Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Costa Mesa, California |
| Online | vanguard.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Midsize City |
| Religious Affiliation | Assemblies of God Church |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Vanguard University of Southern California is a private Christian university located in Costa Mesa, just minutes from the Pacific Ocean and within close proximity to the metropolitan hub of Los Angeles. Established in 1920, the university features a distinctly Spanish Mission-style architecture across its campus, contributing to its historical and aesthetic appeal. Vanguard offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs with a notable emphasis on nursing, psychology, and theology. The academic environment is characterized by a relatively moderate level of application selectivity. For students seeking residential life, the University provides on-campus housing options. Vanguard does not have a high-profile athletic program, hence sports are not a central focus of the campus identity. This institution aims to integrate academic excellence with a Christian perspective, attracting a diverse range of students internationally and domestically.
In the most recent statistical year 2,778 prospective students applied, and 2,079 were granted admission. Of those admitted 541 enrolled in the school. 1,901 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 355 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $38,000 plus fees of $700. Vanguard University of Southern California is ranked 660 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Vanguard University of Southern California is rated within the lower 46% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Vanguard University of Southern California within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#660 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#439 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#45 in Best Colleges in California
#30 in Best Private Colleges in California
#219 in Best Value Colleges in California
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 980/1200 |
| ACT | 19/25 |
| GPA | 3.31 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Aug 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Low |
| Application Fee | $45 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,150 |
| Other Fees | $700 |
| Room and Board | $10,290 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,010 |
| Total One Year Cost | $53,150 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 32% |
| Psychology | 19% |
| Communication | 8% |
| Theology and Religious Vvocations | 8% |
| Social Sciences | 7% |
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Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Vanguard University of Southern California.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=123651 IPEDS survey data for Vanguard University of Southern California.
Current students may use the Vanguard University of Southern California GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024