Vanguard University is a private, Christian, comprehensive university of liberal arts and professional studies equipping students for a Spirit-empowered life of Christ-centered leadership and service. The U.S. News & World Report has ranked Vanguard among the best baccalaureate colleges in the west in their 2011-2012 rankings of colleges and universities and The Princeton Review named VU a 2011-2012 “Best in the West” College. Vanguard is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
VU has approximately 2,000 students and offers:
- A 4-year Bachelor of Arts or Science degree in 30 majors and concentrations
- Single & Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials, a Master of Arts in Education, a Master of Arts in Leadership Studies, a Master of Theological Studies, and a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology, and a Master of Science in Nursing.
- A School for Professional Studies (adult professionals) awarding a Bachelor of Arts in business, psychology and religion and a Bachelor of Science in nursing.
Student/Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Faculty: 62 full-time and 113 part-time; 75% of full-time teaching faculty hold doctoral degrees; no courses taught by teaching assistants.
Background and Accreditation
Founded in Los Angeles in 1920 as a Bible training institute, VU is owned by the Southern California District of the Assemblies of God. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Teacher preparation and licensing for three different credentials approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. RN-to-BSN degree program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Member of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, and the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and Associate Member of Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.
Enrollment Statistics (2010-2011)
Vanguard’s student body comes from more than 25 denominational backgrounds, every region of the United States, and more than a dozen foreign nations. For detailed statistics visit CollegeBoard.com.
- Total University Enrollment: over 1,961.
- The College: approximately 1,317 students; 1:1.85 male to female ratio; 22% Hispanic; 4% Asian; 6% African American; 2% Native American; 1% international; 5% unknown.
- Graduate Programs: approximately 250 students; 60% female, 40% male; 40% in Graduate Education Program; 28% in Graduate Religion Program; 32% in Graduate Clinical Psychology Program.
- The School for Professional Studies: SPS has approximately 366 students; 66% female, 34% male; 33% multi-ethnic student population; 45% Generation X; 78% living in Orange County.
- Financial Assistance: 88% of Vanguard students receive financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, loans and college work-study. Nearly $19 million in combined aid is awarded annually.
