Vanguard University of Southern California

School Overview

Vanguard University of Southern California, based in Costa Mesa, CA, provides students with a comprehensive academic experience. It holds the #43 position in Regional Universities West (tie) according to the 2026 U.S. News rankings. It is also recognized as #11 in Best Value Schools. The school serves approximately 1,914 undergraduate students. With an acceptance rate of 62%, Vanguard University of Southern California is accessible yet competitive. Admitted students typically present SAT scores of 980-1270 and ACT scores of 23-29. The average high school GPA of incoming freshmen is 3.4. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, students benefit from close interaction with professors and hands-on learning opportunities. About 49% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students, fostering an intimate learning environment. Popular majors among students include Psychology (16%), Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology (12%), and Business and Management (11%). Graduates in Psychology earn a median salary of $53,747 after entering the workforce. Annual tuition and fees are $43,400, with room and board adding approximately $11,570. The average net price for students receiving financial aid is $23,795. The four-year graduation rate stands at 52%. The application deadline is Aug. 1.