Vanguard University (officially Vanguard University of Southern California) is a private Protestant university in Costa Mesa, California. Vanguard's required core curriculum includes courses on American politics and history, theology, fine arts, and public speaking.
History
In summer 1920, Harold K. Needham, D. W. Kerr, and W. C. Pierce opened Southern California Bible School, an institution intended to prepare Christian workers for the various ministries of the church. The school moved from Los Angeles to Pasadena in 1927. In 1939, it was chartered by the state of California to grant degrees, and changed its name to Southern California Bible College, the first four-year institution of the Assemblies of God. The university is divided into four schools: College of Arts and Sciences, Patty Arvielo School of Business and Communication, School of Education, and School of Theology and Ministry.
Accreditation
Vanguard is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
University presidents
Harold K. Needham served as the founding president of Vanguard University. Subsequently, nine people have served as presidents of the university: Daniel W. Kerr, Irvine J. Harrison, John B. Scott, O. Cope Budge, Emil A. Balliet, Wayne E. Kraiss, Murray W. Dempster, Carol Taylor, and Michael J. Beals, who assumed the office on August 1, 2013.
Rankings
In U.S. News & World Report's 2026 Best Colleges report, the school was ranked #43 in the Regional Universities West category.
Athletics
The Vanguard athletic teams are called the Lions. The university is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), primarily competing in the Pacific West Conference (PacWest) for most of its sports starting with the 2024–25 academic year. The university was formerly a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC).
Vanguard competes in 20 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, track & field, volleyball and wrestling; while women's sports include basketball, beach volleyball, cross country, dance, golf, soccer, softball, stunt, track & field, volleyball and wrestling.
Facilities
The Freed Center, opened in 2024, serves as the primary facility for the university's athletic programs. The center contains 1,200 seat gymnasium, along with weight and training rooms. Dean Harvey Field serves as the university's baseball field. The university also has a softball field and soccer complex.