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Vanguard University of Southern California vs Woodbury University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Costa Mesa CA · vs · Private nonprofit, Burbank CA

The verdict

Vanguard University of Southern California has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $84,964 in 7.6 years versus 7.8 years at Woodbury University, on median earnings of $59,541 vs $65,668 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureVanguard University of Southern CaliforniaWoodbury University
Net price / yr$21,241$33,692
Total net cost$84,964$134,768
Median earnings, 10 yrs$59,541$65,668
Median debt$22,000$26,960
Payback7.6 yrs7.8 yrs
20-year net return$138,656$211,392

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Vanguard University of Southern California or Woodbury University?

Vanguard University of Southern California, at $21,241 a year after aid versus $33,692 — a gap of $12,451 a year, or $49,804 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Vanguard University of Southern California or Woodbury University graduates earn more?

Woodbury University graduates report a median $65,668 ten years after entry, $6,127 more than the $59,541 at Vanguard University of Southern California. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Vanguard University of Southern California or Woodbury University?

Vanguard University of Southern California: its completers carry a median $22,000 in federal loans versus $26,960 at Woodbury University, a difference of $4,960. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

60% of students finish at Woodbury University, against 57% at Vanguard University of Southern California. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Vanguard University of Southern California vs Woodbury University: frequently asked questions

Is Vanguard University of Southern California or Woodbury University a better value?
Vanguard University of Southern California. It clears its $84,964 net cost in about 7.6 years versus 7.8 years at Woodbury University, on median earnings of $59,541 vs $65,668 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Vanguard University of Southern California or Woodbury University?
Vanguard University of Southern California: $21,241/yr net price after aid versus $33,692/yr at Woodbury University — a difference of $12,451 a year, or about $49,804 over four years.
Do Vanguard University of Southern California or Woodbury University graduates earn more?
Woodbury University graduates earn a median $65,668 ten years after entry, versus $59,541 at Vanguard University of Southern California — a $6,127 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.