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Vanguard University of Southern California

Costa Mesa, CA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Truth. Virtue. Service

1920
Founded
Private university
Type
1,975
Total Students
2,482
Undergrad
270
Graduate
$40K
Tuition (In-State)
$40K
Tuition (Out-State)
$20K
Avg Net Price
65%
Acceptance Rate
56%
Graduation Rate
6-year
74%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: Michael J. Beals

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Vanguard University of Southern California

Vanguard University: Faith-infused learning, pioneering Orange County education since 1920.

Vanguard University of Southern California stands as a dynamic private university, rooted in a rich history and guided by its inspiring motto: "Truth. Virtue. Service." With a vibrant community of 2,752 students, Vanguard offers a distinctive educational experience that integrates academic excellence with a strong Christian worldview, preparing graduates to impact the world with purpose and integrity.

From its humble beginnings in 1920 as the Southern California Bible School, Vanguard has played a pivotal role in the landscape of higher education. It holds the significant distinction of being the first four-year institution of the Assemblies of God and, remarkably, the very first four-year college established in Orange County in 1950. This pioneering spirit has shaped its growth, evolving from a specialized Bible school into a comprehensive university renowned for its broad academic offerings.

Today, Vanguard University is celebrated for its robust academic programs, which expanded to include liberal arts majors in 1959, demonstrating a commitment to a well-rounded education. The university boasts a California State Board of Education-approved teaching credential program, a well-regarded Graduate Studies Program, and an innovative Degree Completion Program designed specifically for adult learners. These diverse offerings, coupled with its regional accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, ensure a high-quality educational journey tailored to a wide array of student aspirations.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1920, making it a centenarian institution with a rich legacy.
  • Home to a thriving student body of 2,752 individuals.
  • Pioneering institution: the first four-year college of the Assemblies of God.
  • Made history as the first four-year college founded in Orange County (1950).
  • Regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) since 1964.
  • Features a robust teaching credential program approved by the California State Board of Education.
  • Dedicated to its motto: "Truth. Virtue. Service."

Timeline

1920
Opened as Southern California Bible School in Los Angeles.
1927
Moved to Pasadena, expanding its reach.
1939
Chartered by California; became Southern California Bible College, the first four-year institution of the Assemblies of God.
1943
Received government recognition for training military chaplains.
1950
Relocated to its present campus, becoming the first four-year college in Orange County.
1959
Name changed to Southern California College; liberal arts majors added to the curriculum.
1964
Received regional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
1967
Teaching credential program received recognition and approval from the California State Board of Education.
1983
Graduate Studies Program received approval from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
1994
A Degree Completion Program was launched for adult learners.
1999
Achieved university status and was renamed Vanguard University of Southern California.
🏛️
106 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Michael J. Beals
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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