Vanguard University of Southern California
A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker.
About This School
Vanguard University of Southern California is a private nonprofit institution located in Costa Mesa, California with approximately 1,933 undergraduate students enrolled. Vanguard University of Southern California has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 62%. The average net price after financial aid is $21,241 per year. The graduation rate is 57%, and the typical graduate earns $48,800 within 10 years of enrollment.
Vanguard University is a private Protestant university in Costa Mesa, California. It was the first four-year college in Orange County. Vanguard's required core curriculum includes courses on American politics and history, theology, fine arts, and public speaking.
The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 56% graduation rate means nearly half of students who start don't finish, and that's worth taking seriously before enrolling. On the upside, the median debt at graduation is a manageable $15,000, and the faith-based, structured core curriculum — covering theology, fine arts, and public speaking — is a genuine fit for students who want that kind of intentional, values-driven college experience in Orange County. Worth considering if you're aligned with its Protestant mission and want a small, affordable school, but go in with a plan to actually finish.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 14% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,933 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Address
Vanguard University of Southern California
55 Fair Dr
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Official Links
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Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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