Vanguard University of Southern California

74.8%Acceptance

$39,950Tuition

1,975Students

56%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$59,541Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Assemblies of God

About Vanguard University of Southern California

Vanguard University builds on a century-old foundation as an Assemblies of God institution where faith and academics intersect daily. The university enrolls 1,975 students on its Costa Mesa campus, creating an intimate Christian learning environment in Orange County. With a 74.84% acceptance rate, Vanguard welcomes students seeking both spiritual growth and academic preparation. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in a community where chapel services and service learning shape the college experience.

Students pay an average net price of $19,761 after financial aid, less than the $39,950 sticker price. Nearly 43% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving diverse economic backgrounds. Graduates earn a median of $59,541 ten years after graduation with typical debt of $22,000. The monthly loan payment of $233 represents a manageable burden given earning potential. However, the 55.90% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete their degrees.

Women comprise 65.42% of the student body, while Hispanic students make up 47.65% of enrollment, creating a diverse faith community. The Lions compete in 16 NAIA sports with $2.8 million in athletic scholarships available. Campus housing accommodates 1,020 students, fostering the close-knit community atmosphere that defines the Vanguard experience.

Academics & Faculty

Vanguard operates as a Christian liberal arts university rooted in Assemblies of God traditions, emphasizing faith integration across all academic disciplines. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio allows professors to mentor students closely in both academic and spiritual development. With a 58% four-year graduation rate, students often benefit from personalized attention but may face challenges balancing rigorous coursework with extensive ministry requirements. The university is particularly known for its business, education, and ministry programs that prepare students for church leadership and faith-based careers. Nearly 96% of graduates find employment within six months, reflecting the school's focus on practical, vocation-oriented education that serves both secular and religious organizations.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 97.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 57.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 55.9%
Retention Rate: 73.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $59,541
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$116,679
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$91,300
Curriculum and Instruction.	Master	$59,124
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries.	Master	$47,260
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.	Master	$42,682
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$40,697
Marketing.	Bachelor	$34,348
Communication and Media Studies.	Bachelor	$33,043
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries.	Bachelor	$29,685
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$28,960

View all 39 programs →

Campus Life

Costa Mesa puts you 10 minutes from Newport Beach and 45 minutes from downtown Los Angeles. The campus houses 1,020 students, meaning about half of the 1,975 enrollment lives on campus. You'll need sunscreen year-round in this Southern California climate where winter means 65-degree days.

Women make up 65% of the student body, creating a female-majority environment. The 16 varsity sports teams draw 426 student-athletes who compete in NAIA's Pacific West Conference. Chapel services anchor the weekly rhythm at this Assemblies of God university founded in 1920. Students often head to nearby beaches on weekends or explore Orange County's sprawling mall and restaurant scene. The Lions compete on campus, but many students also venture to LA for internships and entertainment. With 89% of students coming from California, most arrive already familiar with the laid-back SoCal lifestyle. The semester system keeps things traditional, while the Christian mission shapes campus policies around alcohol and conduct. Small classes with a 16:1 ratio mean professors know your name.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 1,020 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1920

Campus Safety (2023)

18 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Fondling	4	4	1
Burglary	4	0	0
Stalking	1	1	0
Aggravated Assault	0	0	1
Domestic Violence	1	0	0
Robbery	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 48°–67°F
July Avg: 66°–78°F
Annual Precipitation: 11.2"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Vanguard attracts primarily California students who value Christian education, with 89% coming from in-state. Women make up two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the university's strong programs in nursing, education, and social work. Nearly half of students are Hispanic, making this one of the more diverse Christian universities in Southern California. The 43% Pell Grant rate shows Vanguard serves many first-generation college students seeking affordable faith-based education. This Assemblies of God institution draws students who want small class sizes with explicit Christian worldview integration across all academic programs.

Men: 34.6%
Women: 65.4%
White: 30.6%
Black: 5.3%
Hispanic: 47.7%
Asian: 4.5%
In-State Students: 89.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 42.9%

Location

Costa Mesa sits in the heart of Orange County, about 40 miles southeast of Los Angeles. The campus is just 10 minutes from Newport Beach and Huntington Beach, giving students access to some of California's most famous coastline. Orange County blends suburban sprawl with beach culture, offering internship opportunities in nearby Irvine's business districts and entertainment options throughout the region. The area attracts young professionals and families, creating a active environment beyond the college bubble. With 89% of students coming from California, most are already familiar with the Southern California lifestyle. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Vanguard University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Costa Mesa, California 92626

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $59,541
Median Earnings (5 years): $58,441
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $40,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 65.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $233/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $22,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Vanguard University of Southern California?

Vanguard University of Southern California accepts 74.84% of applicants, making it moderately selective. This Christian university draws primarily from California, with 89.19% of students coming from in-state.

How much does Vanguard University of Southern California cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $19,761, lower than the sticker price of $39,950 in tuition. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $14,906 on average, while those from higher-income families ($110K+) pay $27,190.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Vanguard University of Southern California?

The student-faculty ratio is 16:1 among the 1,975 enrolled students. This Assemblies of God affiliated university emphasizes close mentorship relationships between faculty and students in its Christian academic environment.

What are the graduation rates at Vanguard University of Southern California?

The six-year graduation rate is 55.90%, while the four-year rate is slightly higher at 57.63%. Graduates earn a median salary of $59,541 ten years after graduation, with an employment rate of 95.6%.

Where is Vanguard University of Southern California located and what is campus life like?

The Costa Mesa campus houses 1,020 students in its residence halls, serving a total enrollment of 1,975. The student body is 65.42% female and diverse, with 47.65% Hispanic students making up the largest ethnic group.

Does Vanguard University of Southern California offer athletic scholarships?

The Lions compete in 16 varsity sports at the NAIA level and award $2,816,273 in athletic scholarships annually. With 426 total athletes participating in the Pacific West Conference, sports play a significant role in campus culture at this Christian university.