Private not-for-profit

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Vanguard University of Southern California SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range920 to 1200

ACT RangeN/A

Average GPA3.40

Acceptance Rate62.4%

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.

Data 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

Quick Facts

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.

Location

Costa Mesa, CA

Undergrad Enrollment1,960

Freshman Retention70%

SettingUrban

Student to Faculty Ratio13:1

Graduation Rate57%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at Vanguard?

SAT score card showing a 1520 score with an unlocked lock

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Key Vanguard University of Southern California application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

March 2

Early Action

December 1

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

March 2

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 2

Test dates

SAT 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

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

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.

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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.

Tuition and Fees$41,700

Room and Board$10,627

Average Merit Award$21,588

Application Fee$45

Students on Aid86%

Average Aid Package$35,866

Average Debt at Grad$27,272

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.