Vanguard University of Southern California

Vanguard University of Southern California is a private nonprofit university in Costa Mesa, Orange County. It combines a residential campus and broad undergraduate curriculum with professional and graduate programs, while placing Christian faith at the center of its institutional identity. That context is visible in its theology programs, worship and ministry opportunities, and student community; applicants should consider whether that environment fits what they want from college. WSCUC lists Vanguard as accredited and nonprofit. The main campus address, admissions contacts and a guide to evaluating costs and programs are below.

Degrees and areas of study

Undergraduate majors span biology and biotechnology, business, communication, English, history and political science, kinesiology, liberal studies, music, nursing, psychology, sociology and criminal justice, theatre, and theology. Students can pursue fields such as nursing, computer science, engineering physics, digital marketing and public relations, criminal justice, theatre production, or ministry leadership. Vanguard also offers graduate study in clinical psychology, education, nursing, organizational psychology and theology, along with teacher credentials and professional education programs for adult learners. Many degrees have separate entry requirements, course sequences or costs; prospective nursing, counseling and teacher-credential students should review the specific program page before making plans.

Main campus: 55 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626; general information (714) 556-3610. Google Maps lists weekday office hours as Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday are closed. The campus is near Costa Mesa’s coastal and cultural attractions, but students should compare housing, transport and commuting needs with the full cost of attendance. Vanguard offers campus visits and program-specific information meetings, including for nursing.

Tuition, aid and scholarships

For 2026–27, traditional undergraduate tuition is $1,820 per unit, or $21,890 per semester for a 12–18 unit load, before fees and living expenses. Graduate tuition depends on the school: published per-unit rates include $855 for clinical psychology, $720 for education, $750 for nursing and $650 for theology. Professional Education programs use separate rates, and housing, meals, course fees, books and transportation add to the budget. Check the current tuition page for your exact program and use Vanguard’s net price calculator to estimate what you may pay after aid.

Vanguard says new first-year students are automatically considered for academic scholarships through their admission application. For 2026–27, its published annual award ranges are $10,000–$26,000 for incoming freshmen and $10,000–$17,000 for transfers; renewal depends on enrollment and academic requirements. FAFSA may also open access to federal and California grants, work-study, loans and institutional need-based aid. The university lists a priority FAFSA deadline and separate requirements for different student types, so submit the form early and ask the financial aid office to explain the complete award, renewal rules and any program-specific costs before comparing offers.

Applying and visiting

Traditional first-year, transfer, graduate and professional applicants follow different steps. Transfer students should ask how prior credits will count toward the intended degree. If you are considering nursing, attend an information meeting and confirm prerequisites and selection steps; for education programs, check whether a degree or credential is the right route. Begin through Vanguard’s undergraduate admissions page or use the relevant graduate or professional admissions section, then schedule a visit to see the campus and talk with the department you are considering.

What students say

Public student comments often emphasize a close campus community, small classes, supportive faculty and the role of faith in campus life. Some also point to maintenance concerns in residence halls or say that a small campus may not suit every commuter or transfer student. Reviews describe personal experiences and can become dated, so use them to prepare specific questions: ask current students about housing upkeep, class access, transportation and the balance of religious and academic life. A visit and a direct conversation with your intended program can give a more useful sense of fit than a rating alone.