Pepperdine University vs Vanguard University of Southern California
Pepperdine University is a private university in Malibu, CA. Vanguard University of Southern California is a private university in Costa Mesa, CA. Vanguard University of Southern California admits about 62% of applicants and Pepperdine University about 63%, making Vanguard University of Southern California 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 $58,098 at Pepperdine University. About 84% of students graduate at Pepperdine University, compared with 56% at Vanguard University of Southern California. Ten years after enrolling, Pepperdine University alumni earn a median of about $82,939, against $59,541 for Vanguard University of Southern California.
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Malibu, CA
Costa Mesa, CA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,553
1,933
Acceptance rate
63%
62%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
1290–1450
980–1200
ACT (middle 50%)
29–32
19–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$58,098
$21,241
Full cost / yr
$93,512
$52,665
In-state tuition
$69,918
$41,700
Out-of-state tuition
$69,918
$41,700
Application fee
$65
$45
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$50,560
$17,225
$30k - $48k
$42,674
$18,462
$48k - $75k
$51,063
$18,976
$75k - $110k
$61,851
$24,117
Over $110k
$65,081
$27,684
Outcomes
Graduation rate
84%
56%
Freshman retention
88%
70%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$64,934
$43,464
Median earnings (10 yr)
$82,939
$59,541
Median debt at graduation
$23,510
$22,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
44%
First-generation students
18%
36%
International students
8%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Dec 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
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 Pepperdine University or Vanguard University of Southern California harder to get into?
- Vanguard University of Southern California is harder to get into. It admits about 62% of applicants, compared with 63% at Pepperdine University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Pepperdine University 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 $58,098 at Pepperdine University. 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 Pepperdine University and Vanguard University of Southern California?
- Before aid, Vanguard University of Southern California costs about $52,665 a year and Pepperdine University about $93,512. 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, Pepperdine University 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 $50,560 at Pepperdine University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Pepperdine University or Vanguard University of Southern California?
- Pepperdine University is the larger of the two, with about 3,553 undergraduates against 1,933 at Vanguard University of Southern California.
- Does Pepperdine University or Vanguard University of Southern California have a better graduation rate?
- Pepperdine University has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 56% at Vanguard University of Southern California.
- Do graduates of Pepperdine University or Vanguard University of Southern California earn more?
- Pepperdine University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $82,939 ten years after enrolling, against about $59,541 for Vanguard University of Southern California. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Pepperdine University and Vanguard University of Southern California require SAT or ACT scores?
- Pepperdine University 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 Pepperdine University and Vanguard University of Southern California look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1290–1450 at Pepperdine University 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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