Bowdoin College vs. Soka University of America

Comparable Facts

Compare Bowdoin College in Brunswick, ME with Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bowdoin College is larger than Soka University of America based on total student enrollment (1,881 students vs. 495 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bowdoin College is located in Brunswick, ME (Distant Town setting); Soka University of America is in Aliso Viejo, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• Bowdoin College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Soka University of America is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bowdoin College 9:1; Soka University of America 7:1.

Bowdoin College vs. Soka University of America Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bowdoin College or Soka University of America? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Soka University of America than Bowdoin College ($15,691 vs. $22,228).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Soka University of America are 22.2% lower than at Bowdoin College ($14,378 vs. $18,488).
• Bowdoin College is 75.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Soka University of America (about $29,104 more per year; $67,832.00 vs. $38,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 75.1% higher at Bowdoin College than at Soka University of America (about $29,104 more per year; $67,832.00 vs. $38,728.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Soka University of America than at Bowdoin College (100% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bowdoin College students is 59.7% larger than aid received by Soka University of America students ($62,872 vs. $39,373).

Bowdoin College vs. Soka University of America Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bowdoin College or Soka University of America? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Soka University of America and Bowdoin College.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Bowdoin College (1510) is 90 points higher than at Soka University of America (1420).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bowdoin College 1470/1550; Soka University of America 1333/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bowdoin College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bowdoin College - Test optional; Soka University of America - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowdoin College Jan 5, 2027; Soka University of America Jan 15, 2027.
• Soka University of America has a higher acceptance rate (43.4%) than Bowdoin College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 53.6% at Bowdoin College vs. 45.8% at Soka University of America.

Bowdoin College vs. Soka University of America Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bowdoin College and Soka University of America? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Bowdoin College's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Soka University of America's (87%).
• Graduates from Bowdoin College have median earnings of about $75,000 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for Soka University of America.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bowdoin College graduates have a $3,455 lower median loan debt than Soka University of America graduates ($18,833 vs. $22,288).
• Among borrowers, Bowdoin College graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Soka University of America graduates ($194 vs. $230).
• More Bowdoin College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Soka University of America students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 86%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.