GCU vs. Vanguard University of Southern California

Comparable Facts

Compare Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ with Vanguard University of Southern California in Costa Mesa, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Grand Canyon University is larger than Vanguard University of Southern California based on total student enrollment (113,257 students vs. 2,246 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Canyon University is located in Phoenix, AZ (Large City setting); Vanguard University of Southern California is in Costa Mesa, CA (Midsize City setting).
• Grand Canyon University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution. Vanguard University of Southern California is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Canyon University 20:1; Vanguard University of Southern California 13:1.

GCU vs. Vanguard University of Southern California Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GCU or Vanguard University of Southern California? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Grand Canyon University than Vanguard University of Southern California ($22,928 vs. $23,286).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Canyon University are 13% lower than at Vanguard University of Southern California ($11,700 vs. $13,450).
• Vanguard University of Southern California is 133.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than GCU (about $23,850 more per year; $41,700.00 vs. $17,850.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 133.6% higher at Vanguard University of Southern California than at Grand Canyon University (about $23,850 more per year; $41,700.00 vs. $17,850.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Vanguard University of Southern California than at Grand Canyon University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanguard University of Southern California students is 202.7% larger than aid received by Grand Canyon University students ($29,847 vs. $9,861).

GCU vs. Vanguard University of Southern California Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GCU or Vanguard University of Southern California? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Vanguard University of Southern California and GCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vanguard University of Southern California (1090) is 30 points higher than at GCU (1060).
• Incoming Vanguard University of Southern California students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at GCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Canyon University 1006/1113; Vanguard University of Southern California 980/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Canyon University 20/22; Vanguard University of Southern California 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GCU - Test optional; Vanguard University of Southern California - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Vanguard University of Southern California Aug 1, 2027.
• GCU has a higher acceptance rate (78.9%) than Vanguard University of Southern California (62.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at GCU vs. 19.7% at Vanguard University of Southern California.

GCU vs. Vanguard University of Southern California Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GCU and Vanguard University of Southern California? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Vanguard University of Southern California's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Grand Canyon University's (31%).
• Graduates from Grand Canyon University earn a median of about $11,100 more per year than Vanguard University of Southern California graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $43,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand Canyon University graduates have a $6,250 lower median loan debt than Vanguard University of Southern California graduates ($18,750 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, GCU graduates have an estimated $65 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Vanguard University of Southern California graduates ($193 vs. $258).
• More Vanguard University of Southern California graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GCU students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 32%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.