Skip to content
Private for-profit, 4-year

Sofia University

Palo Alto, California · www.sofia.edu

中文

Tuition per year

$18,700

2025

Peer median $18,120

Undergraduates

5

Student-faculty ratio 11:1

Peer median 11 : 1

“Peers” are all 20 private other special focus institutions in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Sofia University, officially known as St. Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia, is the oldest higher education institution in Bulgaria, founded in 1888. Located in the heart of Sofia, the capital city, the university is renowned for its beautiful architecture and rich historical significance. The university's motto, "In the Knowledge, the Truth," reflects its commitment to academic excellence and the pursuit of knowledge. With a diverse range of programs across various fields, including humanities, sciences, and social sciences, Sofia University is dedicated to fostering critical thinking and innovation among its students.

The university boasts a vibrant campus culture with numerous student organizations, cultural events, and sports activities, promoting a well-rounded educational experience. Sofia University is well-equipped with modern facilities, including libraries, research centers, and laboratories, which provide students with the necessary resources for their studies. The faculty members are highly qualified and experienced, contributing to a supportive learning environment. Graduates of Sofia University have a strong reputation in the job market, often securing positions in academia, government, and various industries both locally and internationally. With its rich tradition, committed faculty, and supportive community, Sofia University continues to be a leading institution of higher learning in Bulgaria and a hub for intellectual and cultural exchange.

Discussion on Tuition Trends and Student Demographics

The data from Sofia University reveals significant trends in tuition fees and student demographics that warrant attention. Over the years, there has been a notable fluctuation in both undergraduate and graduate tuition fees. For instance, undergraduate tuition started at $575 in 2014 and saw a steep increase to $21,760 by 2016, before fluctuating again to $18,575 in 2023. This volatility may reflect broader economic factors, including inflation and institutional funding challenges, that can burden students and families. The gradual increase in graduate tuition also indicates a continuous rise in the cost of higher education, which can deter potential students or lead them to seek financial aid.

In terms of student demographics, the university's enrollment patterns show an interesting shift. The number of undergraduate students has been relatively low, peaking at just 20 in 2014, and fluctuating around single digits in subsequent years. Conversely, graduate enrollment has shown a more promising trend, with numbers peaking at 1,504 in 2021 before slightly declining. This could suggest that the university is becoming more appealing to graduate students, perhaps due to specialized programs or job market demands.

Moreover, gender ratios among graduate students reveal a consistent female majority, with women comprising approximately 66% in 2023. This trend highlights the growing participation of women in higher education, particularly at the graduate level, which aligns with national trends emphasizing the importance of gender diversity in academia.

Additionally, the student-to-faculty ratio, which has ranged from 5 to 17, is critical in assessing the quality of education. A lower ratio, such as 5 in 2020, suggests more personalized attention for students, which is essential for fostering a conducive learning environment.

Overall, the data reflects both challenges and opportunities for Sofia University. Addressing tuition affordability while maintaining educational quality and diversity will be crucial for the institution's future success.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Small city
Nearest major city
San Jose, about 20 mi
Nearest international airport
Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), about 10 mi
Palo Alto, California
Also known as
Institute of Transpersonal Psychology
Academic calendar
Quarter
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Carol Humphreys (President)
Phone
6504934430
City
Palo Alto, California
Address
1069 East Meadow Cr, Palo Alto, CA 94303

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's20 international (0.0%)
Master's293143 international (48.8%)
Doctoral143 international (21.4%)
Top 1 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Psychology, Other
2

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Psychology, Other · Master's157 (10% international)
  • Business Administration and Management, General · Master's98 (93% international)
  • Computer Science · Master's38 (97% international)
  • Psychology, Other · Doctoral14 (21% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from Sofia University

The graduation data from Sofia University for 2023 reveals some intriguing trends across various fields of study. Notably, the Business Administration and Management program, while lacking undergraduate graduates, has a significant number of master's degree recipients, totaling 283. This highlights the program's strength in attracting students who are pursuing advanced education rather than entering the workforce with a bachelor's degree. The absence of international students in this category suggests that this program may primarily cater to domestic students who are perhaps more inclined to pursue higher education in business.

In stark contrast, the psychology disciplines, including both Clinical Psychology and Other Psychology, show a lack of undergraduate and master's graduates, with only a few doctoral graduates. This could indicate a potential gap in interest or availability of these programs, especially considering the current global emphasis on mental health and psychological services. The lack of international students in these programs might also reflect broader trends in the popularity of psychology as a field of study among international candidates.

Another noteworthy point is the computer science program, which also reports no undergraduate graduates and only a few master's graduates. This may suggest challenges in attracting students to this field, despite the growing demand for technology-related skills in the job market.

Overall, the data reveals significant disparities across different programs, hinting at potential areas for development and improvement at Sofia University, particularly in enhancing the attractiveness of undergraduate programs in key fields like psychology and computer science.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Psychology has 173 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Psychology, Other.$38,550
Businesshas 98 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Business Administration and Management, General.-
Computer and information sciencehas 38 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Computer Science.-

Students

1,145 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 20:80

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (5)

White
3 · 60.0%
Asian
2 · 40.0%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Sofia University in 2023

The demographic composition of students at Sofia University in 2023 reveals intriguing insights into gender representation and ethnic diversity among different categories of students.

Focusing on undergraduate continuing students, there is a notable absence of male representation, as the entire population consists of females. This stark gender disparity highlights potential challenges in attracting male students within this demographic. In contrast, undergraduate transfer students exhibit a more balanced gender ratio, with 10% of them being male and 90% female. This suggests that while there is still a predominance of female students, there is a slight increase in male representation among transfer students, indicating a possible area for growth in recruitment strategies.

Graduate students present a more diverse picture, with 33.9% male and 66.1% female representation. This demographic showcases a more favorable gender balance compared to the undergraduate populations. The graduate program may be more appealing to male students, or the university may have implemented effective outreach initiatives to encourage male applications.

When examining the ethnic breakdown, the data indicates a lack of white students among undergraduates, while graduate students include a significant number of white students, along with a variety of other ethnic groups. This may reflect broader trends in higher education, where graduate programs often attract a more diverse student body than undergraduate programs.

In summary, Sofia University has a predominantly female student body, particularly among undergraduates, while graduate programs display a more balanced gender ratio. The university may need to explore strategies to enhance male enrollment and further diversify its student demographics.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Sofia University in 2023

The student age composition data from Sofia University reveals intriguing insights into the demographics of its enrollment. Notably, the age group of 25-29 years holds the highest number of graduate males at 41 and graduate females at 66, indicating that this age range is a significant period for pursuing advanced education. It suggests that many students are likely to return to academia after gaining some work experience, which aligns with current trends in higher education where mature students are increasingly prevalent.

The data also shows a remarkable number of graduate females aged 30-34, totaling 123, which could reflect the growing emphasis on women's education and professional development in recent years. This is further corroborated by the fact that the total number of female students surpasses that of male students across all age groups, especially in the graduate category.

Interestingly, the youngest age group, 18-19, has the least representation, which could indicate a shift in educational pathways, with more students opting to take gap years or pursue vocational training before engaging in higher education. This trend might be reflective of broader societal changes where practical experience is valued alongside traditional academic qualifications.

Overall, the age distribution at Sofia University illustrates a diverse student body, with a notable prevalence of mature students pursuing graduate studies, indicative of changing educational dynamics and the importance of lifelong learning in today’s workforce. As educational institutions continue to adapt to these trends, Sofia University appears to be aligning well with the evolving needs of its student population.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 20 private other special focus institutions in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.0%

0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 12.5% 25% 2016: 0.0%2017: 20.0%2018: 18.2%2019: 0.0%2020: 22.2%2021: 10.0%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.0%2025: 0.0%
2016Peer median 0.4%2025
Graduate students81.6%

930 in 2025 · 4.2% in 2016

0% 50% 100% 2016: 4.2%2017: 41.0%2018: 60.2%2019: 89.0%2020: 90.5%2021: 88.4%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.0%2025: 81.6%
2016Peer median 2.6%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Sofia University

The data on international student enrollment at Sofia University reveals significant trends over the years. Notably, the proportion of international graduate students has seen a remarkable rise, culminating in an impressive 90.52% in 2020. This increase reflects a growing global interest in Sofia University, likely due to its reputation, academic offerings, and the broader appeal of studying in Bulgaria.

Conversely, the data for undergraduate international students presents a different narrative. The numbers show a fluctuating enrollment pattern, with a peak of 20% in 2017. However, this figure appears to have declined sharply in subsequent years, suggesting potential challenges in attracting undergraduate students from abroad. The decrease may be influenced by various factors, including competition from other European universities and shifting global trends in higher education.

The overall trend of increasing international enrollment at the graduate level aligns with broader global patterns, where students often seek specialized or advanced degrees. In contrast, the undergraduate sector faces more competition and may require targeted strategies to enhance its appeal to prospective international students.

Furthermore, the ongoing global events, such as the pandemic and geopolitical shifts, may have impacted student mobility and enrollment choices. Therefore, it would be critical for Sofia University to assess its international recruitment strategies, ensuring they address the unique needs and concerns of undergraduate students while capitalizing on the growing interest in graduate programs.

Cost

2025 tuition

$18,700

Undergraduate tuition
$18,700
Graduate tuition
$14,195
Tuition and room and board over time

Tuition rose -14% from 2016 to 2025.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$11.8M

Tuition and fees
$11.6M98.8%
Investment return
$139K1.2%

Expenses$11.5M

Instruction
$5.0M43.7%
Institutional support
$4.5M38.7%
Student services
$1.5M12.8%
Academic support
$538K4.7%
Auxiliary enterprises
$20K0.2%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 20 private other special focus institutions in the U.S.

All faculty
$62,330peers $58,962

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities near Sofia University:

  1. Stanford University - Ranked 3rd in the 2024 US News rankings, Stanford is a prestigious private research university located in Stanford, California. It is renowned for its academic excellence and innovation.

  2. University of California-Berkeley - With a rank of 15, UC Berkeley is a public research university known for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life.

  3. University of California-Los Angeles - UCLA, also ranked 15th, is another prominent public research university that offers a diverse range of programs and is situated in the heart of Los Angeles.

  4. California Institute of Technology - Commonly known as Caltech, this university is ranked 7th and is famous for its strength in science and engineering.

  5. University of Southern California - USC, ranked 28th, is a private research university known for its programs in business, cinema, and the arts.

These universities are recognized for their academic rigor and contributions to research and education, making them significant institutions in the academic landscape.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.0 · all 20 private other special focus institutions in the U.S.

Data insights

Crime Trends at Sofia University: A Positive Outlook

The crime statistics from Sofia University over the years present a remarkably positive trend. From 2013 to 2023, the average number of infractions per 1000 students has dramatically decreased, culminating in zero recorded incidents from 2014 onwards. This is indicative of a safe campus environment, which is a crucial factor for current and prospective students as well as their families.

In 2013, the university recorded its only incident, which involved a firearms arrest. However, subsequent years reflect the university's successful efforts in crime prevention and the promotion of a secure educational atmosphere. The lack of any recorded incidents in the following years raises important questions about the effectiveness of the security measures and community outreach programs implemented at the university.

This data aligns with broader trends observed in academic institutions across the globe, where safety is increasingly prioritized. Universities are adopting more comprehensive safety protocols, educational initiatives, and support systems to ensure that students feel secure on campus.

Moreover, the absence of serious crimes, such as drug-related offenses, assaults, or domestic violence, signifies a commendable culture of safety and responsibility among the student body. Effective communication and collaboration between campus security and students likely play a pivotal role in maintaining this positive trend.

Overall, the crime data from Sofia University should be viewed as a success story, showcasing how proactive measures can lead to a safer and more conducive learning environment. For those interested in understanding how crime rates are calculated, further information can be found here: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.