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Vanguard University of Southern California

Costa Mesa, CA·Private·https://www.vanguard.edu/

Campus Identity

Beach TownSki TownGraduate Programs

Vanguard University of Southern California is a small private nonprofit university in Costa Mesa, CA. Approximately 1,933 students are enrolled. Admissions are moderately selective with a 62% acceptance rate. The campus sits in a beach town, just 3 miles from the ocean. Ski resorts are within 45 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 46/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

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At a Glance

Vanguard University of Southern California is a small private nonprofit university in Costa Mesa, CA. Approximately 1,933 students are enrolled. Admissions are moderately selective with a 62% acceptance rate. The campus sits in a beach town, just 3 miles from the ocean. Ski resorts are within 45 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 46/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

62%
Acceptance Rate
3,948 applications
22
ACT Score (50th %ile)
$41,700
2024-25 Tuition
$21,241
Avg Net Price
What students actually pay
$13,450
Room & Board
19 meals/week
1,933
Total Enrollment
Undergraduate students
20%
Yield Rate
Admitted students who enrolled
57%
Graduation Rate
Within 150% of normal time
Selectivity62% · Open
Highly SelectiveOpen

Campus Lifestyle

Vanguard University of Southern California is a 1,000–4,999, urban school. The campus is 3 miles from Newport Beach, CA and 45 miles from Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts.

School Size & Setting

1,000–4,999

Urban setting

Beach Access

3 miles

Newport Beach, CA

Ski Access

45 miles

Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts

Weather

Hot Climate

63°F avg school-year

Ski Town

Vanguard University of Southern California students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts, 45 miles away with 4 lifts and 800 skiable acres. All are within 51 miles of campus.

45 mi away
800 skiable acres4 lifts
48 mi away
51 mi away
290 skiable acres14 lifts

Beach Town

Students at Vanguard University of Southern California are 3 miles from Newport Beach, CA, putting the coast within easy reach any day of the week.

Newport Beach, CA

Ocean access within 3.4 miles

3 mi away

Average Monthly Temperature

1991–2020 Climate Normals · Costa Mesa, CA

Costa Mesa has a mild climate, with winters averaging 57°F in Dec and summers peaking around 74°F in Aug.

58°Jan58°Feb60°Mar63°Apr65°May68°Jun73°Jul74°Aug73°Sep68°Oct63°Nov57°Dec

Station: SANTA ANA JOHN WAYNE Airport · Source: NOAA NCEI

On Campus Safety Score

2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students

Vanguard University of Southern California in CA earns a composite safety score of 46/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.

46/100
Less Safe
PersonalSafetyPropertySafetyParty SceneSafety485038
48/100
Personal
assault, rape, stalking, dating and domestic violence
50/100
Property
burglary, vehicle theft, arson
38/100
Party Scene
drug, alcohol & weapons enforcement

On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.

Cost Breakdown

2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.

Tuition
$41,700
Fees
$700
Room & Board
$13,450
Total
$55,850
App Fee: $45
Meal Plan: 19 meals/week
$21,241avg net price / year

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.

Calculate your personalized net price

Fields of Study

47 programs offered

Most Popular Programs

Psychology, GeneralBachelor's
74 grads/yr$47,582
Business Administration, Management and OperationsBachelor's
60 grads/yr$62,957
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/FitnessBachelor's
50 grads/yr
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized MinistriesMaster's
43 grads/yr
Clinical, Counseling and Applied PsychologyMaster's
40 grads/yr$75,686

Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Bachelor's39 grads$102,239
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Master's40 grads$75,686
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Bachelor's60 grads$62,957
Psychology, General
Bachelor's74 grads$47,582
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
Bachelor's50 grads
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
Master's43 grads
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Other33 grads
Communication and Media Studies
Bachelor's27 grads
Sociology
Bachelor's25 grads
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Master's24 grads

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Vanguard University of Southern California located?

Vanguard University of Southern California is located in Costa Mesa, CA. The main campus address is 55 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA. It is a private institution offering 4-year degree programs.

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

Vanguard University of Southern California has an acceptance rate of 62%, making it moderately selective. Out of 3,948 applicants, 2,465 were admitted in the most recent year. 1,933 students enrolled.

What ACT score do you need for Vanguard University of Southern California?

The middle 50% of enrolled students at Vanguard University of Southern California scored between ? and ? on the ACT, with a median of 22. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.

How much does it cost to attend Vanguard University of Southern California?

For the 2024-25 academic year, Vanguard University of Southern California charges $41,700/year in tuition. Including room and board ($13,450/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $37,700/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $21,241/year — what students actually pay. Use Vanguard University of Southern California's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

What is the application fee for Vanguard University of Southern California?

The undergraduate application fee at Vanguard University of Southern California is $45. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.

Is Vanguard University of Southern California the right fit for me?

Whether Vanguard University of Southern California is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (62% admit rate), avg net price ($21,241/year after aid), campus culture in Costa Mesa, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Vanguard University of Southern California against similar schools side-by-side.

Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Vanguard University of Southern California directly for the most current information.

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Start your application at the official website.

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Quick Facts

Type
Private
Location
Costa Mesa, CA
Size
1,000–4,999
Degrees Offered
Bachelor's, Master's, Certificates
School Year Weather
Hot · 63°F avg
App Fee
$45
On Campus Safety Score
46/100
Nearest Airport
Santa Ana, CA (SNA) · 2 mialso LGB (18 mi), HHR (31 mi)

Location

Costa Mesa, CA

Data Sources: Admissions, cost, and enrollment data sourced from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) (NCES, 2024 survey year). Fields of Study data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. On Campus Safety Score computed from Clery Act data (U.S. Dept. of Education, 3-year average normalized per 1,000 students). Data may not reflect most recent changes. Always verify with the institution directly.