Vanguard University of Southern California is a private nonprofit 4-year college in Costa Mesa, California with 1,933 undergraduates. It admits 62% of applicants, costs an average of $23,231 a year after grants and graduates 55% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Vanguard University of Southern California acceptance rate and admissions
Vanguard University of Southern California admitted 62% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Neither required nor recommended (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
Vanguard University of Southern California application deadlines 2026-27
| Round | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Early action | Dec 1, 2026 |
| Early action II | Jan 15, 2027 |
| Regular decision | Mar 2, 2027 |
Next deadline: Early action, Dec 1, 2026. Application fee through the Common App: $45 for U.S. applicants ($90 for international applicants). Confirm dates on Vanguard University of Southern California’s admissions page; see every college on the deadline calendar.
Source: Common App 2026-27 first-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid, updated Sep 25, 2026.
Vanguard University of Southern California tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $43,400 |
|---|---|
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $13,970 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $56,063 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $23,231 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $23,231 a year after grants and scholarships, $32,832 less than the full cost of attendance.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Vanguard University of Southern California's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Vanguard University of Southern California graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 55% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $62,456 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $20,500 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 33% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Vanguard University of Southern California majors and what graduates earn
Vanguard University of Southern California awarded bachelor's degrees in 24 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from nursing ($102,239).
All 24 majors at Vanguard University of Southern California
| Major | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing | 54 | $100,785 | $102,239 | $19,500 |
| Business administration | 76 | $42,322 | $62,957 | $19,250 |
| Psychology | 75 | $40,068 | $47,582 | $19,502 |
| Kinesiology and exercise science | 59 | $30,101 | n/a | $23,000 |
| Education | 44 | n/a | n/a | $24,125 |
| Communication | 32 | $38,936 | n/a | $23,250 |
| Biology | 27 | $36,963 | n/a | $21,500 |
| Theater | 20 | $25,181 | n/a | n/a |
| Religious studies | 18 | $33,020 | n/a | $27,583 |
| History | 17 | n/a | n/a | $22,250 |
| English | 16 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Sociology | 13 | $43,317 | n/a | $25,000 |
| Marketing | 10 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Mathematics | 6 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Chemistry | 6 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Teacher education by grade level | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Pastoral ministry | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Teacher education by subject | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Physical Sciences, General | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Music | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Biochemistry and molecular biology | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Accounting | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Bible/Biblical Studies | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Business analytics and operations research | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Vanguard University of Southern California
7 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 7 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical and counseling psychology | Master's | 37 | $64,315 | $52,452 |
| Curriculum and Instruction | Master's | 17 | $66,793 | n/a |
| Divinity and ministry | Master's | 14 | n/a | $54,666 |
| Pastoral ministry | Master's | 14 | n/a | $37,707 |
| Nursing | Master's | 8 | $130,059 | n/a |
| Education leadership | Master's | 2 | n/a | n/a |
| Biotechnology | Master's | 2 | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 1,933 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 67% women, 33% men
- 13 students for every faculty member
- Setting: midsize city
- Accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Vanguard University of Southern California?
Vanguard University of Southern California admitted 62% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Vanguard University of Southern California cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $43,400. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $23,231 a year in 2024-25.
Is Vanguard University of Southern California test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Vanguard University of Southern California reported that test scores were: neither required nor recommended. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Vanguard University of Southern California?
55% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Vanguard University of Southern California graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $62,456 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
Similar colleges
Matched on location, type, selectivity, size, net price and graduation rate.
More: all colleges in California · Vanguard University of Southern California on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.