History
During the summer of 1920, Harold K. Needham, D. W. Kerr, and W. C. Peirce opened a school to prepare Christian workers for the various ministries of the church. The new institute, Southern California Bible School, moved from Los Angeles to Pasadena in 1927. In 1939 it was chartered by the State of California as a college eligible to grant degrees.
Education
Vanguard University offers a wide variety of academic programs to choose from, so you can make an impact in almost any field when you start your career. With outstanding faculty and small class sizes, every diploma we grant is backed by personalized instruction.
Research
Vanguard University is committed to preparing students through an education marked by academic excellence and spiritual vitality for productive service in a variety of vocations and ministries that are matched to the marketplace of the 21st century. A strong commitment to cultural diversity, racial reconciliation, and gender equality is a consequence of VU being deeply grounded in the Pentecostal faith, a tradition that brought the university into existence.
Vanguard University Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to Vanguard University. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
Independent provider
Grant
72000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2025
Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF)
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Dec 2025
Latin American Caribbean Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2025
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Other Scholarships For Graduate Students
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
332500 USD
Deadline
31 May 2026
Study Abroad Graudate Scholarships Of SBS Foundation
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
300000 HKD
Deadline
30 Sep 2025
Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowships For Overseas Studies
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 USD
Deadline
30 Sep 2025
Study Abroad Graduate Scholarships of Chungcheongnam-do
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 AUD
Deadline
30 Sep 2025
Veterans’ Fund Indigenous Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Becas Fulbright - Ampliación De Estudios
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
38000 GBP
Deadline
18 Sep 2025
Marshall Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
30000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Baltic American Freedom Foundation Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
30000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
International Education Center's Study Abroad Programs
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
20000 USD
Deadline
04 Mar 2026
Thanks To Scandinavia Grants To Danish Students
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
11000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Dositeja Fund For Young Talents Of Serbia
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
31 Jul 2025
Udaan India Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
31 Jul 2025
MPOWER 追梦永不息 Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Korean American Scholarship Foundation
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Anytime
Belizean Student Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1580 EUR
Deadline
Not specified
The Marietta Blau Grant
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
01 Nov 2025
Fulbright-Masaryk Award
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Housing services
Living on campus can be one of the most memorable and formative experiences a student can have during their time at Vanguard University. There are many fun activities on and off campus every week. Vanguard University is steps away from concerts and events at the Orange County Fairgrounds, five miles from the beach, and a quick drive to vacation spots like Disneyland and Balboa Island. You can take study breaks around the fire pits and outdoor dining areas in the year-round sunshine, with access to all of the amenities that make you feel right at home.
Library services
The O. Cope Budge Library acquires, manages, and promotes the use of information resources in a user-centered environment. The library links students, faculty, and staff to an increasingly global body of knowledge.
ICT services
Printers, photocopier, and scanner are available throughout the library for faculty, staff, students, and guests.
Campus life
Your life will be fostered in a diverse campus community that is located in one of the most robust, vibrant coastal cities famed for its sunny weather. You will be surrounded by the career opportunity that comes with living in Southern California. Most of all, your journey will be knitted together by lasting friendships, professor-mentors, and a faith in Jesus Christ.
Sports facilities
VU Rec provides the Vanguard Community with a broad range of sports, fitness, and outdoor programs for students of ALL ability levels in order to enhance their connection to campus, promote self-efficacy, and establish a commitment to personal well-being. We offer more than 14 different sports leagues and tournaments, ranging from recreational to competitive.
Student clubs
Disability Support Club, Sigma Alpha Omega, Surf Club
Accreditation
Vanguard is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).