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Vanguard
Costa Mesa, CA
Group 3 — Specific fits and the outlier

Vanguard University

Costa Mesa, CA (Orange County, near Newport Beach) · ~1,900 undergrads · 13:1 faculty ratio
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Compatibility Score / 100
Vanguard offers ministry programs and sits in a great location, but it doesn't have CACREP counseling, which limits your options if you go that route. The Assemblies of God culture is more charismatic than FOR, and at $23,800/year, you're paying more for fewer program options. The campus size is on the smaller end of your range, which could feel a bit tight-knit but not claustrophobic.

What Aligned ✓

ministry programs availablemedium-sized campus within rangeChristian community presentsafety-to-match academically

Watch-Outs ✕

no CACREP counseling program limits optionsAssemblies of God culture more charismatic than FORsmaller campus may feel slightly claustrophobic
About This School

Faith Culture

Moderate Faith Match — Assemblies of God — charismatic/Pentecostal
Assemblies of God tradition — charismatic and Pentecostal. Beach culture overlay in Orange County. Different from FOR but some students find the blend appealing.

Campus Life

Small, tight-knit. 10 minutes to Newport Beach — surf culture is real. Chapel and small groups central. Orange County lifestyle adjacent.

Academic Support

Under 2,000 students, 13:1 ratio — faculty notice. Lighter formal coaching. Good for self-advocates. Harder if you need proactive outreach.

Admissions

Acceptance
65–75%
Avg GPA
~3.4
SAT Mid-50%
N/A (test-optional)

Programs

Ministry (Undergrad)

Christian Ministry, Biblical Studies, Worship Arts

Counseling (Undergrad)

B.A. Psychology

Not CACREP Accredited
⚡ Accelerated / Dual Degree Path

Advanced Standing Track: seniors take M.S. grad courses. Requires 3.5 GPA. CA BBS only.

Cost

$23,800/yr

Est. net price after financial aid

How to Apply

Apply at vanguard.edu/admissions. Vanguard accepts the Common App. A pastoral recommendation and faith statement are required. Test-optional. Aid priority March 2.

FAFSA Code: 001293

Go to Admissions →
What You Can Do This Summer & Senior Year

Still Deciding?

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Visit the Costa Mesa campus — 10 minutes from Newport Beach; the surf culture and OC lifestyle are real factors
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Research Assemblies of God / charismatic tradition and how it differs from nondenominational evangelical
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Ask about what small campus life in Orange County actually looks and feels like

Steps to Stay on Track

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Aid priority deadline: March 2 — apply by January for best consideration (FAFSA code: 001293)
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Rolling admission — no hard cutoff but earlier is better for housing and aid
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Contact admissions: admissions@vanguard.edu or 714-556-3610

To Strengthen Your Application

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Test-optional — only submit SAT if it strengthens your application
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Pastoral recommendation and faith statement required — give yourself 6 weeks to secure the reference
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Note: Vanguard's counseling licensure meets CA BBS only — verify this fits if you might leave California
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3.5 GPA required for the Advanced Standing counseling track — aim for this in senior year
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