Studying at Soka University has been a truly life-changing experience. Soka University of America is a small (approx. 450 students) liberal arts college founded upon Buddhist principles of pacifism, sanctity of life, and environmental stewardship. Soka's location is on a hill surrounded by a county natural reserve, canyons and a residential community in the sunny South Orange County, California. Even though Soka's campus presents unparalleled architectural mastery and splendid views of nearby canyons, it's biggest strength lies in academics. Soka's progressive and inclusive curriculum has allowed Soka University to rise rapidly (over past 15 years) among thousands of American liberal arts colleges and place itself as one of the TOP 50 Liberal Arts Colleges in the US. Soka University has achieved national recognition due to strong emphasis of its values, such as global citizenship, diversity, financial aid, and rigor. The faculty members become students' mentors; they are acclaimed in their fields and always available to students. Soka University mandates all of its students to study abroad and to join hands-on learning periods. Soka has great modern facilities, and each student has more than 100 square ft. of personal space.

I am a 2nd year student at Soka, and so far, I really love this school! As an international student, I had a lot of concerns before I came here. However, these concerns disappeared when I met people here. Everyone is so kind and cares us sincerely. Soka is like my 2nd home!!! We have only 450 students here, so we know each other well, and the small class size (usually 10-12 students) is a good environment for learning! Everyone listens to and treats my opinion seriously, which I could not experience when I was in high school. Professors are also wonderful, and they try to connect with students, this attitude makes me easy to ask questions and to talk with them to deepen my understanding of the topic in the class. Also, students can join several club activities. Students, and we enjoy our campus lives at Soka. I will do my best to make these four years valuable!!!

I am a currently a second year student at Soka, and I really love this school!! This school has a very small class size, and I think this is the best environment for learning! Each professor knows my name and face, and if I have any questions regarding class materials or my paper, I can just go to my professors’ offices and talk with them. The class is based on discussion, and each student has an equal chance to share opinions! Students also have to learn one foreign language, and I started to learn French since I came here. A third year student has to go to study abroad for one semester, and I am really excited to go to France next year! If you want to experience study abroad, SUA is a great option! I am looking forward to learning more and enjoying next two years here at SUA.

The school is very student-oriented; the professors and the staffs in Soka University of America are very willing to teach and help the students with anything they need help with. Everyone is so friendly here and would respect each other. I have changed a lot since I came here. I have become more outgoing and cheerful.

I can't say enough about SUA, their professors and their staff.

Our niece graduated this year and says she cannot express in words how much SUA has changed her life.

Those amazing changes are evident. Jaw-dropping for me is that she graduated with $1500 in student loans. That's right, $1500.

Soka finds the most promising youth from every corner of the world, brings them together at their incredibly diverse and stunningly beautiful Southern California campus, and then fosters their unique gifts preparing them to truly live contributive lives. It is a most impressive academic institution of higher learning that is changing the world for the better!

What could be better than a 15-year-old school making it to the top 50 liberal arts colleges in the country according to US News and World Report? Small class sizes; open access to faculty and administrators; and free tuition for families with less than $60K income. Beautiful campus.

We took a friend on a tour there and had lunch in the Bistro (dining hall). During the course of our meal, I introduced our friend to Danny Habuki, the president of the university. Afterward, he asked< "Who was that person?" When I told him that he was the president, he said, "During four years at my college, the only time I saw the president was at graduation."

Liberal arts education here has helped me look at the world from many different points of view. I have also developed critical and creative thinking and communication skills, which are necessary for any kind of job. In addition, because of the diversity we have here and the small student body, I have met and worked with people of different race, nationality, and culture and learn from each other. I have made friendships beyond boarders. SUA has really helped me become more open-minded, courageous, and kind, which I believe, together with the knowledge I gain here, will help me create value and make positive changes in the world.

I am currently a first year student here at Soka and I am absolutely enjoying my new chapter as a college student. I knew Soka would let me learn about myself where other school wouldn't. I want to find what I am truly
passionate about through going to a Liberal Arts school and exploring myself. It has only been 4 months since I moved in and started my class, but what I want to do after I graduate is already molding together and I am excited how much I'm going to grow in the coming 4 years.

Before I came to Soka University of America, I was a person who is very not confident of myself. I had a hard time reaching out to my classmates and talking to them. I felt very comfortable being alone because I did not have to think about how to interact with other people and how they would judge me based on my actions. But after coming to this wonderful school, I became a totally different person. I feel very confident and like to be around people. I feel the caring and warmth from my classmates and upperclassmen. Whenever anyone on campus has a very tough time in his or her life, people will give him/her support. This school is small, so everyone knows each other well. Everyone is close to each other. Thanks to Soka, I have the opportunity to broaden my view and interact with people from all around the world.