Vanguard University of Southern California

About Vanguard University of Southern California

Established in 1920, Vanguard University of Southern California is a private, accredited non-profit Christian university. Vanguard offers a rich curriculum of liberal arts and professional studies designed to equip students for a Spirit-empowered life of Christ-centered leadership and service. Vanguard’s goal for each student is to integrate faith with academic achievements that will enhance character development and cultivate the seeds to the greatness of life.

Type of Institution

4 yr

Private not-for-profit

Tuition Range

$0-$15K

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

14:1

Financial Aid Percent

90%

Graduation Rate

61%

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Tuition

Range shown below is based on In-state tuition and does not include any external costs such as housing, books, etc.

Estimate Tuition Range

$$$$.................................. $0 - $15,000
$$$$.................................. $15,001 - $25,000
$$$$.................................. $25,001 - $35,000
$$$$.................................. $35,001 or above

Financial Aid Percent

Includes students receiving Federal work study aid as well as aid from pell grants,federal grants, scholarships, and other sources of financial aid.

Why Choose Vanguard University?

Vanguard University hosts a diverse, Christian community and could be an idyllic place for students who want to integrate faith with their studies. Vanguard offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies programs designed to cultivate spiritual growth through educational development within small class sizes. Some of the most popular courses offered here are:

Education
Nursing
Psychology
Theological Studies

Integrating Faith and Life Through Education

Forming the bedrock of Vanguard University is the integration of faith and life through education and academic excellence. Therefore, all of the courses and programs integrate Christian ideals and experiences. Civic responsibility, respecting cultural and individual differences, and caring for others are also important cornerstones in the education process here.

The Professional Studies Program

This special program is for working adults who can complete their degree by attending class only one night per week or online depending on the program.

Vanguard Student Experience

Vanguard students can join one of the many on-campus clubs or start their own club. Most of the clubs promote cultural awareness and enrichment, Christian practices, and politics. There’s even a Surf Club and a Veteran’s Club. Those who choose to live on campus are close to concerts and events at the Orange County Fairground and a few miles to the beach and Disneyland.

Access to Student Support Services

Vanguard University offers a wide variety of support services. Enrich your study in the Academic Resource Center or shop for a new title at the bookstore. Other services include Disability Services, a Career Counseling Center, and a Church Relations department.

Service Programs for Service Members and Veterans

The Veteran Services program follows the University’s mission by integrating student veterans into the faith-based philosophy and cultivating relationships with other student veterans.

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Mission, Vision & Values

Vanguard is committed to cultivating character, deepening faith, and preparing students for diverse vocations, leadership roles, and programs. Its mission is to provide an opportunity for students to earn a degree at a faith-based, accredited university.

Vanguard values include truth, virtue, and service.

Admissions

Application for Vanguard programs can be completed online. Application deadlines are in Fall, Spring, and Summer.

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required for admission into any programs and is not considered in evaluating student applications.
All programs require a Personal Statement, which must include the relationship between your professional goals and your Christian faith.
Vanguard does accept transfer credits/units from other institutions.

Enrollment, Attendance, Retention Rates and Graduation

Vanguard University of Southern California has a total graduate enrollment of 276

Graduate attendance rate of 73% part-time and 27% full-time

For the years 2017-2018 Vanguard University of Southern California awarded: 4 associates, 433 bachelor's degrees, 84 master's degrees

Financial Aid

Prospective Vanguard students may apply for the following Federal student aid programs: Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans, Subsidized Federal Direct Loans, Federal PLUS (Parent) Loans, and Graduate Plus Loans.

Accreditation is a process of institutional peer review by not-for-profit agencies that evaluate colleges, universities, and educational programs for continuous quality. In terms of accreditation, Vanguard University is regionally accredited and a few of its programs are also accredited.

Regional Accreditation: Vanguard University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Program Accreditation: Vanguard’s nursing education programs at the baccalaureate degree levels are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CNURED). Additionally, its theater programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre, Commission on Accreditation (THEA).
Vanguard University is a member of Council for Christian Colleges & Universities.

Campus Locations

Costa Mesa CA 92626 55 Fair Drive
Vanguard University: Costa Mesa, CA
55 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626

Vanguard University offers individualized tracks for professionals working towards associates, bachelors, and certificates. Students have a wide variety of academic programs from which to choose. Online programs are also available.

Vanguard Degree Highlights

Clinical Psychology:

This program equips its students to serve with excellence as Christian mental health professionals by providing the highest quality of rigorous academic training, guided professional development, and integrative faith-based learning in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Nursing:

The Department of Nursing fosters a commitment to providing exceptional undergraduate and graduate nursing programs taught by professor-mentors in a dynamic learning community.

Theological Studies:

This program provides training for participants to reflect theologically on the role of the church in contemporary society and to develop skills necessary for effective ministry within local churches, mission agencies or para-church ministries. Students will focus on three major areas of study: Biblical Studies, Theological Studies, and Leadership Studies.

Online Programs

Most of the online classes do not require students to log in at a specific time each week to “attend” class. Instead, students must submit assignments at designated times throughout the week and may access materials and lectures at the time of their choosing. Other courses require students to be online at a specific time.