- Vanguard is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
- Vanguard is a member of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, and the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.
- Vanguard holds associate membership in the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.
- Vanguard’s Exercise and Sports Science Athletic Training Program is accredited by the National Athletic Commission on Applied Health Education, and was the first private university in California to receive this accreditation.
- Vanguard’s Teacher Education Program is accredited by the California Commission on Teach Credentialing, and was the first university in the state to have its accreditation reaffirmed under the new criteria of SB2042.
- Vanguard University’s Theatre Arts Program is accredited by NAST, the National Association of Schools of Theater.
