Vanguard University of Southern California vs. Wartburg College

Comparable Facts

Compare Vanguard University of Southern California in Costa Mesa, CA with Wartburg College in Waverly, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Vanguard University of Southern California is larger than Wartburg College based on total student enrollment (2,246 students vs. 1,483 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Vanguard University of Southern California vs. Wartburg College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Vanguard University of Southern California or Wartburg College? 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 Wartburg College ($23,286 vs. $24,031).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wartburg College are 12.6% lower than at Vanguard University of Southern California ($11,750 vs. $13,450).
• Vanguard University of Southern California is 58.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wartburg College (about $15,450 more per year; $41,700.00 vs. $26,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 58.9% higher at Vanguard University of Southern California than at Wartburg College (about $15,450 more per year; $41,700.00 vs. $26,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Vanguard University of Southern California than at Wartburg College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wartburg College students is 35.1% larger than aid received by Vanguard University of Southern California students ($40,336 vs. $29,847).

Vanguard University of Southern California vs. Wartburg College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vanguard University of Southern California (1090) is 20 points higher than at Wartburg College (1070).
• Incoming Wartburg College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 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; Wartburg College 930/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Vanguard University of Southern California 19/25; Wartburg College 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Vanguard University of Southern California - Test-free; Wartburg College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Vanguard University of Southern California Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Wartburg College students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at Vanguard University of Southern California (3.31).
• Wartburg College has a higher acceptance rate (75.8%) 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. 16.6% at Wartburg College.

Vanguard University of Southern California vs. Wartburg College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Vanguard University of Southern California and Wartburg College? 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).

• Wartburg College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Vanguard University of Southern California's (55%).
• Graduates from Wartburg College earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than Vanguard University of Southern California graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,100 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 Wartburg College 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 Wartburg College graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Wartburg College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Vanguard University of Southern California students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.