Vanguard University of Southern California
Vanguard University of Southern California — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Vanguard University of Southern California at a Glance
Vanguard University is a private Protestant university in Costa Mesa, California. Vanguard's required core curriculum includes courses on American politics and history, theology, fine arts, and public speaking.
1920
106 years old
2,246
1,914 undergrad · 332 grad
Identity
Is Vanguard University of Southern California Worth It?
At a value score of 39/100, Vanguard University of Southern California is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $59,541 — 11% above average — while paying $21,241/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 56% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Vanguard University of Southern California has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Vanguard University of Southern California compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in CA
Ranked #57 of 143 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of St Francis | 81 | $13,006 | $63,926 |
| #2 | University of Tulsa | 74 | $15,000 | $61,408 |
| #3 | Holy Family University | 72 | $13,143 | $62,235 |
| #4 | Carroll University | 67 | $15,193 | $58,009 |
| #5 | Centre College | 66 | $20,781 | $66,240 |
| #6 | DePauw University | 61 | $22,264 | $70,527 |
| #57 | Vanguard University of Southern California | 39 | $21,241 | $59,541 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Vanguard University of Southern California's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in CA.
Best Programs at Vanguard University of Southern California
The highest-earning program at Vanguard University of Southern California is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $85,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Sociology at $22,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Vanguard University of Southern California earns $85,600, while a Sociology graduate earns $22,000. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $20,889 in median debt vs. $25,000 for Sociology.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $21,241/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $85,600 | $85,600 | $20,889 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $38,800 | $38,800 | $25,000 |
| Marketing | $34,200 | $34,200 | $24,125 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $33,400 | $33,400 | $21,500 |
| Psychology, General | $29,000 | $29,000 | $25,000 |
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries | $25,700 | $25,700 | N/A |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $25,500 | $25,500 | $22,147 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $23,300 | $23,300 | $23,200 |
| Sociology | $22,000 | $22,000 | $25,000 |
Similar Colleges in CA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Costa Mesa, CA
- Student Body
- 1,933 students
- Admission Rate
- 62%
- Graduation Rate
- 56%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $21,241
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $59,541
- Median Student Debt
- $22,000