San Jose State vs. Vanguard University of Southern California

Comparable Facts

Compare San Jose State University in San Jose, 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 Jose State University is larger than Vanguard University of Southern California based on total student enrollment (37,661 students vs. 2,246 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Jose State University is located in San Jose, CA (Large City setting); Vanguard University of Southern California is in Costa Mesa, CA (Midsize City setting).
• San Jose 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 Jose State University 25:1; Vanguard University of Southern California 13:1.

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

Which college is more expensive, San Jose 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 Jose State University than Vanguard University of Southern California ($13,892 vs. $23,286).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Vanguard University of Southern California are 35.9% lower than at San Jose State University ($13,450 vs. $20,971).
• Vanguard University of Southern California is 395.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Jose State (about $33,290 more per year; $41,700.00 vs. $8,410.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 98.5% higher at Vanguard University of Southern California than at San Jose State University (about $20,690 more per year; $41,700.00 vs. $21,010.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Vanguard University of Southern California than at San Jose State University (100% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanguard University of Southern California students is 141.6% larger than aid received by San Jose State University students ($29,847 vs. $12,353).

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

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at San Jose State University (1130) is 40 points higher than at Vanguard University of Southern California (1090).
• Incoming San Jose State students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Vanguard University of Southern California (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Jose State University 1010/1240; Vanguard University of Southern California 980/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Jose State University 19/26; Vanguard University of Southern California 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Jose State - Test-free; Vanguard University of Southern California - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Jose State Dec 15, 2026; Vanguard University of Southern California Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman San Jose State students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.35) than students at Vanguard University of Southern California (3.31).
• San Jose State has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than Vanguard University of Southern California (62.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at San Jose State vs. 19.7% at Vanguard University of Southern California.

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

How do outcomes compare for San Jose 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).

• Vanguard University of Southern California's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than San Jose State University's (46%).
• Graduates from San Jose State University earn a median of about $16,700 more per year than Vanguard University of Southern California graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,900 vs. $43,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Jose State University graduates have a $10,000 lower median loan debt than Vanguard University of Southern California graduates ($15,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, San Jose State graduates have an estimated $103 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Vanguard University of Southern California graduates ($155 vs. $258).
• More San Jose State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Vanguard University of Southern California students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.