Founded on the Buddhist principles of peace, human rights, and the sanctity of life, Soka University of America is a secular, four-year liberal arts college and graduate school with a unique mission: to educate global citizens to contribute to a better world. Situated atop a ridge overlooking a 4,000-acre wilderness park, Soka is three miles from the Pacific Ocean, midway between Los Angeles and San Diego. SUA ranks highly among liberal arts institutions, tying for 29th in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges 2023” list. Soka’s focus on fostering global citizenship is evident in the global makeup of its student body, 50% of which are international students; compulsory second language and study abroad programs; and an interdisciplinary core curriculum featuring small, dynamic classrooms with a 7:1 student/faculty ratio (average class size 12).