San Diego State vs. Vanguard University of Southern California

Comparable Facts

Compare San Diego State University in San Diego, CA with Vanguard University of Southern California in Costa Mesa, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

San Diego State University is larger than Vanguard University of Southern California based on total student enrollment (41,137 students vs. 2,246 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Diego State University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); Vanguard University of Southern California is in Costa Mesa, CA (Midsize City setting).
• San Diego State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Vanguard University of Southern California is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Diego State University 27:1; Vanguard University of Southern California 13:1.

San Diego State vs. Vanguard University of Southern California Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Diego State 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 San Diego State University than Vanguard University of Southern California ($14,704 vs. $23,286).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Vanguard University of Southern California are 41.6% lower than at San Diego State University ($13,450 vs. $23,030).
• Vanguard University of Southern California is 377.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Diego State (about $32,972 more per year; $41,700.00 vs. $8,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 95.5% higher at Vanguard University of Southern California than at San Diego State University (about $20,372 more per year; $41,700.00 vs. $21,328.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Vanguard University of Southern California than at San Diego State University (100% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanguard University of Southern California students is 147.6% larger than aid received by San Diego State University students ($29,847 vs. $12,053).

San Diego State vs. Vanguard University of Southern California Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, San Diego State 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 San Diego State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at San Diego State University (1200) is 110 points higher than at Vanguard University of Southern California (1090).
• Incoming San Diego State students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at Vanguard University of Southern California).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 1090/1300; Vanguard University of Southern California 980/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 22/29; Vanguard University of Southern California 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Diego State - Test-free; Vanguard University of Southern California - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Diego State Nov 30, 2026; Vanguard University of Southern California Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman San Diego State students have a 0.51 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at Vanguard University of Southern California (3.31).
• Vanguard University of Southern California has a higher acceptance rate (62.4%) than San Diego State (36.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at San Diego State vs. 19.7% at Vanguard University of Southern California.

San Diego State vs. Vanguard University of Southern California Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for San Diego State 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).

• San Diego State University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Vanguard University of Southern California's (55%).
• Graduates from San Diego State University earn a median of about $10,200 more per year than Vanguard University of Southern California graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,400 vs. $43,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Diego State University graduates have a $9,651 lower median loan debt than Vanguard University of Southern California graduates ($15,349 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, San Diego State graduates have an estimated $100 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Vanguard University of Southern California graduates ($158 vs. $258).
• More San Diego State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Vanguard University of Southern California students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 64%)

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.