Vanguard University of Southern California vs. SWU

Comparable Facts

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

Vanguard University of Southern California is larger than SWU based on total student enrollment (2,246 students vs. 980 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Vanguard University of Southern California is located in Costa Mesa, CA (Midsize City setting); Southern Wesleyan University is in Central, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Vanguard University of Southern California is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Vanguard University of Southern California 13:1; Southern Wesleyan University 10:1.

Vanguard University of Southern California vs. SWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Vanguard University of Southern California or SWU? 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 Southern Wesleyan University than Vanguard University of Southern California ($20,134 vs. $23,286).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Wesleyan University are 24.7% lower than at Vanguard University of Southern California ($10,126 vs. $13,450).
• Vanguard University of Southern California is 39.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than SWU (about $11,900 more per year; $41,700.00 vs. $29,800.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.9% higher at Vanguard University of Southern California than at Southern Wesleyan University (about $11,900 more per year; $41,700.00 vs. $29,800.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Vanguard University of Southern California as at Southern Wesleyan University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanguard University of Southern California students is 53.1% larger than aid received by Southern Wesleyan University students ($29,847 vs. $19,498).

Vanguard University of Southern California vs. SWU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Wesleyan University (1130) is 40 points higher than at Vanguard University of Southern California (1090).
• Incoming SWU 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: Vanguard University of Southern California 980/1200; Southern Wesleyan University 1040/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Vanguard University of Southern California 19/25; Southern Wesleyan University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Vanguard University of Southern California - Test-free; SWU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Vanguard University of Southern California Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SWU students have a 0.69 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Vanguard University of Southern California (3.31).
• SWU has a higher acceptance rate (99.5%) 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. 33.4% at SWU.

Vanguard University of Southern California vs. SWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Vanguard University of Southern California and SWU? 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 Southern Wesleyan University's (42%).
• Graduates from Southern Wesleyan University earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than Vanguard University of Southern California graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $43,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vanguard University of Southern California graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than SWU graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Vanguard University of Southern California graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SWU graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Vanguard University of Southern California graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SWU students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 50%)

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.