At $19,761/yr net price, Vanguard University of Southern California graduates earn $59,541/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,541/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,761 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $79,044 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,541/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,541/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,906/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,528/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,411/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,543/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,190/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $116,679 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $91,300 | $18,930 |
| 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 | $26,000 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $34,348 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $33,043 | |
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,960 | $16,266 |
The Risk Factor
55.9% of students at Vanguard University of Southern California graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Vanguard University delivers mixed financial returns, with nursing programs offering strong value while most other majors struggle to justify the cost. The $19,761 annual net price creates a reasonable debt load, but median earnings of $59,541 ten years after graduation barely exceed what many community college programs achieve.
Nursing students see the strongest returns, earning $91,300 to $116,679 annually with manageable debt of $18,930. These salaries easily support loan repayment and reflect strong demand in Southern California's healthcare market. Education majors earning $59,124 face a tougher financial picture, while psychology and ministry programs produce concerning outcomes with earnings in the $40,000s against similar debt loads.
The 55.9% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. Nearly half of students accumulate debt without completing their degrees, making this school unsuitable if you need structure and support to finish college. The 73.7% retention rate suggests many students recognize early that Vanguard may not meet their needs.
You should consider Vanguard if you plan to study nursing and want a Christian environment, or if you receive substantial merit aid that drops your net cost significantly below the median. Look elsewhere if you're interested in psychology, ministry, or undecided about your major. The school's limited program diversity means switching majors often leads to weaker earning prospects.
With only 42.9% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships appear competitive rather than broadly available. Focus your application on demonstrating both academic strength and alignment with the university's Christian mission to maximize aid opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vanguard University of Southern California worth the cost?
Vanguard's value depends heavily on your major, with nursing programs showing strong ROI but other programs offering limited financial returns. The $22,000 median debt is manageable, but 10-year earnings of $59,541 are below average for college graduates.
What are the highest paying majors at Vanguard University of Southern California?
Nursing programs at Vanguard lead to the highest salaries, with registered nursing graduates earning around $91,300-$116,679. Other programs like pastoral counseling ($47,260) and psychology ($42,682) offer significantly lower earning potential.
How much debt do Vanguard University of Southern California graduates have?
Vanguard graduates carry a median debt of $22,000, which is reasonable compared to national averages. However, this debt load may be challenging for graduates in lower-paying programs outside of nursing.
What is the graduation rate at Vanguard University of Southern California?
Only 56% of students graduate from Vanguard, meaning nearly half don't finish their degree. This below-average completion rate adds financial risk, especially for students who may accumulate debt without earning a degree.