
Vanguard University of Southern California is a private institution that was founded in 1920 and has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,964 students as of Fall 2023. The university is divided into four schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the Patty Arvielo School of Business and Communication, the School of Education, and the School of Theology and Ministry. Vanguard University is a Christian-centered university with a mission to pursue knowledge, cultivate character, deepen faith, and equip each student for a Spirit-empowered life of Christ-centered leadership and service. The university's athletic teams are called the Lions, and they compete in 20 intercollegiate varsity sports. The campus is located in the coastal city of Costa Mesa, California, and offers a beautiful Southern California location for its students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of students | 1,964 (as of fall 2023) |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,964 (as of fall 2023) |
| Number of graduate degrees | 101 |
| Number of undergraduate degrees | 438 |
| Campus size | 40 acres |
| Year founded | 1920 |
| Location | Costa Mesa, California |
| Type of institution | Private |
| Religious affiliation | Assemblies of God Church |
| Number of schools | 4 |
| Number of varsity sports teams | 20 |
| Athletic conference | National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) |
| Mascot | Lions |
| Number of clubs and organizations | 2 (known) |
| Ranking | #43 in Regional Universities West (2025) |
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What You'll Learn

Undergraduate enrolment
Vanguard University of Southern California is a private institution founded in 1920. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 1,964 students as of Fall 2023. The university is situated in the coastal city of Costa Mesa, between Los Angeles and San Diego, California. It is a small, liberal arts school with a Christian atmosphere, a warm community, and a beautiful Southern California location. The university is divided into four schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the Patty Arvielo School of Business and Communication, the School of Education, and the School of Theology and Ministry. The most popular undergraduate majors include business, psychology, kinesiology, and communication. Vanguard encourages students to develop an enhanced spiritual life and get involved with the church, as worship is an important part of community life.
The university's athletic teams are called the Lions, and they compete in 20 intercollegiate varsity sports. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling. Women's sports include basketball, beach volleyball, cross country, dance, golf, soccer, sideline dance, softball, stunt, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling. The university is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and primarily competes in the Pacific West Conference (PacWest).
The campus size is 40 acres, and the university has a semester-based academic calendar. The mission of Vanguard University is to pursue knowledge, cultivate character, deepen faith, and equip each student for a Spirit-empowered life of Christ-centered leadership and service. The university is a nationally recognized leader in Christian higher education, cultivating academic excellence, character development, and a global perspective in its students. The small class sizes allow professors to get to know their students easily and foster a caring and nurturing environment.
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Student demographics
Vanguard University of Southern California is a private institution founded in 1920 with a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,964 students as of Fall 2023. The university is situated in the coastal city of Costa Mesa, California, between Los Angeles and San Diego. It has a suburban setting, a campus size of 40 acres, and utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Vanguard University is a Christian-centered university that combines a liberal arts education with spiritual learning. The university is affiliated with the Assemblies of God Church and encourages students to develop an enhanced spiritual life and get involved with the church. Worship is an important part of community life at Vanguard.
The university is divided into four schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the Patty Arvielo School of Business and Communication, the School of Education, and the School of Theology and Ministry. The most popular majors at Vanguard University include business, psychology, kinesiology, and communication. The university also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including athletic teams, clubs, and social events. The Vanguard athletic teams, known as the Lions, compete in 20 intercollegiate varsity sports, including baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, track & field, volleyball, and wrestling for both men and women. The university is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
Students at Vanguard University come from diverse backgrounds and personalities, allowing for a range of friendships and community-building opportunities. The small class sizes enable professors to get to know their students well and provide a nurturing and supportive environment. The university's location in an urban area also appeals to students who prefer living in a city. Vanguard University has a total of 539 graduates during the most recent year, with 438 undergraduate degrees and 101 graduate degrees awarded.
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University rankings
Vanguard University of Southern California is a private institution founded in 1920. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,964 students as of Fall 2023. The university is situated in the coastal city of Costa Mesa, California, and combines a liberal arts education with spiritual learning. Vanguard University's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities West, #43. The Vanguard athletic teams compete in 20 intercollegiate varsity sports and are a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
QS World University Rankings
QS focuses on an institution's reputation among academics and employers. It measures the international student and faculty ratios, contributing to 10% of the final score. QS also considers the number of international students and staff compared to their domestic counterparts.
Times Higher Education (THE)
THE tries to balance academic and employer reputations by taking more variables into account. It also considers the international outlook of universities, making it a good reference for students seeking a vibrant international community.
Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)
ARWU focuses on world-renowned research and its impact.
Other parameters used in university rankings include faculty strength, entrepreneurship, industry interface, infrastructure, global collaboration, and placements. While rankings are useful, they should not be the sole determining factor when choosing a university. Students should also consider factors such as location, cost of living, alumni network, internship opportunities, extracurricular activities, and personal goals.
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Campus size
Vanguard University of Southern California is a private institution founded in 1920. It is located in the coastal city of Costa Mesa, between Los Angeles and San Diego, California. Vanguard University has a suburban setting and a campus size of 40 acres. The university is spread over 40 acres, with beautiful surroundings and a range of facilities for its students.
The campus is known for its picturesque setting and well-maintained grounds, providing a pleasant environment for students to study and socialise. The campus is designed to promote a sense of community and encourage interaction among students, fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The campus layout is well-planned, with academic buildings, residence halls, and recreational spaces integrated to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment.
The campus includes a mix of modern and historic architecture, with well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, and other specialised facilities to support the university's academic programmes. The campus also features a library, offering a wealth of resources and study spaces for students to utilise. In addition to academic facilities, the campus is also home to a variety of student amenities, including dining halls, cafes, and a student centre, providing a hub for social activities and extracurricular engagements.
The Vanguard University campus reflects the institution's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. It boasts several green spaces, incorporating native plant species and promoting biodiversity. The university has also implemented energy-efficient systems and waste reduction initiatives, contributing to its eco-friendly reputation. The campus is easily navigable, with well-maintained pathways and landscaping that enhances the overall campus experience for students, faculty, and visitors alike.
The surrounding area of Costa Mesa offers a vibrant and diverse urban environment, providing students with easy access to cultural attractions, recreational activities, and entertainment options. The campus's proximity to the coast and its convenient location between Los Angeles and San Diego further enhance the overall appeal of Vanguard University, making it a desirable choice for students seeking a well-rounded college experience in a desirable Southern California location.
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Popular majors
Vanguard University of Southern California is a private, Christian institution with a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,964 students as of Fall 2023. The university is divided into four schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the Patty Arvielo School of Business and Communication, the School of Education, and the School of Theology and Ministry.
The most popular majors at Vanguard University are business, psychology, kinesiology, and communication. Vanguard encourages students to develop their spiritual lives and get involved with the church, with worship being an important part of community life.
The School of Business and Communication offers a variety of courses that provide students with a strong foundation in business principles and practices, while also developing their communication skills. Courses within this major may include marketing, management, public relations, and business law.
The School of Theology and Ministry, on the other hand, offers a range of courses that explore different aspects of theology, ministry, and religious studies. Courses within this major may include biblical studies, church history, systematic theology, and practical ministry training.
The College of Arts and Sciences likely offers a broader range of majors, including psychology and kinesiology. Psychology courses may cover topics such as abnormal psychology, cognitive psychology, social psychology, and research methods. Kinesiology courses, on the other hand, may include subjects like biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor learning, and psychology of sport and exercise.
Lastly, the School of Education prepares students for careers in teaching and education. Courses within this major may include educational psychology, curriculum development, instructional strategies, and educational technology. While specific information on the popularity of this major is lacking, it is one of the four schools that make up Vanguard University.
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Frequently asked questions
Vanguard University is a small, private institution with a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,964 students as of Fall 2023.
Vanguard University is a small, Christian-centred university with a liberal arts education and spiritual learning focus. The university is known for its warm community and beautiful Southern California location.
Vanguard University students enjoy close-knit friendships and supportive professors who are caring and nurturing. The university is located in an urban area, and students can easily access the beach, Disneyland, shopping centres, and Starbucks. On-campus activities include movie nights, ice skating, broomball, and bonfires.











































