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Pitzer College vs Vanguard University of Southern California

Pitzer College is a private college in Claremont, CA, and Vanguard University of Southern California is a private university in Costa Mesa, CA. Pitzer College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 25% of applicants against 62% at Vanguard University of Southern California. Vanguard University of Southern California is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $21,241 a year against $34,191 at Pitzer College. About 83% of students graduate at Pitzer College, compared with 56% at Vanguard University of Southern California. Ten years after enrolling, Pitzer College alumni earn a median of about $69,512, against $59,541 for Vanguard University of Southern California.

Pitzer College

Claremont, CA · Private

Vanguard University of Southern California

Costa Mesa, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Claremont, CA
Costa Mesa, CA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,227
1,933
Acceptance rate
25%
62%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.52–4
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
980–1200
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
19–25
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$34,191
$21,241
Full cost / yr
$86,466
$52,665
In-state tuition
$65,192
$41,700
Out-of-state tuition
$65,192
$41,700
Application fee
$70
$45
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,535
$17,225
$30k - $48k
$7,769
$18,462
$48k - $75k
$20,846
$18,976
$75k - $110k
$29,452
$24,117
Over $110k
$46,793
$27,684
Outcomes
Graduation rate
83%
56%
Freshman retention
94%
70%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$51,784
$43,464
Median earnings (10 yr)
$69,512
$59,541
Median debt at graduation
$16,750
$22,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
11%
44%
First-generation students
23%
36%
International students
9%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Pitzer College or Vanguard University of Southern California harder to get into?
Pitzer College is harder to get into. It admits about 25% 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, Pitzer 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 $34,191 at Pitzer 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 Pitzer College and Vanguard University of Southern California?
Before aid, Vanguard University of Southern California costs about $52,665 a year and Pitzer College about $86,466. 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, Pitzer College or Vanguard University of Southern California?
Pitzer College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,535 there, against about $17,225 at Vanguard University of Southern California. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Pitzer College or Vanguard University of Southern California?
Vanguard University of Southern California is the larger of the two, with about 1,933 undergraduates against 1,227 at Pitzer College.
Does Pitzer College or Vanguard University of Southern California have a better graduation rate?
Pitzer College has the higher graduation rate, at about 83% against 56% at Vanguard University of Southern California.
Do graduates of Pitzer College or Vanguard University of Southern California earn more?
Pitzer College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $69,512 ten years after enrolling, against about $59,541 for Vanguard University of Southern California. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Pitzer College and Vanguard University of Southern California require SAT or ACT scores?
Pitzer College is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Vanguard University of Southern California is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

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