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's financial return hinges almost entirely on what you study. The typical graduate earns about $59,500 ten years out against a net price near $20,000 a year, and median debt of $22,000 is manageable on that income. But that median hides a split so wide it should drive your decision.
Nursing is the clear winner. It pays $91,300 with the lowest debt of any program listed here, under $19,000. That single degree carries the school's ROI, and Southern California's hospital demand backs those numbers up. If you come to Vanguard for nursing, the math works cleanly.
Everything else looks weak. Business administration pays $40,697 but leaves you with $26,000 in debt, the highest on this list paired with less than half the earnings of nursing. Marketing ($34,348), communication ($33,043), and pastoral ministries ($29,685) all land near or below what many people earn without a degree. Borrowing $20,000 a year for a $33,000 salary is a bad trade, and you should go in with your eyes open.
The retention rate of 73.65% and a 55.90% graduation rate are the school's biggest risks. Roughly one in four freshmen doesn't return, and if you take on debt and leave without a degree, you get the loans without the earnings.
Net price actually rises with income here: families under $48,000 pay around $14,500, while families over $110,000 pay $27,190. Lower-income families get a real discount. higher earners pay close to full freight.
Vanguard is a good financial fit if you're set on nursing or committed to ministry for non-financial reasons. If you want business, marketing, or communication, the debt outpaces the payoff, and a cheaper public option would serve your wallet better.
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.