Vanguard University of Southern California SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
With a 62% admit rate, your focus should be showing you can thrive at Vanguard, not chasing perfection. Since it is test-optional, submit scores if they strengthen your file, ideally near the top of the 920-1200 SAT range, while keeping your GPA and course choices central.
⬡ LangSmitha95b4178-f3f4-44fd-8e51-049f1fb07727Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Vanguard University of Southern California facts and stats
Vanguard University of Southern California enrolls about 1,960 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. Vanguard has a 70% freshman retention rate and a 57% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1.
⬡ LangSmith34da4a18-7992-4c32-8616-c2febd3b9619Costa Mesa, CA
How do your scores compare at Vanguard?
Key Vanguard University of Southern California application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
March 2
Early Action
December 1
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
March 2
Financial Aid Priority
March 2
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Vanguard, aim to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall for retakes. For the December 1 Early Action deadline, an October retake is the last safe fall sitting for scores to arrive in time.
⬡ LangSmith8696d27d-4c6c-4df0-a47f-40ac1829a2c9Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Vanguard University of Southern California?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
What you'll actually pay
Vanguard is a private not-for-profit, so the same $41,700 tuition and fees rate applies to all students. With 86% of students receiving aid and an average merit award of $21,588, scholarships can play a meaningful role. Submit the FAFSA by the March 2 priority deadline.
⬡ LangSmith1df5e84d-7d7a-4953-b9ea-0320e87bc883
Vanguard’s listed cost of attendance is about $52,327, including tuition, fees, room, and board. Aid is common, with 86% of students receiving assistance and an average aid package of $35,866. Merit awards also play a role for many students, averaging $21,588. Graduates leave with an average debt of $27,272.
⬡ LangSmith8fcc190c-f279-44c7-9e47-810bf6c8599eStudent life at Vanguard University of Southern California
51% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 1% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
University of La Verne
La Verne, CAAcceptance rate: 71.2%
SAT: 986–1236
ACT: 18–25
Pepperdine University
Malibu, CAAcceptance rate: 62.9%
SAT: 1300–1440
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Pacific Union College
Angwin, CAAcceptance rate: 47.3%
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Southern California Institute of Architecture
Los Angeles, CAAcceptance rate: 76.7%
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