Occidental College vs Vanguard University of Southern California
Occidental College is a private college in Los Angeles, CA. Vanguard University of Southern California is a private university in Costa Mesa, CA. Occidental College admits about 44% of applicants and Vanguard University of Southern California about 62%, making Occidental College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $21,241 a year at Vanguard University of Southern California after aid, and about $38,263 at Occidental College. About 83% of students graduate at Occidental College, compared with 56% at Vanguard University of Southern California. Ten years after enrolling, Occidental College alumni earn a median of about $75,951, against $59,541 for Vanguard University of Southern California.
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Costa Mesa, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,877
1,933
Acceptance rate
44%
62%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
1380–1520
980–1200
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
19–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$38,263
$21,241
Full cost / yr
$84,800
$52,665
In-state tuition
$66,274
$41,700
Out-of-state tuition
$66,274
$41,700
Application fee
$70
$45
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,705
$17,225
$30k - $48k
$17,655
$18,462
$48k - $75k
$21,468
$18,976
$75k - $110k
$28,033
$24,117
Over $110k
$54,959
$27,684
Outcomes
Graduation rate
83%
56%
Freshman retention
90%
70%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,209
$43,464
Median earnings (10 yr)
$75,951
$59,541
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$22,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
44%
First-generation students
18%
36%
International students
5%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Dec 1
Regular decision
Jan 10
Mar 2
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Occidental College or Vanguard University of Southern California harder to get into?
- Occidental College is harder to get into. It admits about 44% of applicants, compared with 62% at Vanguard University of Southern California. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Occidental College or Vanguard University of Southern California?
- Vanguard University of Southern California is cheaper on average. Students pay about $21,241 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $38,263 at Occidental College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Occidental College and Vanguard University of Southern California?
- Before aid, Vanguard University of Southern California costs about $52,665 a year and Occidental College about $84,800. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Occidental College or Vanguard University of Southern California?
- Vanguard University of Southern California. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,225 there, against about $20,705 at Occidental College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Occidental College or Vanguard University of Southern California?
- Vanguard University of Southern California is the larger of the two, with about 1,933 undergraduates against 1,877 at Occidental College.
- Does Occidental College or Vanguard University of Southern California have a better graduation rate?
- Occidental College has the higher graduation rate, at about 83% against 56% at Vanguard University of Southern California.
- Do graduates of Occidental College or Vanguard University of Southern California earn more?
- Occidental College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $75,951 ten years after enrolling, against about $59,541 for Vanguard University of Southern California. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Occidental College and Vanguard University of Southern California require SAT or ACT scores?
- Occidental College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Vanguard University of Southern California is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Occidental College and Vanguard University of Southern California look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1380–1520 at Occidental College and 980–1200 at Vanguard University of Southern California. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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