skip to main content

Vanguard University of Southern California

Overview

At a Glance

School type

Private, not-for-profit, 4-year or above

School Size & Setting

Medium | Urban

Students-to-Faculty Ratio

28:1

Religious affliation

Assemblies of God Church

Mission Statement

The mission of Vanguard University is to equip students for a Spirit-empowered life of Christ-centered leadership and service.

Read More
No Information for this section

cost & financial aid

Annual tuition & fees

Undergraduate

In state

$38,700

Out of state

$38,700
Graduate

In state

$12,556

Out of state

$12,556

Financial Aid: Undergraduates

Received financial aid
100%
Type of aid % of students receiving aid Average amount
Federal grants 51.0% $5,818
State/local grants 57.0% $7,770
Institutional grants 100.0% $21,485
Loans 94.0% $6,404

Other Estimated Costs

Housing

$10,290 per year

Books & Supplies

$1,150 per year

Personal Expenses

$3,010 per year

Pay For College with ROTC

Reserve Officers Training Corp (ROTC) is a college scholarship program that prepares students to become military officers

Learn More About ROTC

Financial aid resources

Paying for college

Learn about different ways to cover costs, incluing financial aid, GI Bills, grants and scholarships

Applying for financial Aid

Review this step-by-step guide on everything you need to do to complete your application.

No Information for this section

Academics

Most Popular Undergraduate majors

  • Psychology, General
  • Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Business Administration and Management, General
  • Exercise Science and Kinesiology
  • Education, General
Full List of Majors

Undergraduate Majors X

  • BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
    • Biology/Biological Sciences, General
      • A general program of biology at the introductory, basic level or a program in biology or the biological sciences that is undifferentiated as to title or content. Includes instruction in general biology and programs covering a variety of biological specializations. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Biomedical Sciences, General
      • A general, program that focuses on the integrative scientific study of biological issues related to health and medicine, or a program in one or more of the biomedical sciences that is undifferentiated as to title. Includes instruction in any of the basic medical sciences at the research level; biological science research in biomedical faculties; and general studies encompassing a variety of the biomedical disciplines. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Biochemistry
      • A program that focuses on the scientific study of the chemistry of living systems, their fundamental chemical substances and reactions, and their chemical pathways and information transfer systems, with particular reference to carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Includes instruction in bio-organic chemistry, protein chemistry, bioanalytical chemistry, bioseparations, regulatory biochemistry, enzymology, hormonal chemistry, calorimetry, and research methods and equipment operation. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Biotechnology
      • A program that focuses on the application of the biological sciences, biochemistry, and genetics to the preparation of new and enhanced agricultural, environmental, clinical, and industrial products, including the commercial exploitation of microbes, plants, and animals. Includes instruction in bioinformatics, gene identification, phylogenetics and comparative genomics, bioinorganic chemistry, immunoassaying, DNA sequencing, xenotransplantation, genetic engineering, industrial microbiology, drug and biologic development, enzyme-based production processes, patent law, biotechnology management and marketing, applicable regulations, and biotechnology ethics. See other colleges that offer this major
  • BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES
    • Business Administration and Management, General
      • A program that generally prepares individuals to plan, organize, direct, and control the functions and processes of a firm or organization. Includes instruction in management theory, human resources management and behavior, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Organizational Leadership
      • A program that focuses on leadership skills that can be applied to a business, government, non-profit, or educational setting. Includes instruction in organizational planning, dynamics of leadership, finance, team building, conflict resolution and mediation, communication and other management skills. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Accounting
      • A program that prepares individuals to practice the profession of accounting and to perform related business functions. Includes instruction in accounting principles and theory, financial accounting, managerial accounting, cost accounting, budget control, tax accounting, legal aspects of accounting, auditing, reporting procedures, statement analysis, planning and consulting, business information systems, accounting research methods, professional standards and ethics, and applications to specific for-profit, public, and non-profit organizations. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Actuarial Science
      • A program that focuses on the mathematical and statistical analysis of risk, and their applications to insurance and other business management problems. Includes instruction in forecasting theory, quantitative and non-quantitative risk measurement methodologies, development of risk tables, secondary data analysis, and computer-assisted research methods. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Marketing/Marketing Management, General
      • A program that generally prepares individuals to undertake and manage the process of developing consumer audiences and moving products from producers to consumers. Includes instruction in buyer behavior and dynamics, principle of marketing research, demand analysis, cost-volume and profit relationships, pricing theory, marketing campaign and strategic planning, market segments, advertising methods, sales operations and management, consumer relations, retailing, and applications to specific products and markets. See other colleges that offer this major
  • COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES
    • Computer and Information Sciences, General
      • A general program that focuses on computing, computer science, and information science and systems. Such programs are undifferentiated as to title and content and are not to be confused with specific programs in computer science, information science, or related support services. See other colleges that offer this major
  • EDUCATION
    • Education, General
      • A program that focuses on the general theory and practice of learning and teaching, the basic principles of educational psychology, the art of teaching, the planning and administration of educational activities, school safety and health issues, and the social foundations of education. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Music Teacher Education
  • ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS
    • English Language and Literature, General
      • A general program that focuses on the English language, including its history, structure and related communications skills; and the literature and culture of English-speaking peoples. See other colleges that offer this major
  • HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS
    • Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
      • A program that generally prepares individuals in the knowledge, techniques and procedures for promoting health, providing care for sick, disabled, infirmed, or other individuals or groups. Includes instruction in the administration of medication and treatments, assisting a physician during treatments and examinations, Referring patients to physicians and other health care specialists, and planning education for health maintenance. See other colleges that offer this major
  • HISTORY
    • History, General
      • A program that focuses on the general study and interpretation of the past, including the gathering, recording, synthesizing and criticizing of evidence and theories about past events. Includes instruction in historiography; historical research methods; studies of specific periods, issues and cultures; and applications to areas such as historic preservation, public policy, and records administration. See other colleges that offer this major
  • MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS
    • Mathematics, General
      • A general program that focuses on the analysis of quantities, magnitudes, forms, and their relationships, using symbolic logic and language. Includes instruction in algebra, calculus, functional analysis, geometry, number theory, logic, topology and other mathematical specializations. See other colleges that offer this major
  • MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES
    • Data Science, General
      • A program that focuses on the analysis of large scale data sources from the interdisciplinary perspectives of applied statistics, computer science, data storage, data representation, data modeling, mathematics, and statistics. Includes instruction in computer algorithms, computer programming, data management, data mining, information policy, information retrieval, mathematical modeling, quantitative analysis, statistics, trend spotting, and visual analytics. See other colleges that offer this major
  • PARKS, RECREATION, LEISURE, FITNESS, AND KINESIOLOGY
    • Exercise Science and Kinesiology
      • A scientific program that focuses on the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and biophysics of human movement, and applications to exercise and therapeutic rehabilitation. Includes instruction in biomechanics, motor behavior, motor development and coordination, motor neurophysiology, performance research, rehabilitative therapies, the development of diagnostic and rehabilitative methods and equipment, and related analytical methods and procedures in applied exercise and therapeutic rehabilitation. See other colleges that offer this major
  • PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES
    • Religion/Religious Studies
      • A program that focuses on the nature of religious belief and specific religious and quasi-religious systems. Includes instruction in phenomenology; the sociology, psychology, philosophy, anthropology, literature and art of religion; mythology; scriptural and textual studies; religious history and politics; and specific studies of particular faith communities and their behavior. See other colleges that offer this major
  • PHYSICAL SCIENCES
    • Physical Sciences, General
      • A program that focuses on the major topics, concepts, processes, and interrelationships of physical phenomena as studied in any combination of physical science disciplines. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Chemistry, General
      • A general program that focuses on the scientific study of the composition and behavior of matter, including its micro- and macro-structure, the processes of chemical change, and the theoretical description and laboratory simulation of these phenomena. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Environmental Chemistry
      • A program that focuses on the scientific study of natural systems (air, water, and soil) through the use of chemical techniques and instrumentation, with an emphasis on the movement and fate of pollutants and chemical aspects of contaminant remediation. Includes instruction in analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry; aquatic, soil, and atmospheric chemistry; environmental engineering; environmental toxicology; and analytical methods. See other colleges that offer this major
  • PSYCHOLOGY
    • Psychology, General
      • A general program that focuses on the scientific study of individual and collective behavior, the physical and environmental bases of behavior, and the analysis and treatment of behavior problems and disorders. Includes instruction in the principles of the various subfields of psychology, research methods, and psychological assessment and testing methods. See other colleges that offer this major
  • SOCIAL SCIENCES
    • Cultural Anthropology
      • A program that focuses on the study of culture and the relationship of culture to other aspects of social life. Includes instruction in cultural anthropology, anthropological theory, enthnography, linguistics, and quantitative and qualitative research methods. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Sociology, General
      • A program that focuses on the systematic study of human social institutions and social relationships. Includes instruction in social theory, sociological research methods, social organization and structure, social stratification and hierarchies, dynamics of social change, family structures, social deviance and control, and applications to the study of specific social groups, social institutions, and social problems. See other colleges that offer this major
  • THEOLOGY AND RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS
    • Bible/Biblical Studies
      • A program that focuses on the Christian and/or Jewish Bible and related literature, with an emphasis on understanding and interpreting the theological, doctrinal, and ethical messages contained therein. May include preparation for applying these studies in various religious vocations. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Religious/Sacred Music
      • A program that focuses on the history, theory, composition, and performance of music for religious or sacred purposes, and that prepares individuals for religious musical vocations such as choir directors, cantors, organists, and chanters. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Pastoral Studies/Counseling
      • A program that focuses on the theory and principles of pastoral care and prepares ordained clergy to provide non-clinical pastoral counseling to individuals and groups. Includes instruction in pastoral leadership, counseling psychology; crisis intervention; individual and group procedures; theological and spiritual counseling; pastoral care; and applications to specific types of ministry. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Youth Ministry
      • A program that prepares the ordained clergy and other religious professionals to provide spiritual, counseling, and leadership services to children, adolescents, and young adults. Includes instruction in child and adolescent psychology, human growth and development, family studies, communication skills, religious education, youth counseling, small group leadership, planning and organizing youth activities, volunteer supervision, and youth evangelism and worship. See other colleges that offer this major
  • VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS
    • Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General
      • A program that focuses on the general study of dramatic works and their performance. Includes instruction in major works of dramatic literature, dramatic styles and types, and the principles of organizing and producing full live or filmed productions. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology
      • A program that prepares individuals to apply artistic, technical and dramatic principles and techniques to the communication of dramatic information, ideas, moods, and feelings through technical theatre methods. Includes instruction in set design, lighting design, sound effects, theatre acoustics, scene painting, property management, costume design, and technical direction and production and use of computer applications to support these functions. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Directing and Theatrical Production
      • A program that prepares individuals to manage the planning, design, preparation, and production of plays and other theatrical entertainment programs. Includes instruction in theatrical design, program management, dramatic production, rehearsal management, personnel management and casting, actor coaching, directing concepts and techniques, theater history, scene work, script interpretation, business management, marketing, public relations, and communications skills. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Musical Theatre
      • A program that focuses on the principles and techniques for integrating theatre, music, and dance into a unified production. Includes instruction in acting, dance, voice, technical theater, musical genres, piano, and history of musical theater. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Music, General
      • A general program that focuses on the introductory study and appreciation of music and the performing arts. Includes instruction in music, dance, and other performing arts media. See other colleges that offer this major

Most Popular Graduate programs

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Nursing Administration
  • Industrial and Organizational Psychology
  • Curriculum and Instruction
  • Pastoral Studies/Counseling
Full List of Programs

Graduate ProgramsX

  • BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
    • Biotechnology
      • A program that focuses on the application of the biological sciences, biochemistry, and genetics to the preparation of new and enhanced agricultural, environmental, clinical, and industrial products, including the commercial exploitation of microbes, plants, and animals. Includes instruction in bioinformatics, gene identification, phylogenetics and comparative genomics, bioinorganic chemistry, immunoassaying, DNA sequencing, xenotransplantation, genetic engineering, industrial microbiology, drug and biologic development, enzyme-based production processes, patent law, biotechnology management and marketing, applicable regulations, and biotechnology ethics. See other colleges that offer this major
  • COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES
    • Computer and Information Sciences, General
      • A general program that focuses on computing, computer science, and information science and systems. Such programs are undifferentiated as to title and content and are not to be confused with specific programs in computer science, information science, or related support services. See other colleges that offer this major
  • EDUCATION
    • Curriculum and Instruction
      • A program that focuses on the curriculum and related instructional processes and tools, and that may prepare individuals to serve as professional curriculum specialists. Includes instruction in curriculum theory, curriculum design and planning, instructional material design and evaluation, curriculum evaluation, and applications to specific subject matter, programs or educational levels. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Educational Leadership and Administration, General
      • A program that focuses on the general principles and techniques of administering a wide variety of schools and other educational organizations and facilities, supervising educational personnel at the school or staff level, and that may prepare individuals as general administrators and supervisors. See other colleges that offer this major
  • HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS
    • Nursing Administration
      • A program that prepares registered nurses to manage nursing personnel and services in hospitals and other health care delivery agencies. Includes instruction in principles of health care administration, resource and financial management, health care law and policy, medical personnel management, and managed care operations. See other colleges that offer this major
  • PSYCHOLOGY
    • Clinical Psychology
      • A program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of clinical psychology, involving the analysis, diagnosis, and clinical treatment of psychological disorders and behavioral pathologies. Includes instruction in clinical assessment and diagnosis, personality appraisal, psychopathology, clinical psychopharmacology, behavior modification, therapeutic intervention skills, patient interviewing, personalized and group therapy, child and adolescent therapy, cognitive and behavioral therapy, supervised clinical practice, ethical standards, and applicable regulations. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Industrial and Organizational Psychology
      • A program that focuses on the scientific study of individual and group behavior in institutional settings, applications to related problems of organization and industry, and that may prepare individuals to apply such principles in industrial and organizational settings. Includes instruction in group behavior theory, organizational theory, reward/punishment structures, human-machine and human-computer interactions, motivation dynamics, human stress studies, environmental and organizational influences on behavior, alienation and satisfaction, and job testing and assessment. See other colleges that offer this major
  • THEOLOGY AND RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS
    • Theology/Theological Studies
      • A program that focuses on the beliefs and doctrine of a particular religious faith from the intramural point of view of that faith. Includes instruction in systematic theology, historical theology, moral theology, doctrinal studies, dogmatics, apologetics, and applications to specific questions of ecclesiastical polity and religious life. See other colleges that offer this major
    • Pastoral Studies/Counseling
      • A program that focuses on the theory and principles of pastoral care and prepares ordained clergy to provide non-clinical pastoral counseling to individuals and groups. Includes instruction in pastoral leadership, counseling psychology; crisis intervention; individual and group procedures; theological and spiritual counseling; pastoral care; and applications to specific types of ministry. See other colleges that offer this major
No Information for this section

Admissions

Undergraduate acceptance rate

Acceptance rate
74.84%
  • Apply 2,778
  • Accepted 2,079
  • Attend 541

Application Fee

Undergraduate
$45
Graduate
$45

Undergraduate application requirements

  • High school transcript

    Required
  • High school GPA

    Required
  • Recommendation letter

    Not applicable
  • Admissions test
    (SAT or ACT)

    Not applicable
  • TOEFL
    (international students)

    Required
  • Completion of college
    prep program

    Not applicable
  • Demonstration of
    competencies

    Not applicable
No Information for this section

Student Life

Student Demographics

Female Students
67%
Male Students
33%

Student Ethnicities
  1. Hispanic/Latino45.83%
  2. Caucasian32.58%
  3. Not Specified8.29%
  4. Asian5.1%
  5. Black4.48%
  6. Two Or More Ethnicities2.97%
  7. Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander0.44%
  8. American Indian/Alaska Native0.31%

Student body breakdown

Total students enrolled

2,514

Undergraduate students

2,137

Graduate students

377

Full Time Students
85%
Part Time Students
15%

Student services

  • Meal plan
  • Counseling services
  • Remedial services
  • Work-study
  • Placement services
  • Study abroad
  • Weekend/evening classes
  • On-campus day care for student's children

Top five largest sports teams

Male sports:
  • Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)
  • Baseball
  • Wrestling
  • Soccer
  • Basketball
Female sports:
  • Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)
  • Other Sports
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Volleyball
Full List of Athletics

Full List of Athletics X

    • Male

    • Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)
    • Baseball
    • Wrestling
    • Soccer
    • Basketball
    • Volleyball
    • Golf
    • Female

    • Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)
    • Other Sports
    • Soccer
    • Softball
    • Volleyball
    • Beach Volleyball
    • Basketball
    • Golf
No Information for this section