in diplomacy and international NGO work.
• Life Sciences: Housed in the state-of-the-art Marie and Pierre Curie Hall, this concentration provides a pathway for pre-med and research-bound students through a humanistic lens.
• Social and Behavioral Sciences: Using psychology and sociology to understand the mechanics of human interaction and social justice.

The Mandatory Study Abroad Program

Unique among American colleges, SUA makes global immersion a graduation requirement. Every student spends one semester of their junior year studying abroad. The university covers the cost of tuition and travel for these programs, ensuring that students gain first-hand experience in a culture and language different from their own.

Radical Accessibility: The Soka Opportunity Plan

SUA is consistently ranked as one of the “Best Value” schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. This is largely due to the Soka Opportunity Plan, which aims to eliminate the financial barriers to elite education.

• Tuition-Free Education: For families with an annual income of $90,000 or less (with demonstrated need), tuition is fully covered by the university.
• Merit Scholarships: 100% of admitted students receive some form of merit scholarship, recognizing the high caliber of the applicant pool.
• Comprehensive Aid: The university offers a sliding scale of support for middle- and upper-income families, ensuring that the student body remains socio-economically diverse.

Campus Culture: The World in One Village

The SUA student body is a true microcosm of the globe. With roughly 500 students, the university maintains an intimacy that is rare in modern higher education.

• Global Diversity: Approximately half of the students come from the United States, while the other half represents more than 40 countries across six continents.
• Faculty Mentorship: With a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students collaborate directly with professors on research, often leading to publications and conference presentations before they even graduate.
• Athletics and Arts: As a member of the NAIA, the “Soka Lions” compete in sports like soccer, track, and swimming. Meanwhile, the Soka Performing Arts Center, a 1,000-seat acoustic masterpiece, hosts world-renowned musicians, bringing international culture to the local community.

Graduate Studies and Beyond

In addition to its undergraduate college, SUA offers a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Societal Change. This program is designed for educators who wish to transform systems of learning into engines for social justice and human rights.

For undergraduates, the “Soka experience” translates into remarkable post-grad success. Alumni are frequently accepted into prestigious graduate programs at Harvard, Yale, Oxford, and Stanford, or they enter the workforce at international organizations like the United Nations and the American Red Cross.

Final Perspective

Soka University of America is more than a school; it is an experiment in hope. By investing in students who are as concerned with the welfare of others as they are with their own careers, SUA is building a global network of leaders dedicated to the “contributive life.”

As its founder Daisaku Ikeda often noted, the purpose of education is to make one “a person of character” who can bridge the gaps between cultures and help usher in a century of peace.

FAQs about Soka University of America

What is Soka University of America?
Soka University of America is a private liberal arts university in Aliso Viejo, California, dedicated to value-creating education, global citizenship, and peace.

Where is Soka University of America located?
The university is located in Aliso Viejo, California, on a scenic 103-acre campus near the Pacific Ocean.

Who founded Soka University of America?
Soka University of America was founded by Daisaku Ikeda.

What does “Soka” mean?
“Soka” means “value creation,” derived from the Japanese words sozo (creation) and kachi (value).

What type of education does SUA offer?
SUA offers a humanistic, interdisciplinary liberal arts education focused on global citizenship and ethical leadership.

Is Soka University of America religious?
No, the university is non-sectarian and welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds.

What undergraduate degrees are offered at SUA?
SUA offers one undergraduate degree: a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts.

What academic concentrations are available?
Students can choose from Environmental Studies, Humanities, International Studies, Life Sciences, and Social & Behavioral Sciences.

Is study abroad required at Soka University of America?
Yes, all undergraduate students are required to complete one semester of study abroad.

Does SUA cover study abroad costs?
Yes, the university covers tuition and travel costs for the mandatory study abroad program.

How large is the student body?
SUA has approximately 500 undergraduate students.

How diverse is the student population?
Students come from over 40 countries across six continents.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio?
The student-to-faculty ratio is approximately 7:1.

Are classes small at SUA?
Yes, small class sizes are a defining feature of the academic experience.

Does SUA offer financial aid?
Yes, SUA provides generous need-based and merit-based financial aid.

What is the Soka Opportunity Plan?
It is a financial aid initiative that offers tuition-free education to families earning $90,000 or less with demonstrated need.

Do all students receive scholarships?
Yes, 100% of admitted students receive some form of merit-based scholarship.

Is SUA considered a good value school?
Yes, it is frequently ranked among the best value colleges in the United States.

Does SUA offer graduate programs?
Yes, SUA offers a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Societal Change.

What career paths do SUA graduates pursue?
Graduates often attend top graduate schools or work in international organizations, NGOs, education, and public service.

Are SUA alumni accepted into prestigious universities?
Yes, alumni have been accepted into institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Oxford, Stanford, and others.

What is campus life like at Soka University of America?
Campus life emphasizes global dialogue, close community, cultural exchange, and student engagement.

Does SUA have athletic programs?
Yes, SUA competes in NAIA athletics as the Soka Lions.

What sports are offered at SUA?
Sports include soccer, swimming, track and field, and more.

Does SUA support arts and culture?
Yes, the Soka Performing Arts Center hosts world-class performances and cultural events.

What makes SUA unique compared to other liberal arts colleges?
Its value-creating philosophy, mandatory study abroad, global diversity, and strong financial accessibility distinguish it.

What is the mission of Soka University of America?
The mission focuses on philosophical reflection, humanistic culture, and peace-building.

Is SUA a good choice for international students?
Yes, SUA is highly welcoming to international students and offers a globally inclusive environment.

How can students apply to Soka University of America?
Students can apply through the Common Application or directly via the university’s website.

What qualities does SUA look for in applicants?
The university values academic excellence, global awareness, leadership potential, and commitment to contributing to society.

Does SUA emphasize research opportunities?
Yes, students frequently collaborate with faculty on research projects.

What is the overall goal of a Soka education?
The goal is to develop individuals of character who can create value and contribute positively to the world.