Soongsil University
A well-established university providing quality higher education. Offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with dedicated faculty and supportive learning environment.
- Acceptance Rate
- 70.1%
- SAT Range
- 950–1150
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.1
- Size
- Large (34,609 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:17
- Setting
- urban
- Graduation Rate
- 69.0%
- Retention Rate
- 82.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $6,000
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $10,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
Campus life at Soongsil follows patterns familiar at Korean universities while reflecting the institution's Christian foundation. Chapel attendance requirements exist, though enforcement and enthusiasm vary. Student organizations span religious groups, academic clubs, hobby circles, and the essential MT (membership training) culture of group retreats and bonding activities. The campus provides typical Korean university facilities including libraries, student union spaces, and cafeterias serving affordable meals. Dormitory housing is limited and competitive, with most students commuting from family homes or rented rooms nearby. Seoul's subway system makes commuting feasible from much of the metropolitan area. The neighborhoods around campus offer the dense mix of restaurants, cafes, convenience stores, and shops that characterize Korean urban areas. Students gather off campus as much as on, meeting for meals, coffee, and drinks in the surrounding streets. Korea's famous nightlife culture extends to university students, with social drinking a significant part of social life. IT and engineering students create something of a tech-focused campus culture, with coding clubs, hackathons, and startup activities more prominent than at liberal arts oriented schools. This brings energy and opportunities for students interested in technology entrepreneurship. Athletics exist at club and intramural levels, with some intercollegiate competition though Korean universities don't emphasize sports as intensely as American schools.
Location & Surroundings
Soongsil's campus is located in Dongjak-gu, a district south of the Han River that has developed significantly in recent decades. The campus sits near Sangdo subway station on Line 7, providing convenient access to the rest of Seoul. The surrounding Sangdo and Boramae neighborhoods offer affordable housing options and the usual density of Korean urban amenities. Seoul as a whole provides endless opportunities for students willing to explore. The Gangnam area lies across the river to the south, offering upscale shopping and entertainment. Hongdae to the north remains the center of youth culture and nightlife. Historical areas in Jongno showcase Korea's traditional heritage. The campus location is somewhat removed from Seoul's trendiest districts, which can feel like a disadvantage to students wanting constant stimulation. However, the quieter neighborhood allows for focused study and offers better value for housing and daily expenses. Korean weather brings four distinct seasons. Summers are hot, humid, and punctuated by monsoon rains in July. Winters are cold and dry with occasional snow. Spring and autumn offer pleasant conditions that Koreans treasure after the more extreme summer and winter months. Cost of living in Seoul is substantial, and students budget carefully. Part-time work in retail, food service, or tutoring helps offset expenses. The university's location offers access to employment in the growing tech sector in southern Seoul.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at Soongsil runs approximately 7 to 8 million Korean won annually for most programs, translating to roughly $5,500 to $6,500 USD. Engineering and science programs cost more due to laboratory fees. These figures place Soongsil in the mid-range for Korean private universities, more affordable than elite schools but above national university rates. Financial aid options include university scholarships based on academic merit, need-based grants, and government support programs. Korea provides substantial assistance to domestic students, making higher education more accessible than sticker prices suggest. Work-study opportunities exist on campus, and many students take part-time jobs off campus as well. Career outcomes benefit from the university's IT and engineering strength. Graduates from these programs find employment in Korea's technology sector with reasonable success. Business graduates compete in the broader Korean corporate market, where university prestige matters but Soongsil's reputation is solid if not elite. The Korean job market remains intensely competitive regardless of university. Large conglomerates like Samsung and LG attract far more applicants than they can hire, and the entry process is lengthy and demanding. Mid-sized companies and the growing startup sector provide additional opportunities for well-prepared graduates. Alumni networks operate through formal organizations and informal connections. Korean business culture emphasizes relationships, making university ties valuable throughout careers. Soongsil graduates help each other navigate job searches and career transitions.
Campus Location
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