Private Protestant university in Orange County with Assemblies of God roots and strong liberal arts focus.
Vanguard offers undergraduate and graduate programs across four schools. Undergraduates pursue degrees in biology, business, communication, English, history, kinesiology, liberal studies, music, nursing, computer science, psychology, sociology, criminal justice, and theology. Graduate programs include MS in Clinical Psychology, MA in Education (Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership), MA in Leadership Studies, MA in Theology, MSN, and various teaching credentials. The university emphasizes a required core curriculum including American politics and history, theology, fine arts, and public speaking.
The urban campus in Costa Mesa sits midway between Los Angeles and San Diego. Student life includes residence halls (Balboa & Newport, Catalina, Huntington, Laguna, Vanguard Centre), chapel and spiritual formation programs, student organizations, intramural sports, and campus recreation. The Freed Center (opened 2024) serves as the primary athletic facility with a 1,200-seat gymnasium, weight and training rooms. Additional athletic facilities include Dean Harvey Field (baseball), softball field, and soccer complex.
Vanguard admits undergraduate, graduate, and professional education students. The university offers dual enrollment, transfer pathways, and international student programs. Undergraduate applicants can visit through Hello VU, Morning VU, or schedule personal visits. Graduate and professional education applicants follow separate application processes with specific tuition and fee structures. The university maintains an honors program and the Headwind Scholars Program for financial aid.
Vanguard is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission and holds membership in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. The university ranked #43 in U.S. News & World Report's 2026 Best Colleges report for Regional Universities West. Notable alumni include psychiatrist Daniel Amen, missionary Heidi Baker, professional baseball players (Ila Borders, Jim Dedrick, José Rojas), actress Emily Rose, and various Christian leaders and media personalities.