Please type at least the first 4 letters of the school name.

Vanguard University of Southern California Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Vanguard University of Southern California reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Vanguard University of Southern California. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Vanguard University of Southern California reviews, or contribute your own Vanguard University of Southern California review if you're a current student there.

  • 5 out of 5 people found this review useful.

    Nathan from Queen Creek, AZ

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Did learn a lot

    They have some really awesome teachers here. However, VUSC doesn't have many large departments in the Social and Biological Sciences, Mathematics, and English. If you want to do any one of those things, I would recommend another school. These departments usually only have adjunct professors who are not available for questions and aren't as experienced. But if you want to do Communications, Religion, Business, and/or Liberal Studies, then this is a great place.
    Did enjoy being here

    As for the social life of the school, I think that the atmosphere here is very welcoming. Many of the people are amiable and accepting. However, do not be fooled by its Christian atmosphere. This school does have alcohol and drug consumption, but it is simply done off campus. But this school has a really great community and there is plenty to do, including the beach and Disneyland!

    Note: There is a required 30 spiritual formation credits. This means you must go to thirty chapels, which can be a hassle especially the week before finals. If you enjoy going to church, then great. If not, probably not the best place to go.
    Bang for the buck

    Vanguard University, although it has a great environment for freshman and/or those who are new to a college environment, it is extremely expensive. Vanguard University does offer scholarship money, I know I got 12,000 dollars worth (the highest a student can get through academics is 13,000). But it was still extremely expensive and when you think about it, you can learn the same things at bigger and better schools for MUCH cheaper. The school, while a good environment, is not a good buy.

  • 7 out of 9 people found this review useful.

    Noemi from Downey, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Vanguard is great for all types of students. Not only will you love being there but you'll grow as a person.

  • 3 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Charity from Palm Desert, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I have learned tons of stuff already and i have only been here for one semester. You learn about who you are, faith, God, and all about your classes of course. The teachers get to know you, you are just a student to them. And there are plenty of way to get help if you are having trouble with any class!
    Am enjoying being here

    You are started off with welcome week in August. This week is just to help you get to know people and the campus and surrounding areas before school even starts. You feel at home within a week. Everybody here treats you like a friend, you cannot walk to class without talking to at least one person on the way! Your floor is your family, and after being here only one semester we all are like sisters! And who doesn't like being 20 minutes from Disneyland???
    Bang for the buck

    It definitely is pricey, but you are 5 minutes from the beach. You don't have to go far to get to the mall, or everyday stores. Everything you need is around here so you don't need to worry about driving far and paying for gas. There is tons of financial aid offered for everything here. And of course there are always sports scholarships and full rides. I'm getting almost all of my college paid for through their financial aid. And there are all kinds of on campus jobs if you need to make cash and don't want to drive!
    Tips for prospective students

    Apply early to get more financial aid!! And come visit, i loved it because it was very friendly and really small. I didn't visit until we had pre-orientation, i wish i would have visited before just to check it out one on one with someone.
    Great for these types of students

    Friendly, Christian, Laid back (it is definitely a laid back attitude around here), anyone who wants a small campus and wants to know everyone. It's just a good place for almost everybody!

  • 3 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Monet from Mission Viejo, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Learning more about independence.
    Am enjoying being here

    The academics, teachers, and students are wonderful to be around.
    Tips for prospective students

    This is a school where you can get grounded in your faith.
    Great for these types of students

    Great for anyone in the Christian faith or interested in the Christian faith.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Amanda from Bakersfield, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    In my time at Vanguard, I have learned more than I possibly could have imagined in general education and theatre. They have provided me with multiple opportunities to gain experience and I couldn't have asked for more.
    Am enjoying being here

    This is the only college I can imagine being at. I feel so welcome and everyone is friendly and there to help. Since it is a small campus the teacher-student relationship is easier and more personal making it easier for them to help and guide you on your journey.
    Bang for the buck

    Despite the high costs for this college, it is totally worth it. I realize it is hard to afford, especially in this economy, but I can't imagine myself anywhere else. The tuition money is put to good use and defintely comes back around in the long run.
    Tips for prospective students

    Any students interested in Vanguard should look up their website and check things out. Apply just for fun and see how you like it. There is also a day-long event known as Pre-VU which you can go to at the school towards the end of the school year. Pre-VU is what sealed the deal for me so I strongly suggest you go too. It definitely helps in deciding if Vanguard is right for you.
    Great for these types of students

    Vanguard is great for any type of student. It is a smaller campus and is very close-knit so if you like large bodies of people this probably isn't the place for you. Otherwise I suggest looking at the list of majors online and seeing if they have what you're interested in.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Leigha from Trabuco Canoyon, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Vanguard has a great bunch of teachers. Most teachers will put in the extra time to help a student when they're in need or even work around rough schedules. I have learned a lot more academically and about the Christian history that I thought I would never learn.
    Am enjoying being here

    Vanguard is one of those schools that there is always some kind of activity going on that anybody can join in on. On top of the school activities, its located in one of the best places in Southern California. It's a great place to be.
    Bang for the buck

    The living quarters for freshman are a little tight and the gym isn't the best looking gym you can find but the school is in a great spot. You are constantly surrounded by great people and there are newer buildings to live in when you finish freshman year.
    Tips for prospective students

    Visit the college. You never know what you like until you see it. Be part of the day long Pre-VU where you can learn a lot about the school. Apply for financial aid early if you need it.
    Great for these types of students

    For those who are looking for a great education with a Christian basis, this would be a great school for you.

  • 3 out of 5 people found this review useful.

    Gabreila from Bloomington, CA

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • 1 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Anthony from Las Vegas, NV

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The school provides a multitude of knowledge in various areas! Professors also incorporate life lesson, they are not just book teachers.
    Am enjoying being here

    Great campus, clean, a real community, fun surroundings with a car.
    Bang for the buck

    Good stuff!
    Tips for prospective students

    Visit the campus, sit in on a class, pray about it.

    P.S. It is not a religious school, they are just a community being an example and leading to Christ, they are not trying to force their views on you or make you become religious.
    Great for these types of students

    Open minded

  • Jane

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    What I love most is the small community where I can have a more personal relationship with my professors which increases my understanding of subject material. I always get the classes I need and the staff is very helpful with registration and financial services. Overall I made a great choice in choosing Vanguard University.
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't feel rushed to choose a major immediately and have to take as many classes as you can, feel free to spend some time learning new things so you can figure what you love to do.
    Academic Rigor

    Professors there are very well educated and our genuinely concerned that you learn in their classes. They want you to do well.
    Dorm Life

    Nice facilities and there is good upkeep.
    Food and Dining

    Between the main dining hall and other places to get meals, you won't go hungry.
    What to do for fun

    Vanguard has a great location. It's in the heart of Southern California. Right next to the beach and Disneyland. There are many shopping centers and it's close enough to LA to go in for the day.

  • Chazja from Lancaster, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • Elizabeth from Costa Mesa, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Vanguard University is wonderful! I love coming here, but sometimes they don't communicate very well between departments here and information never gets delivered.
    Tips for prospective students

    Apply to places you like, pray about it, and go where God leads you. It will turn out great!
    Academic Rigor

    Chemistry is hard! But biology is easy. So is general ed.
    Dorm Life

    The dorms are fun!!
    Food and Dining

    I do not care for the food on most days. I cook most of my own food.
    What to do for fun

    There is a four dollar movie theater, disneyland is 20 minutes away, the beach is ten...
    Bang for the buck

    It's a small campus right in the middle of the city, close to plenty of fast food, great environment.
    Great for these types of students

    It's great for Christians to increase your faith.

  • Alicia from Sacramento, CA

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    I visited Vanguard on one of their Pre-VU programs, and the experience definitely influenced my thoughts on the school. At first I was uncomfortable because I am very shy, but by the end of the program I was really impressed by the students, teachers and the whole experience.
    Tips for prospective students

    Go to Pre-VU!
    Academic Rigor

    From the looks of it the classes they offer look like they will involve some work, but should not be too stressful.
    Dorm Life

    The dorms look amazing, and I cannot wait to have that experience. Even though there are a lot of people on each floor, everyone seems to know each other. They even join together once a week for a bible study or prayer session.
    Food and Dining

    Food is amazing! You can never go wrong with a buffet.
    What to do for fun

    Disneyland isn't too far away and neither is the beach. They also have a lot to do on campus. Tons of grassy areas, and places to just hang out.
    Campus Safety

    A student told me that if you are up late working on a project or assignment in a classroom or lab the security guards will personally escort you back to your dorm.

  • T from OC, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    very welcoming to adult returning students. great program. works well into schedule.
    Tips for prospective students

    talk to a counselor, even if you are not ready to start yet. the information is invaluable.
    Academic Rigor

    tough, but achievable.
    Food and Dining

    little cafe has decent snacks. on-campus dining has never been an option for me, but always smells delicious.
    Bang for the buck

    even though it is a private institution, prices are similar to those at a uc or cal-state in the long run.
    Great for these types of students

    undergrad, returning adult, busy professionals.
    Campus Safety

    always see them patrolling campus.

  • Ryan from Coulee City, WA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    i love being a student at vanguard university. i love the small class sizes and ratio of students to professor. being a part of dorm life has given me some great new lifelong friends!
    Tips for prospective students

    even if you have never considered this small private christian college, come check it out! you will love it!
    Academic Rigor

    great professor/student ratio. engaging conversation during class.
    Dorm Life

    great experience!
    Food and Dining

    lots of healthy options
    What to do for fun

    wow! you can smell the beach from our dorm! surfing, beach volleyball, biking, disneyland!

  • Cristina De La Cerda from Lancaster, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    vanguard university is one of the finest i have ever been to, about this university is a christian friendly community, it has brought me so many to opportunities to study and attend here.
    Tips for prospective students

    professors, advisor's and the whole faculty from the vanguard university expects students to give their all, their best, in any subject or in aspect during their college years, professors want to see that students have the potential and expect the best of you.
    Academic Rigor

    their academic rigor is highly strict in this area because of the fact that if a student from vanguard university does not do well in a semester, he or she will placed on academic probation or will not be able to attend vanguard anymore and will receive a letter from the d.a notifying that there will only be one chance to bring up their grades if so, then they could come back for another semester and have to do well.
    Dorm Life

    the dorm life can be so much fun when it comes to having select your friends who you want to room with, but there are rules about not having alcohol, no drug use inside the dorms and also quiet hours because most students are either sleeping, studying for a test or doing homework and if those rules are broken there will be a fine, suspension, or may be expelled from the university.
    Food and Dining

    the food is great sometime not all the time, but it is healthy.
    cafeteria food is really not bad at all and most of the time what they serve is healthy such as, salads, vegan burgers, and other foods that are from foreign countries which is probably good to try out other food from different countries.
    What to do for fun

    head to the beach, the mall, the movies, restaurants there are so many places to have fun at with your friends.
    Clubs and Activities

    there are so many clubs that anyone could join in. such as, playing sports, joining clubs that are fit for your major, mission trips is one of the biggest one in our campus because the mission trip director and the assistants join together to plan meetings for example; when are where there students may be going on a particular part of the country.
    Campus Safety

    campus safety is great for vanguard university, security takes anything seriously, they observe what is happening on campus from day to night the security is all over the place right on campus especially when you need something that it is urgent they are there to help you. plus right next to vanguard there is a police station and the fire station so whenever we need help, they are there to help us.

  • Kayla from Hawthorne, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    vanguard university is one beneficial college. their criteria & way of teaching is absolutely amazing. i wouldn't trade it for the world.
    Tips for prospective students

    for prospective students, you will enjoy this school & have a great time.
    Academic Rigor

    for academic rigor, they have strong programs in every major & the teachers are always there for you.
    Dorm Life

    the dorm life is amazing. i love living in the dorms & enjoy walking only 5 minutes to get to each class.
    Food and Dining

    their food & dining is great. its a buffet & there are many options to choose from.
    What to do for fun

    i play soccer & go running for fun,
    Bang for the buck

    they give you everything you need at this university. if you ever have any questions everyone is there for you. they know what it is to keep kids in college. it is a great college & i recommend it.
    Campus Safety

    campus safety is around 24/7. they are very friendly & completely understanding.