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Vanguard University of Southern California

Vanguard University of Southern California

Costa Mesa, CA · City · 1,933 students
Website Scorecard
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
$21,241
Average net priceYour net price
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
56%
Graduation rate
52% typical
$59,541
Earnings 10 years on
$51,562 typical
62%
Acceptance rate
81% typical · not scored
Accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
About

Vanguard University of Southern California is a private Christian university in Costa Mesa known for integrating robust spiritual formation with liberal arts and professional education as the oldest four-year college in Orange County. The university features highly regarded programs in nursing, business administration, psychology, and kinesiology, where undergraduates benefit from small class sizes and dedicated faculty mentorship. Campus culture is deeply rooted in a close-knit, faith-centered community centered around chapel gatherings, service-learning initiatives, and competitive collegiate athletics. Distinctively designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), Vanguard blends its evangelical heritage and emphasis on social impact with a prime coastal location near major Southern California industry hubs.

Wikipedia:Vanguard University is a private Protestant university in Costa Mesa, California. Vanguard's required core curriculum includes courses on American politics and history, theology, fine arts, and public speaking.

Location
Costa Mesa, CA, 92626 · City campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
SNA · Orange County
2 mi away
Open in Google Maps
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
These figures are federal data and may be out of date.
YoursEveryone
Tuition & fees$41,700
Housing & food (on campus)$13,450
Books & supplies$1,060
Cost of attendance$52,665
Average net price$21,241
Same price for all students
Tuition & fees$41,700
Housing & food (on campus)$13,450
Books & supplies$1,060
Cost of attendance$52,665
Average net price$21,241
Net price by family income
$0–30k
$17,225
$30–48k
$18,462
$48–75k
$18,976
$75–110k
$24,117
$110k+
$27,684
Grants from the school
99% of first-years get a grant from the school, averaging $22,079
Source: College Navigator (U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS)
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
56%
Within 4 yrs
52%
Back for yr 2
70%
Transferred
0%
Pell students: 55.2% · others: 58.2% 
8 yrs after starting
61% graduated · 31% transferred · 8% left or unknown · none still enrolled
Earnings
6 yrs after entry$43,464
10 yrs after entry$59,541
Debt
Median at graduation$22,000
Monthly payment$233
Middle 50% owe$8k–$27k
90th percentile$36,882
Green marks a figure above the typical Master's (medium programs): 52% graduate within 6 yrs, $51,562 earned 10 yrs after entry.
Admissions
Getting in
Admit rate
62%
Test policy
Not required
ACT midpoint
22
Admitted students
Admit rate: men 63.2% · women 62.1% 
Yield: 19.7% of admitted students enroll 

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Essay prompts

If Vanguard University of Southern California asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the school's application.

Student Body
Gender
Men 33%Women 67%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
13 : 1
Pell grant
44%
First-gen
36%
Family income
$42,880
Independent
21%
Age at entry
21.0
Part-time
11%
Where first-years come from
In state (CA)
88.5%
Out of state
11.3%
International
0.0%

Most out-of-state first-years from: WA 13 · NV 7 · AZ 6 · TX 6 · CO 5

Race & ethnicity
White
31%
Hispanic
47%
Black
5%
Asian
4%
Two or more
2%
NH/PI
1%
Unknown
10%
Varsity sports
NCAA Division II without football
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Beach Volleyball
    Women's
  • Golf
    Men's · Women's
  • Other Sports
    Women's
  • Soccer
    Men's · Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Men's · Women's
  • Wrestling
    Men's · Women's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs
After 6 yrs
$43,464
After 10 yrs
$59,541
Psychology, General74
Business Administration, Management and Operations60
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness50
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing39
Communication and Media Studies27
Sociology25
Biology, General15
Religion/Religious Studies15
Education, General14
History14
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries12
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft11
Marketing10
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods9
Music7
English Language and Literature, General6
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$18M
Full-time faculty
100%
Faculty salary
$9,494/mo
Teaching spend
$8,587
per student
Federal loans
57%
Classification
Carnegie type
Master's (medium programs)
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, inclusive admissions

Wondering if Vanguard University of Southern California is the right fit for you?

omhu builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
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Scholarship search