I would like to know the actual situation of Soka University. Does it have a poor reputation and reviews? Will I be invited to join the Soka Gakkai?
Soka University is the subject of various speculations online.
In this article, we will explain the results of interviews with current students and alumni of Soka University, as well as the university's reputation and word of mouth. After reading this article, you will be able to understand more about Soka University.
Detailed Information about Soka University
Basic Information about Soka University
The basic information about Soka University is as follows.
| School Name | Soka University |
| Location | 1-236 Tani-cho, Hachioji City, Tokyo |
| Telephone Number | 042-691-2211 |
| Establishment Year | 1971 |
| Faculties | Faculty of Economics, Faculty of Business Administration, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Letters, Faculty of Education, Faculty of International Liberal Arts, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Nursing |
| Number of Students | 6,835 |
| Number of Faculty Members | 353 |
Soka University is a medium-sized private university located in Hachioji City, Tokyo.
Tuition Fees of Soka University
The tuition fees of Soka University are as shown in the table below.
| Faculty | First Year (JPY) | 2nd to 4th Year (JPY) |
| Faculty of Economics | 1,100,000 | 900,000 |
| Faculty of Business Administration | 1,100,000 | 900,000 |
| Faculty of Law | 1,100,000 | 900,000 |
| Faculty of Letters | 1,120,000 | 920,000 |
| Faculty of Education | 1,120,000 | 920,000 |
| Faculty of Science and Engineering | 1,500,000 | 1,300,000 |
| Faculty of International Liberal Arts | 1,340,000 | 1,140,000 |
| Faculty of Nursing | 1,520,000 | 1,320,000 |
The details of the tuition fees are shown in the image below.
An admission fee of 200,000 yen will be added to the tuition fees for the first year.
The average tuition fee for private universities is 1,140,000 yen per year, so the tuition fees of Soka University are reasonable.
Soka University's Deviation Scores
The table below summarizes Soka University's deviation scores by faculty/department.
| Faculty | Department | Deviation Score |
| Faculty of Economics | Economics | 42.5 |
| Faculty of Business Administration | Business Administration | 45.0 |
| Faculty of Law | Law | 40.0 |
| Faculty of Letters | Humanities | 45.0 |
| Faculty of Education | Education | 45.0 |
| Child Education | 40.0 | |
| Faculty of International Liberal Arts | International Liberal Arts | 47.5 |
| Faculty of Science and Engineering | Information Systems Engineering | 45.0 |
| Symbiotic Creative Engineering | 42.5 | |
| Faculty of Nursing | Nursing | 45.0 |
The deviation scores of Soka University are not particularly high.
In university deviation rankings, Soka University ranks 338th out of 767 universities, and 166th out of 589 private universities.
It ranks in the top 30% among private universities and overall in the top half.
Employment Opportunities at Soka University
The employment opportunities at Soka University are published by faculty/department, as shown in the image below.
If you want to know the employment results for each department, please refer to the "Career Employment Results" on the Soka University homepage.
Notable Alumni of Soka University
Soka University has 67 notable alumni.
Here are 20 of them:
- Ikuta Maki (Manga Artist)
- Happy Happy (Comedian)
- Akune Koji (Former Professional Baseball Player)
- Takahashi Ikuo (Former Baseball Player)
- Takata Shuhei (Former Professional Baseball Player)
- Sato Yasuhiro (Former Baseball Player)
- Terashima Satoshi (Professional Baseball Player)
- Ogawa Yasuhiro (Former Comedian)
- Koyano Eiichi (Professional Baseball Player)
- Hoshino Koji (President of Studio Ghibli)
- Ishikawa Hideta (Professional Baseball Player)
- Kawashima Komei (Comedian)
- Ooguchi Yoshinori (Member of the House of Representatives)
- Nakamura Hayato (Former Baseball Player)
- Tanoue Kenichi (Professional Baseball Player)
- Higuchi Naoya (Member of the House of Representatives)
- Kitasawa Kazuo (Former Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism)
- Masuya Keigo (Member of the House of Representatives)
- Kishi Manabu (Comedian)
- Nakajima Mitsuo (Founder of Growth Capital Co., Ltd.)
If you want to know all 67 alumni, please refer to the "Notable Alumni of Soka University".
Soka University's Social Media
Click here to view Soka University's YouTube channel.
This channel mainly uploads videos about the Hakone Ekiden relay race and entrance exams.
There are also videos introducing Soka University. Please take a look.
Additionally, click here to view Soka University's X account.
This channel mainly posts news about the university.
Reputation and Evaluation of Soka University
Reputation of Soka University ①: Numerous Soka Gakkai Members
Many students at Soka University are members of the Soka Gakkai.
Specifically, around 80% are academic members, with only about 20% being non-members.
However, there is no unusual peer pressure, nor will you be solicited to join.
Reputation of Soka University ②: Excellent Environment
The university offers a very conducive learning environment with well-equipped facilities.
Being a large university, it boasts a wealth of amenities and equipment.
Additionally, with a graduate school, conducting research is quite convenient.
Reputation of Soka University ③: Renowned Clubs and Societies
Soka University hosts several notable clubs and societies.
For instance, the relay club secured sixth place in the 2022 Hakone Ekiden relay race.
Another unexpectedly popular group is the Monolingual Study Group, commonly known as Ochiken.
For information on Soka University's clubs and societies, please refer to the Clubs List on Soka University's homepage.
Evaluation of Soka University ①: Male / Department of Information Systems Engineering / Current Student / Enrolled in 2023
Overall Evaluation
The school is equipped with the latest facilities, and the professors are highly qualified and possess a strong sense of humanity, which I find very satisfying. I also believe it is very suitable for job hunting; if you are seeking a teaching position, you can find employment.
Lectures/Classes
The facilities are comprehensive, and the professors' lectures are very interesting and informative. Additionally, all the compulsory subjects are fascinating to me, so I am very satisfied.
Laboratory/Seminars
I can't answer your question about the laboratory since I haven't joined one yet, but I have participated in seminars and attended a training camp. I had a lot of fun and was able to make new connections.
Employment/Advancement
I am very satisfied because many seniors from my department have secured jobs with well-known companies.
Transportation/Location
The location is decent, but getting in and out is a bit inconvenient. Taking the bus from Hachioji Station daily feels a bit strange; it takes about 30 minutes and costs over 300 yen.
Facilities/Equipment
The school has very comprehensive facilities that I can use without any inconvenience. I find them very clean and well-organized.
Friends/Romance
I am very satisfied with my friendships. There are many friendly people here, so I am pleased with both my high school and university friends. My romantic life lacks effort on my part.
Student Life
There are many clubs, and you can definitely find a group you want to join. I also think it's great that you can take the initiative. I enjoy the various activities such as auctions and school festivals.
Evaluation of Soka University ②: Female / Department of Business Administration / Current Student / Enrolled in 2023
Overall Evaluation
The first year is perfect for those who want to spend an enjoyable and meaningful university life with friends because there are many compulsory courses, making it easy to make friends. However, organizing freely elective courses can be challenging! As an individual, you can grow significantly.
Lectures/Classes
Many people enjoy the lectures, but there are also some who just read textbooks and solve problems.
Employment/Advancement
I think it's great to get support from seniors when job hunting! There are places where you can consult about career design!
Transportation/Location
The number of buses is limited.
Facilities/Equipment
It has a large campus and a spacious library! I feel there are also other places to study and get advice, so it's very fulfilling!
Friends/Romance
Everyone is very friendly and easy to talk to! It's fun! Because there are many people, you can find those who suit you!
Student Life
The club I belong to has a wonderful and warm atmosphere! Additionally, there are many clubs and societies to choose from!
Evaluation of Soka University ③: Male / Faculty of Law / Current Student / Enrolled in 2022
Overall Evaluation
I regret not choosing a university closer to the city center. I do not recommend this university unless there is a compelling reason to consider it as your best option.
Lectures/Classes
If you are willing to study on your own, they will accommodate and teach you attentively. However, despite having to work independently, I was able to graduate.
Employment/Advancement
There are two extremes. Some people make full use of their legal expertise, while others work part-time in appropriate private institutions.
Transportation/Location
From the nearest station, Hachioji Station (which is quite far), you take a bus to the final stop. There is really nothing around.
Facilities/Equipment
Though the facilities are good, being situated on a desolate mountaintop makes moving around the campus a struggle.
Friends/Romance
Initially, the group mainly comprises high school escalator students. You can't expect a normal university life. Being part of an academic group might be the best lifestyle. Ordinary people find it difficult to fit in.
Student Life
If you have a proactive attitude, you will enjoy life, but those around you will not approach you.
