
55 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA


Vanguard University of Southern California was founded in 1920, originally established as a Bible college with the intent to provide a Christ-centered education. Over the decades, it evolved significantly, expanding its academic programs and transitioning into a comprehensive university. This growth involved broadening its curriculum beyond religious studies to include a variety of liberal arts and professional degrees, adapting to the changing demands of higher education and student interests. The university's development reflects a commitment to combining faith-based values with rigorous scholarship, seeking to serve a diverse student body. Throughout its history, the institution has maintained a focus on personal development and community involvement, positioning itself as a distinctive option for students looking for an education that integrates spiritual formation with academic achievement. These changes mark its transformation from a small college to a full university, highlighting its adaptability and responsiveness to both educational trends and the needs of its students.
Vanguard University of Southern California offers a diverse range of academic programs organized into several key faculties and departments designed to cater to varied student interests and career goals. The university's academic structure emphasizes both liberal arts education and professional preparation.
The College of Arts and Sciences includes departments such as Behavioral Sciences, Humanities, and Natural Sciences. These departments provide foundational coursework and specialized majors that develop critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills. Students can explore disciplines ranging from psychology and sociology to biology and chemistry within this faculty.
Another significant school at Vanguard is the School of Business, which offers departments focused on business administration, accounting, and management. These programs aim to equip students with practical skills necessary to thrive in today's corporate environment, emphasizing leadership, ethics, and strategic decision-making.
The School of Education addresses the preparation of future educators through departments specializing in teacher education and counseling. These departments provide both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experiences to meet state certification requirements and foster effective teaching practices.
Additionally, Vanguard University maintains a dedicated School of Nursing, which delivers robust programs for aspiring nurses. This faculty ensures students receive comprehensive clinical training alongside nursing theory to prepare them for professional healthcare roles.
Overall, the university's faculties are structured to support an interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to tailor their education to both personal interests and professional ambitions.
Vanguard University of Southern California is situated in Costa Mesa, California, at 55 Fair Drive. The campus is located in the western part of the city, providing students with access to a vibrant urban environment. Costa Mesa is a well-connected area with convenient transportation options, including proximity to John Wayne Airport in Orange County, which supports both domestic and international travel for students and visitors.
Costa Mesa offers a strategic location that balances suburban comfort with urban amenities, making it an attractive choice for students seeking a diverse and accessible college environment. The university's placement within this city allows students to benefit from nearby cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities, enhancing their overall college experience.
Vanguard University of Southern California centers its educational mission on equipping students with both intellectual skills and practical experience to foster personal growth and professional success. The university emphasizes a holistic approach to learning, integrating academic rigor with a supportive community environment. This approach is designed to prepare students not only for their chosen careers but also for meaningful contributions to society.
The institution's vision highlights the cultivation of graduates who are thoughtful, ethical, and committed to leading with integrity. Vanguard University seeks to develop leaders who can navigate complex challenges by applying critical thinking along with a foundation of moral responsibility. The university aims to create an inclusive atmosphere that encourages diversity of thought and nurtures a lifelong passion for learning and service.
Name of the institution
Vanguard University of Southern CaliforniaLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
City: MidsizeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999Religious affiliation
Protestant (Presbyterian Church)School type
Comprehensive higher education institutionMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1920
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Associate's degree
Certificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Doctor's degree - other
Other degreeDegrees
Accounting and Related Services
Data not availableAnthropology
Data not availableBible/Biblical Studies
Data not availableBiochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Data not availableBiology, General
Data not availableBusiness Administration, Management and Operations
$37,217Chemistry
Data not availableCommunication and Media Studies
$30,413Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
Data not availableEducation, General
Data not availableEnglish Language and Literature, General
Data not availableHealth and Physical Education/Fitness
Data not availableHistory
Data not availableLiberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Data not availableMarketing
Data not availableMathematics
Data not availableMissions/Missionary Studies and Missiology
Data not availableMusic
Data not availablePastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
Data not availablePsychology, General
$31,534Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
Data not availableRegistered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$91,857Religion/Religious Studies
Data not availableReligious/Sacred Music
Data not availableSociology
Data not availableTeacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Data not availableTeacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Data not available