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Vanguard University of Southern California

Christian college

#2 Most selective Christian colleges in California

Vanguard University of Southern California

Costa Mesa, CA · Private nonprofit · 4-year · General Council of the Assemblies of God, USA · Assemblies of God and Pentecostal

Real cost

Average price after aid $21,241 a year

Median debt at graduation: $22,000 (all students)

Estimate your own price · the college’s net price calculator

Vanguard University of Southern California is a private Christian university in Costa Mesa, California, affiliated with the General Council of the Assemblies of God, USA. Its Department of Spiritual Formation runs weekly chapel and prayer gatherings, small groups and a spiritual emphasis week. The core curriculum requires Old and New Testament surveys and a Christian worldview course, and its Global Education and Outreach office runs local and global outreach trips.

Faith life at a glance

A week at Vanguard University of Southern California

  1. MonToday

    No set time

  2. TueToday

    • 9:30AMChapel
  3. WedToday

    • 10:00AMPrayer
  4. ThuToday

    No set time

  5. FriToday

    No set time

  6. SatToday

    No set time

  7. SunToday

    No set time

No set time: Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun

Times as the college publishes them. Check before you plan a visit.

In the college’s own words

  • “Our Spiritual Emphasis gathering brings our community together to pursue Jesus through dynamic worship and passionate, biblical preaching.”

    Source: vanguard.edu
  • “A Vanguard education, therefore, promotes the integration of faith, learning, and living.”

    Source: catalog.vanguard.edu
  • “Our small groups are hosted by faculty, staff, and student leaders.”

    Source: vanguard.edu

Questions students ask

What's a normal week?

Community Chapel meets Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m., and Prayer Chapel meets Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m.

Source: vanguard.edu
Where do I find community?

Small groups are hosted by faculty, staff and student leaders.

Source: vanguard.edu
Can I serve or go on mission trips?

Vanguard offers numerous global outreach opportunities throughout the year, so students can study and serve in countries around the world.

Source: vanguard.edu

Rankings

Where this college places on our top lists. Lists are worked out from official data and our faith research; places in the top quarter of each list are shown. See every list

In America

Show 1 more

In California

Show 1 more

Academic Excellence

BAcademic Excellence: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
62 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.57%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.70%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.Not reported
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.13 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$8,587

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

CWorship and chapel: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Worship and chapel

60 of 100 points · 7 of 7 found

  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Chapel services during the weekTwice a week (Two weekday chapel gatherings: Community Chapel on Tuesday and Prayer Chapel on Wednesday. Also listed: Shine on Wednesday at 9 PM (format not described), Thursday department chapels, and approved flex chapel options, which are not counted.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel and Worship Services | Vanguard Universityvanguard.edu/student-life/spiritual-formation-chapel/chapel-worship · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Community Chapel: Tuesdays @ 9:30 AM”
      Community Chapel is held Tuesdays at 9:30 AM.
      “Prayer Chapel: Wednesdays @ 10:00 AM”
      Prayer Chapel meets weekly on Wednesdays at 10:00 AM.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Chapel attendance expected of studentsEncouraged or partly required (Students have a chapel commitment (up to 30% can be met through approved flex chapel) and chapel tracks each semester. The student handbook is embedded from a third-party site and was not read.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel and Worship Services | Vanguard Universityvanguard.edu/student-life/spiritual-formation-chapel/chapel-worship · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Up to 30% of Student's Chapel Commitment”
      Students have a chapel commitment, part of which can be met through approved flex chapel.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Student worship nights or praise servicesNow and then (Spiritual Emphasis Week includes evening worship sessions. It is not counted here.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel and Worship Services | Vanguard Universityvanguard.edu/student-life/spiritual-formation-chapel/chapel-worship · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Our Spiritual Emphasis gathering brings our community together to pursue Jesus through dynamic worship and passionate, biblical preaching.”
      A spiritual emphasis week with evening worship sessions is offered.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Weekly (Prayer Chapel meets weekly on Wednesdays at 10:00 AM.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel and Worship Services | Vanguard Universityvanguard.edu/student-life/spiritual-formation-chapel/chapel-worship · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Prayer Chapel: Wednesdays @ 10:00 AM”
      Prayer Chapel meets weekly on Wednesdays at 10:00 AM.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsFull-time campus pastor or chaplain (A named campus pastor, chaplain or dean of chapel serves students on the college staff.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Formation & Chapel | Vanguard Universityvanguard.edu/student-life/spiritual-formation-chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Pastor of Formation and Administration”
      Brenton Fessler is a campus pastor on the Spiritual Formation staff.
      “Pastor of Worship, Adjunct Faculty in Music”
      Bodie Kuljian is a Pastor of Worship on staff.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A chapel or worship space on campusYes (William Seymour Sanctuary hosts chapel gatherings.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel and Worship Services | Vanguard Universityvanguard.edu/student-life/spiritual-formation-chapel/chapel-worship · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Tuesday: 9:30 - 10:20 AM & 8:00 - 10:00 PM - William Seymour Sanctuary”
      Chapel gatherings are held in William Seymour Sanctuary.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer1 or 2 times a week (2 weekly times documented: 1 chapel, 0 worship night, 1 prayer.)Computed from the verified chapel services, worship nights and prayer times listed on the college's page (each day a time is offered counts once).
ABible and theology: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Bible and theology

96 of 100 points · 6 of 6 found

  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students3 or more courses (Four Bible and theology courses required of all core students, counted separately from the worldview course in T3: Foundations of Christian Life (or Intro to Theology, or honors), New Testament Survey, Old Testament Survey and Christian Heritage (or honors). The core's Bible and Theology category totals 15 units, five courses; the fifth is THEO-300C (T3). Applies to the traditional undergraduate core.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Core Curriculum | Vanguard University Catalogcatalog.vanguard.edu/interdisciplinary-offerings/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “THEO-101C Foundations of Christian Life”
      Foundations of Christian Life (or Intro to Theology) is a required core course.
      “NT-101C New Testament Survey”
      New Testament Survey is a required core course.
      “OT-201C Old Testament Survey”
      Old Testament Survey is a required core course.
      “CHIS-400C Christian Heritage”
      Christian Heritage is a required core course (or its honors equivalent).
      “F. Bible and Theology (15 units)”
      The core has a Bible and Theology requirement of 15 units.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsRequired of all students
    Sources (1)
    1. Core Curriculum | Vanguard University Catalogcatalog.vanguard.edu/interdisciplinary-offerings/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “NT-101C New Testament Survey”
      New Testament Survey is a required core course.
      “OT-201C Old Testament Survey”
      Old Testament Survey is a required core course.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses required1 course (THEO-300C Developing a Christian World View (or honors) is part of the required Bible and Theology category. It is counted here, not in T1.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Core Curriculum | Vanguard University Catalogcatalog.vanguard.edu/interdisciplinary-offerings/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “THEO-300C Developing a Christian World View”
      Developing a Christian World View is a required core course (or its honors equivalent).
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes (The core's program learning outcomes include Integration of Faith and Learning, and the university's identity statement promotes integration of faith, learning and living.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Core Curriculum | Vanguard University Catalogcatalog.vanguard.edu/interdisciplinary-offerings/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Integration of Faith and Learning: Students will develop and articulate a Biblical worldview informed by a Pentecostal perspective, integrating faith with learning.”
      The core curriculum's program learning outcomes include integration of faith and learning.
    2. Identity Statement | Vanguard University Catalogcatalog.vanguard.edu/general-information/identity-statement · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “A Vanguard education, therefore, promotes the integration of faith, learning, and living.”
      The university's identity statement says a Vanguard education promotes the integration of faith, learning and living.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes (Undergraduate theology majors include Biblical Studies, Christian Formation & Discipleship Studies, General Christian Studies, Intercultural Studies, Ministry Management, Pastoral Leadership Studies, Youth Leadership and Ministry & Leadership (online).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Theology | Vanguard Universityvanguard.edu/academics/academic-programs/undergrad/theology · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Theology—Biblical Studies (BA)”
      Undergraduate theology majors are offered, including Biblical Studies.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A published statement of faithYes (The published identity statement says the university embraces the Assemblies of God doctrinal statement.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Identity Statement | Vanguard University Catalogcatalog.vanguard.edu/general-information/identity-statement · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “the university embraces the Assemblies of God doctrinal statement and its Pentecostal heritage”
      The university embraces the Assemblies of God doctrinal statement.
BChristian community: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Christian community

77 of 100 points · 4 of 7 found

  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)5 or more (Five professional ministry staff on the Spiritual Formation & Chapel staff list: Pastor of Formation and Administration, Spiritual Formation Coordinator, Worship and Chapel Coordinator, Pastor of Worship and Pastor of Preaching and Experiences.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Formation & Chapel | Vanguard Universityvanguard.edu/student-life/spiritual-formation-chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Pastor of Formation and Administration”
      Brenton Fessler is a campus pastor on the Spiritual Formation staff.
      “Spiritual Formation Coordinator”
      Millie Johnson is a Spiritual Formation Coordinator on staff.
      “Worship and Chapel Coordinator”
      Olivia Jimenez is the Worship and Chapel Coordinator on staff.
      “Pastor of Worship, Adjunct Faculty in Music”
      Bodie Kuljian is a Pastor of Worship on staff.
      “Pastor of Preaching and Experiences”
      Cody Adams is a Pastor of Preaching and Experiences on staff.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearOne or two (One spiritual emphasis week is listed (three days and three nights).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel and Worship Services | Vanguard Universityvanguard.edu/student-life/spiritual-formation-chapel/chapel-worship · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Our Spiritual Emphasis gathering brings our community together to pursue Jesus through dynamic worship and passionate, biblical preaching.”
      A spiritual emphasis week with evening worship sessions is offered.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsA few (Small groups hosted by faculty, staff and student leaders, with sign-up in the first month of school.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Small Groups | Vanguard Universityvanguard.edu/student-life/spiritual-formation-chapel/small-groups · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Our small groups are hosted by faculty, staff, and student leaders.”
      Small groups for faith and fellowship are hosted by faculty, staff and student leaders.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes (The Department of Spiritual Formation is dedicated to deepening students' relationship with God, with a pastor-led staff.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Formation & Chapel | Vanguard Universityvanguard.edu/student-life/spiritual-formation-chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “the Department of Spiritual Formation is dedicated to deepening students”
      A Department of Spiritual Formation leads chapel, discipleship and small groups.
AMissions and service: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Missions and service

91 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found

  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or outreach officeYes (Global Education and Outreach office, which runs local and global outreach.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Global Education & Outreach | Vanguard Universityvanguard.edu/academics/global-education-outreach · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “to equip students to pursue knowledge and deepen their faith through local and global outreach”
      The Global Education and Outreach office equips students through local and global outreach.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Missions trips offered to studentsMany each year (Numerous global outreach opportunities each year, recorded at the 'many each year' level.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Global Outreach | Vanguard Universityvanguard.edu/academics/global-education-outreach/global-outreach · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “we have numerous global outreach opportunities throughout the year that allow you to study + serve in countries all over the world”
      Numerous global outreach opportunities are offered each year in countries around the world.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceSome (Local Outreach partners with local churches, ministries and nonprofits; the partner list is not counted because it was not readable.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Local Outreach | Vanguard Universityvanguard.edu/academics/global-education-outreach/local-outreach · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “we value service in the local church, in the community, and through campus ministries”
      Local outreach values service in the local church, the community and campus ministries, with partner organizations.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Cross-cultural or global ministry programsMany (Global outreach programs in countries around the world, offered through the Global Outreach office.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Global Outreach | Vanguard Universityvanguard.edu/academics/global-education-outreach/global-outreach · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “we have numerous global outreach opportunities throughout the year that allow you to study + serve in countries all over the world”
      Numerous global outreach opportunities are offered each year in countries around the world.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Global Outreach | Vanguard Universityvanguard.edu/academics/global-education-outreach/global-outreach · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “allowing your classroom experience to come alive as you serve in the US and around the world, engaging in the Great Commission”
      Outreach is framed as serving in the Great Commission.

Strengths

  • Five named pastors, coordinators and worship staff are listed for the Spiritual Formation and Chapel department.
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Formation & Chapel | Vanguard Universityvanguard.edu/student-life/spiritual-formation-chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Pastor of Formation and Administration”
      Brenton Fessler is a campus pastor on the Spiritual Formation staff.
      “Spiritual Formation Coordinator”
      Millie Johnson is a Spiritual Formation Coordinator on staff.
      “Worship and Chapel Coordinator”
      Olivia Jimenez is the Worship and Chapel Coordinator on staff.
      “Pastor of Worship, Adjunct Faculty in Music”
      Bodie Kuljian is a Pastor of Worship on staff.
      “Pastor of Preaching and Experiences”
      Cody Adams is a Pastor of Preaching and Experiences on staff.
  • Chapel and prayer gatherings are listed with weekly times, including a Tuesday Community Chapel and a Wednesday Prayer Chapel.
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel and Worship Services | Vanguard Universityvanguard.edu/student-life/spiritual-formation-chapel/chapel-worship · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Community Chapel: Tuesdays @ 9:30 AM”
      Community Chapel is held Tuesdays at 9:30 AM.
      “Prayer Chapel: Wednesdays @ 10:00 AM”
      Prayer Chapel meets weekly on Wednesdays at 10:00 AM.
  • The core requires Old and New Testament surveys and a Christian worldview course, and lists faith integration among its learning outcomes.
    Sources (1)
    1. Core Curriculum | Vanguard University Catalogcatalog.vanguard.edu/interdisciplinary-offerings/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Integration of Faith and Learning: Students will develop and articulate a Biblical worldview informed by a Pentecostal perspective, integrating faith with learning.”
      The core curriculum's program learning outcomes include integration of faith and learning.
      “NT-101C New Testament Survey”
      New Testament Survey is a required core course.
      “OT-201C Old Testament Survey”
      Old Testament Survey is a required core course.
      “THEO-300C Developing a Christian World View”
      Developing a Christian World View is a required core course (or its honors equivalent).
  • The Global Education and Outreach office describes numerous global and local outreach opportunities framed by the Great Commission.
    Sources (2)
    1. Global Education & Outreach | Vanguard Universityvanguard.edu/academics/global-education-outreach · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “to equip students to pursue knowledge and deepen their faith through local and global outreach”
      The Global Education and Outreach office equips students through local and global outreach.
    2. Global Outreach | Vanguard Universityvanguard.edu/academics/global-education-outreach/global-outreach · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “we have numerous global outreach opportunities throughout the year that allow you to study + serve in countries all over the world”
      Numerous global outreach opportunities are offered each year in countries around the world.
      “allowing your classroom experience to come alive as you serve in the US and around the world, engaging in the Great Commission”
      Outreach is framed as serving in the Great Commission.

Concerns

  • The chapel commitment is described.
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel and Worship Services | Vanguard Universityvanguard.edu/student-life/spiritual-formation-chapel/chapel-worship · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Up to 30% of Student's Chapel Commitment”
      Students have a chapel commitment, part of which can be met through approved flex chapel.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Campus ministry home

Department of Spiritual Formation (Spiritual Formation & Chapel)

  • Address: 55 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: William Seymour Sanctuary (chapel gatherings)

View on map ↗

Source: vanguard.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, catalog.vanguard.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, vanguard.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026

Campus ministry

Sources (1)
  1. Spiritual Formation & Chapel | Vanguard Universityvanguard.edu/student-life/spiritual-formation-chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “the Department of Spiritual Formation is dedicated to deepening students”
    A Department of Spiritual Formation leads chapel, discipleship and small groups.

Christian clubs and student life

4 groups and regular activities · 1 on campus, 1 off campus, 2 location not published

Service 2

  • Global Outreach tripsOff campus
    Numerous global outreach opportunities each year, in countries around the world.
  • Local Outreach
    Service in the local church, the community and through campus ministries, with partner organizations.

Retreats 1

  • Spiritual Emphasis WeekOn campus
    Three days and three nights of spiritual renewal with worship and biblical preaching, in William Seymour Sanctuary.

Faith formation 1

  • Small groups and one-on-one mentoring
    Sign-up in the first month of school; Monday nights small groups
    Small groups hosted by faculty, staff and student leaders, plus one-on-one mentoring.

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Chapel, worship and prayer

Confirm with the campus ministry

Chapel 1

  • Tuesday9:30 AM · Community Chapel, weekly. Location not stated.

Prayer 1

  • Wednesday10:00 AM · Prayer Chapel, weekly.

Times come only from official campus ministry, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 20, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. Chapel and Worship Services | Vanguard Universityvanguard.edu/student-life/spiritual-formation-chapel/chapel-worship · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Community Chapel: Tuesdays @ 9:30 AM”
    Community Chapel is held Tuesdays at 9:30 AM.
    “Prayer Chapel: Wednesdays @ 10:00 AM”
    Prayer Chapel meets weekly on Wednesdays at 10:00 AM.

Plan a campus visit Chapel and worship times for your dates, questions to ask, and a calendar button.

What families pay, by income

Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.

Average net price by family income
Family incomePrice after aid
Up to $30,000$17,225
$30,001–$48,000$18,462
$48,001–$75,000$18,976
$75,001–$110,000$24,117
Over $110,000$27,684

Full cost of attendance before aid: $52,665 a year.

Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Value and outcomes
Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
1,987
Men and women
College Scorecard, fall 2023
Men 33% · Women 67%
First-generation students
College Scorecard
36%
First-year students from another state
IPEDS, fall 2023
10%
Total students2,219
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$21,241
Cost of attendance (per year)$52,665
Median federal debt at graduation$22,000
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
57%
Graduation rate for Pell grant recipients
College Scorecard, within 6 years
45%
Graduation rate for first-generation students
College Scorecard, within 6 years
47%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years
College Scorecard, within 3 years
66%
First-year retention70%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$59,541
Admission rate62%
Application fee
IPEDS, 2023–24
$45
Early action deadline
College website, 2026-27
December 1
Regular decision deadline
College website, 2026-27
March 2
Priority filing deadline
College website, 2026-27
January 1
Students receiving Pell grants44%

Value index: 69 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Earnings by major

Median earnings of bachelor’s graduates a few years after finishing, by major (College Scorecard).

Median earnings by major
MajorMedian earnings
Nursing$102,239
Business administration$62,957
Psychology$47,582

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Accounting, Anthropology, Bible/Biblical Studies, Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Broadcasting, Chemistry, Communication studies, Computing and information science, Criminal justice, Data Science, Education (general), English, History, Kinesiology and exercise science, Management science, Marketing, Mathematics, Music, Pastoral counseling, Physical Sciences, Pre-health, Religious Music and Worship, Religious studies, Secondary education, Sociology, Teacher education, Theatre.

What students study most

Share of bachelor’s degrees by field, first majors in 2023–24 (IPEDS).

Most common bachelor’s fields
FieldShare of degrees
Business18%
Psychology15%
Parks, recreation and fitness12%
Health professions11%
Education11%

Campus facts

School colors
SettingCity
Part-time undergraduates11%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older9%
On-campus room and board (per year)$13,450
SportsNCAA Division II · Pacific West Conference
Study abroadOffered
Students per faculty member13 to 1
Undergraduates registered with the disability officeAbout 6%IPEDS, 2023–24
Disability servicesVisit the office’s pageThe college’s own page
Faculty who are full-time100%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student$7,951IPEDS, 2023, per student
Dorm spaceFor about 51% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline serviceJohn Wayne Orange County International Airport (SNA)About 2 miles away · about 5 minutes by car
Town population110,330Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or moreSanta AnaAbout 5 miles away · about 10 minutes by car
Typical weather58°F in January · 73°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Santa Ana John Wayne Airport, CA

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard), except school colors. None of this changes the faith grades.

Campus safety reports

On-campus crimes reported in 2024, per 1,000 students.

On-campus crimes per 1,000 students
CategoryThis campusU.S. rate
Rape0.000.07
Robbery0.000.01
Aggravated assault0.000.04
Burglary0.890.08
Motor vehicle theft0.000.15

Numbers reflect what each campus reported. They differ with campus size and how reporting is done, so compare with care. U.S. rate: total reported offenses divided by total students at every institution in the report.

Source: Official data: U.S. Department of Education

Christian churches nearby

Map of Vanguard University of Southern California, its Christian center and nearby Christian churches0.25 miDepartment of Spiritual Formation (Spiritual Formation & Chapel): 0.2 miVanguard University of Southern California (campus)N0.1 mi
CampusChristian centerOpen a street map ›

No Christian churches are mapped in OpenStreetMap within 3 miles. The map may be incomplete; check a local church directory.

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the church.

Questions families ask

Is Vanguard University of Southern California a Christian college?
Yes. Vanguard University of Southern California is a Christian college. Its sponsor is General Council of the Assemblies of God, USA.
What is Vanguard University of Southern California’s Compass Score?
76 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

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About this school’s data
  • IPEDS unit ID 123651
  • Carnegie classification: Master's university (medium programs)
  • Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Assemblies of God Church
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