COSTA MESA, Calif. (Sept. 29, 2026) — Vanguard University enrolled 2,321 degree-seeking students for fall 2026, marking the largest enrollment in its 106-year history. The record enrollment comes as Vanguard rose in the U.S. News & World Report 2027 Best Colleges rankings, released Sept. 22, including a No. 11 ranking among Top Performers on Social Mobility in Regional Universities West, up from No. 13 last year.
“This historic enrollment reflects what students and families experience at Vanguard: a Christ-centered education where students are known, mentored, supported and prepared for lives of purpose,” said President Michael J. Beals, PhD. “Our faculty and staff bring genuine care to the work of formation by mentoring students academically, walking with them spiritually, and helping them to discover their God-given calling.”
Vanguard also advanced in several U.S. News categories this year. Among Regional Universities West, Vanguard rose from No. 43 to No. 34 overall. The university also ranked No. 12 among Best Value Schools, No. 15 among Top Private Schools in the West, and climbed from No. 23 to No. 14 among Best Colleges for Veterans.
“Vanguard’s ranking among Best Colleges for Veterans speaks to our commitment to serving all students with intentionality and care,” said Chris Carroll, assistant director of Veteran Services and Student Support. “Student veterans bring leadership, discipline and purpose to our campus community, and we are honored to support our military veterans and dependents through mentorship, formation and a welcoming community that helps them thrive.”
Vanguard’s momentum reflects its mission to pursue knowledge, cultivate character, deepen faith and equip students for Spirit-empowered, Christ-centered leadership and service. Through small classes, faculty mentoring, spiritual formation opportunities and a campus culture of genuine care, students are supported academically, personally and spiritually.