Vanguard University of Southern California vs. Columbia International University

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia International University is larger than Vanguard University of Southern California based on total student enrollment (2,914 students vs. 2,246 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Vanguard University of Southern California is located in Costa Mesa, CA (Midsize City setting); Columbia International University is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Vanguard University of Southern California is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Vanguard University of Southern California 13:1; Columbia International University 13:1.

Vanguard University of Southern California vs. Columbia International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Vanguard University of Southern California or Columbia International University? 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 Vanguard University of Southern California than Columbia International University ($23,286 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia International University are 11.2% lower than at Vanguard University of Southern California ($11,950 vs. $13,450).
• Vanguard University of Southern California is 49.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia International University (about $13,800 more per year; $41,700.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.5% higher at Vanguard University of Southern California than at Columbia International University (about $13,800 more per year; $41,700.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Vanguard University of Southern California than at Columbia International University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanguard University of Southern California students is 75.5% larger than aid received by Columbia International University students ($29,847 vs. $17,009).

Vanguard University of Southern California vs. Columbia International University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Vanguard University of Southern California or Columbia International University? 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 Columbia International University and Vanguard University of Southern California.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vanguard University of Southern California (1090) is the same as at Columbia International University (1090).
• Incoming Vanguard University of Southern California students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Columbia International University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Vanguard University of Southern California 980/1200; Columbia International University 990/1195.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Vanguard University of Southern California 19/25; Columbia International University 16/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Vanguard University of Southern California - Test-free; Columbia International University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Vanguard University of Southern California Aug 1, 2027; Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia International University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Vanguard University of Southern California (3.31).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than Vanguard University of Southern California (62.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.7% at Vanguard University of Southern California vs. 35.1% at Columbia International University.

Vanguard University of Southern California vs. Columbia International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Vanguard University of Southern California and Columbia International University? 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).

• Columbia International University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Vanguard University of Southern California's (55%).
• Graduates from Vanguard University of Southern California earn a median of about $9,800 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,200 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Vanguard University of Southern California graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Vanguard University of Southern California graduates ($222 vs. $258).
• More Vanguard University of Southern California graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia International University students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 63%)

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.