SOKA UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA

Helping students learn how to create value in their lives, their communities and the world is a central tenet of the Soka schools founded by Daisaku Ikeda, an educator and the current president of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI).

The mission of Soka University of America is to foster a steady stream of global citizens committed to living a contributive life.

University Mottos:
• Be philosophers of a renaissance of life.
• Be world citizens in solidarity for peace.
• Be the pioneers of a global civilization.

University Principles:
• Foster leaders of culture in the community.
• Foster leaders of humanism in society.
• Foster leaders of pacifism in the world.
• Foster leaders for the creative co-existence of
nature and humanity

Soka University of America is an independent,non-profit, public-benefit, co-educational,comprehensive institution of higher learning. SUA serves both national and international students. Founded on the Buddhist principles of peace, human rights and the sanctity of life, SUA is open to students of all beliefs and is committed to diversity in its academic community. SUA is founded on the belief that student centered education is the best way to promote peace and human rights by fostering a global humanistic perspective on the world in which we live. The university prepares students for graduate studies and the world of work in an increasingly diverse and global society.

Educational objectives are fostered at the university through the commitment to rigorous academic endeavors, free and open dialogue, and an appreciation for human diversity. In the Buddhist view, education is an integrating process in which students gain an awareness of the interdependence of themselves, others and the environment. Wisdom, courage and compassion — values treasured by the university — do not exist in isolation. They emerge in individuals as they learn the importance of service to others, to the natural world around them, and to the great cause of peace and freedom.

In February 1987 Soka University of America (SUA), an independent not-for-profit organization incorporated in the state of California, dedicated its first campus in Calabasas, California. The Graduate School opened in 1994, offering a Master of Arts degree in Second and Foreign Language Education with a concentration in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL.) The Graduate School held its first commencement in December 1995, the same year SUA acquired a 103-acre site in Aliso Viejo private non-profit four-year liberal arts college. The Aliso Viejo campus opened May 3,2001 with its first entrance ceremony for a freshman class of 120 students from 18 countries and 18 states. On May 22, 2005 the Aliso Viejo undergraduate program held its first commencement. In June 2005, Soka University received its accreditation from the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). In 2007, the Calabasas campus was closed and the Graduate School relocated to the Aliso Viejo campus, uniting both programs on one campus for the first time.

In 2008 SUA announced the Soka Opportunity Scholarships which offer full tuition scholarships for eligible admitted undergraduate students whose families make $60,000 or less a year. In 2009 SUA began construction on the 1000-seat Soka Performing Arts Center, which was dedicated on May 27, 2011 with the commencement of the Class of 2011.

In 2012 Soka University joined the CAL PAC Conference of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA.) SUA students compete against other colleges in soccer, swimming, track and field and cross country. In 2013 SUA announced a new Master's Program in Educational Leadership and Societal Change.

SUA is ranked in the Top 30 National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News and World Report's "Best Colleges 2020." Soka University offers an 8:1 student/faculty ratio and study abroad for every undergraduate student. Founded upon the Buddhist principles of peace, human rights and the sanctity of life, SUA is open to top students of all nationalities and beliefs. About 60% of Soka University's students come from the US and 40% have come from more than 50 other countries. Admitted students whose annual family income is $60,000 or less may be eligible for full tuition Soka Opportunity Grants. Additional grant opportunities are available for higher income levels.

Soka University's liberal arts program, although only 15 years old, is consistently receiving national recognition for excellence in education, affordability, study abroad for all and strong faculty resources. The new Masters program in Educational Leadership and Societal Change opened successfully in fall 2014. Undergraduate applications and qualifications are rising, with an average GPA of 3.8. About 50% of each entering class is receiving full tuition scholarships funded by the Soka Opportunity Scholarships for students whose parents make $60,000 or less. These scholarships are available to both US and international students. The campus master plan is now about 70% complete with the completion of the Soka Performing Arts Center, Maathai Hall and the parking structure. In the future SUA will continue construction on the campus with plans for additional residence halls and academic buildings.