How to Apply for Financial Aid

Domestic Students

Domestic students who are U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizens must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at fafsa.ed.gov to be considered for financial aid. Both incoming and continuing students are required to complete the FAFSA each academic year. FAFSA will be available online after October 1st of each year. Soka University of America’s School Code is: 038144

Domestic students who are not eligible to file a FAFSA application meet the qualifications for California Assembly Bill 540 (AB540), AB 130 and AB 131 California high school equivalent of at least three years or more of full-time high school coursework and a total of three or more years of attendance in California elementary schools, California Secondary schools, or a combination of those schools must complete the California Dream Application at www.csac.ca.gov.

Domestic students who are not eligible to file a FAFSA application do not meet the qualifications for California Assembly Bill 540 (AB540), AB 130 and AB 131 California high school equivalent of at least three years or more of full-time high school coursework and a total of three or more years of attendance in California elementary schools, California Secondary schools, or a combination of those schools must complete the Soka Dream Application (not an application for federal financial aid).

Domestic Student Verification Process:

Verification is the process of verifying the data reported on the FAFSA.

SUA verifies financial aid applications that have been selected by the Department of Education. SUA may also select additional students with conflicting information. Students must complete the verification process, if selected, to be considered for any financial aid.

The OFA maintains the right to request additional information to process the student’s application.

International Students

International students must complete the “International Student Financial Aid Application” to be considered for financial aid each year. The “International Student Financial Aid Application” will be available online after October 1st of each year at www.soka.edu/financialaid.

International Student Verification Process:

Verification is the process of verifying the data reported on financial aid applications.

SUA verifies 100% of financial aid applicants who qualify for need-based aid. Students wishing to be awarded financial aid must complete the verification process that may require submission of one or more of the following documents:

  • Student’s and Parents’ income/tax documentations
  • Student’s and Parents’ bank statements All information must:
  • Be officially translated into English and signed/stamped by the official translator.
  • Be converted into US Dollars using the currency conversion rate table provided or the rate the bank provided on the statement.
  • Show the rate of conversion used on the translated document.
  • Always submit the original foreign document with the officially translated document.

Financial Aid