Picture your child as a student, graduating with an engineering or aviation degree that might launch a career at a major airline, aerospace firm or tech company. Now, picture them making the big play, crossing the finish line and celebrating with teammates who became family. At Vaughn College, they don’t have to choose between a promising future and an unforgettable college experience. They get both.
Vaughn is one of the nation’s leading institutions for aviation, engineering, technology and management. And Vaughn College athletics proves that students can be just as determined in competition as in the classroom. The College now offers nine varsity sports, along with club and recreational opportunities for every student who wants to be part of something bigger.
This is more than an athletics program. It’s proof that Vaughn students can do it all.
What Sports Does Vaughn College Offer?
Whatever level of competition your child is looking for, there’s a place for them here:
Varsity Sports (total of nine): Basketball, cross country, soccer, tennis and the newly added track and field
Club Sports: Baseball and volleyball
Intramural and Recreational Activities: Pickup games, virtual esports tournaments and Vaughn’s beloved annual ski and snowboarding trip
No student has to sit on the sidelines of college life. Whether they’re chasing a varsity roster spot or just want a fun way to unwind after class, Vaughn makes sure every student feels welcome to join a team, regardless of skill level.
“Joining the NACIA is a very exciting step. I think it’s a great opportunity for us to compete at a higher level and represent Vaughn on a larger and more competitive stage.”
“The move to the NACIA provides our student-athletes with another opportunity to compete and be recognized on a national level. Also, it allows us to compete against local colleges that are similar in size to Vaughn, creating a strong competitive environment for our teams. As our athletics program continues to grow, I am excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring to our student-athletes. This program is on the rise—and your student can be part of writing that story.”
More Than a Game: Building Confidence, Leadership and Lifelong Friendships
Ask any parent what they hope college gives their child, and “confidence,” “discipline” and “lifelong friends” are usually near the top of the list. That’s exactly what the athletics programs deliver at Vaughn.
Coaches don’t just teach skills; they build leaders. By setting expectations, providing structure and holding student-athletes accountable, Vaughn coaches shape the same qualities that make graduates stand out in engineering labs, internships and job interviews down the road. Student-athletes consistently say they feel a deeper connection to Vaughn through the pride of representing their College—and through friendships with teammates that last well beyond graduation day. This is what makes college unforgettable: not just what a student learns, but who they become and who stands beside them along the way.
Academics Always Come First
Here’s the best part for parents: Your child never has to choose between their sport and their degree. Vaughn College student-athletes have full access to the same academic advisers, tutoring services and faculty support available to every student. And coaching staff work hand in hand with all disciplines to keep student-athletes eligible and on track toward graduation.
Yes, the commitment is real. Student-athletes represent Vaughn with pride, and that comes with responsibility. But practice, competition and travel schedules are built around coursework, not the other way around. Your child can chase a winning season without ever losing sight of the finish line that matters most: their degree.
Your Team is Waiting
Every great season starts with a single step. And for your child who will become a student, that step could be right now. Incoming freshmen and transfer students can:
Reach out early, as coaching staff are excited to connect with future Vaughn athletes before they even step onto the campus
And here’s some encouragement for every incoming student: you don’t need to already be a star. While basketball and soccer often draw the most experienced athletes, Vaughn regularly welcomes students to try a sport competitively for the very first time. Wherever you might be starting from, there’s room here to grow, compete, and thrive.
A Program Built to Soar
Vaughn athletics has one clear vision: to become a respected name among the best collegiate programs at its level. That means building strong rosters, forging real connections with student-athletes, and creating a winning culture, all in service of one ultimate goal: supporting every student-athlete all the way across the graduation stage.
Vaughn College proves that students can build airplanes as well as a winning season. Yes, a future engineer can also be a champion. Athletics here isn’t a distraction from the mission. It’s part of what makes a Vaughn education—and a Vaughn student—truly unstoppable.
Let’s Go Phoenix!
Vaughn Athletics Frequently Asked Questions
How many varsity sports does Vaughn College offer?
Vaughn College offers nine varsity sports: basketball, cross country, soccer, tennis, and track and field (men’s and women’s programs across most sports).
In what athletic conference is Vaughn College placed?
Vaughn College competes in the USCAA (United States Collegiate Athletic Association) and recently joined the NACIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics).
Can Vaughn College students play club or intramural sports?
Yes. Vaughn offers club baseball and volleyball as well as intramural and recreational activities, including pickup games, esports tournaments and an annual ski and snowboarding trip.
Do Vaughn College athletes get academic support?
Student-athletes have access to the same academic advisers, tutoring and faculty support as all Vaughn students, with coaching staff helping them stay eligible and on track academically.
How do I try out for a Vaughn College sports team?
Contact the director of athletics at or visit our athletics website for information on teams, recruitment and tryouts.
Where do Vaughn College teams practice?
Vaughn teams train and compete at outstanding local facilities, including BQE Fitness,Elmcor Recreation Center and the legendary USTA Center. Training at BQE Fitness gives students athletes the feel of a big-time college program, while practicing at the USTA Center—where professional tennis players have competed—is the kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience students will talk about for years.
What range of experience and athletic ability do you need to participate in Vaughn’s athletic programs?
Experience levels vary depending on the sport, but we tend to see our most experienced student-athletes in basketball and soccer. While our other sports also attract experienced athletes, we regularly have students who are new to a sport and are trying it competitively for the first time. We also offer intramural and club sports, so students can learn and try new sports.
Vaughn College welcomed an outstanding group of aspiring high school students to campus for the Cybersecurity Summer Academy 2026, a three-week immersive educational experience designed to introduce participants to some of today’s fastest growing and most impactful technology fields.
Hosted by the department of computer engineering through the Vaughn College Cybersecurity and Cyber Defense Center, the academy provided students with a unique opportunity to experience college-level engineering and cybersecurity education through hands-on laboratories, interactive workshops and real-world problem-solving activities. The academy focused on three major technology areas over the course of three weeks: blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.
Students worked collaboratively while exploring the foundations of secure computing, networking, Linux systems, cybersecurity principles, ethical hacking concepts, programming and emerging technologies that are shaping the future of engineering and information security. Rather than relying solely on lectures, the academy emphasized experiential learning, which enabled participants to build practical skills through guided exercises and team-based challenges.
Throughout the program, students developed technical knowledge while strengthening critical thinking, analytical reasoning, communication and teamwork—essential skills required of today’s cybersecurity and engineering professionals.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
One of the defining characteristics of the Cybersecurity Summer Academy is its emphasis on applied learning. Participants were encouraged to think like engineers and cybersecurity analysts by approaching technical problems systematically, evaluating possible solutions and working collaboratively to overcome challenges.
The academy introduced students to concepts that included:
Cybersecurity fundamentals and cyber defense principles
Linux operating systems and command-line tools
Computer networking fundamentals
Artificial intelligence applications and emerging technologies
Blockchain concepts and distributed systems
Ethical hacking methodologies and cybersecurity awareness
Programming fundamentals and automation
Engineering design thinking and structured problem solving
By integrating these topics into practical laboratory activities, students gained insight into how modern cybersecurity professionals protect digital infrastructure while supporting innovation across industry.
Building the Future Cybersecurity Workforce
As cybersecurity continues to become one of the nation’s fastest-growing career fields, programs like the Cybersecurity Summer Academy play an important role in preparing future students for academic and professional success.
The visiting students also learned about available educational pathways through Vaughn College’s computer engineering program and the institution’s industry-aligned learning platforms, including Cisco Networking Academy, AWS Academy and Oracle Academy, each of which help prepare graduates for professional certifications and careers in today’s technology workforce.
A Collaborative Learning Community
Beyond technical instruction, the academy fostered an environment of collaboration, curiosity and innovation. Students from diverse backgrounds worked together, shared ideas and supported one another while developing both technical competencies and professional confidence.
Faculty members and instructors served as mentors throughout the program by encouraging students to ask questions, experiment with new technologies and approach cybersecurity challenges with creativity and integrity.
The relationships developed during the academy extended beyond the classroom, helping students gain a deeper appreciation for teamwork and the collaborative nature of engineering and cybersecurity professions.
The center promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, strengthens partnerships with industry and academia and supports continuous improvement in cybersecurity education while helping prepare graduates to contribute to the nation’s cybersecurity workforce. Vaughn College is currently pursuing designation as a National Security Agency Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CDE), thus reinforcing its commitment to excellence in cybersecurity education.
Looking Ahead
The success of the Cybersecurity Summer Academy 2026 reflects Vaughn College’s dedication to providing meaningful educational experiences that inspire future innovators and technology leaders.
As the demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow, initiatives such as the Cybersecurity Summer Academy help cultivate the next generation of engineers, cybersecurity practitioners and problem solvers who will help protect the digital systems that power our society.
The enthusiasm, dedication and accomplishments demonstrated by this year’s participants serve as a reminder that the future of cybersecurity is bright—and that future is already taking shape at Vaughn College.
No Time Like the Present
Are you a high school student with an interest in the intricacies of cybersecurity? If your answers is “yes,” then consider Vaughn’s Computer Engineering program or enrolling in the 2027 Cybersecurity Summer Academy as a first step.
There’s more to choosing a college than finding the right academic program. Parents also want to be confident in knowing their children will have access to the guidance, resources and community they need to succeed as students.
Vaughn College supports students throughout their higher education journey with counseling and wellness programs, career preparation, clubs and activities, tutoring, academic advising and on-campus housing. Together, these support services help students have a successful first year, build confidence, stay on track academically and prepare for life after graduation.
How Does Vaughn College Support Student Wellness?
College can be an exciting time, but it can also bring new academic, social and personal pressures. Vaughn College’s Office of Counseling and Wellness gives students a supportive and confidential place to seek help.
Matriculated undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for free counseling services during the academic year. Services include short-term individual and group counseling, mental health screenings, crisis intervention, referrals and help from support groups.
Students can also participate in wellness activities such as yoga, meditation, self-care workshops, aromatherapy and art therapy. Educational programs address common challenges which include stress management, time management, adjusting to college life and developing healthier sleep habits. Vaughn students can also participate in intercollegiate athletics, intramural and club sports.
For parents, these services provide peace of mind with the knowledge that their children have access to professional support when guidance, encouragement or help managing a difficult situation is needed.
How Does Vaughn College Prepare Students for Their Careers?
Vaughn College’s career-focused approach helps students connect their education with future opportunities in aviation, engineering, technology, management and transportation.
The Office of Career Services assists students throughout their college experience and continues to provide support even after graduation. Students can receive help with:
Career exploration and counseling
Résumés and cover letters
Interview preparation
Internship and job searches
Professional networking
Connecting with potential employers
Through Handshake, current students are able to explore internships and jobs, apply for positions and engage with employers. Vaughn also hosts career fairs, employer engagement days, site visits and professional workshops. Meet the career services team.
Career preparation extends into the classroom, where students develop valuable skills in communication, problem solving, leadership, teamwork and professionalism.
Ninety-seven percent of Vaughn graduates are employed or continue their education within one year, with 77 percent working in their field of study.* These outcomes demonstrate Vaughn’s commitment to helping students turn their education into a meaningful career path.
What Clubs and Activities are Available at Vaughn College?
Clubs and campus activities help students make friends, explore their interests and become part of the Vaughn College community.
Students may participate in academic clubs, professional organizations, honor societies, recreational activities and leadership opportunities. Here are but a few of these organizations:
Getting involved outside the classroom helps students develop leadership and teamwork skills, participate in hands-on projects, meet faculty mentors and connect with industry professionals. These student experiences may also strengthen a student’s résumé and give them more confidence when speaking with employers. Most importantly, clubs and activities help students build relationships and feel that they belong on campus.
What Academic Support and Tutoring Services Does Vaughn College Offer?
Vaughn College’s Academic Success Center helps students strengthen their academic skills, overcome challenges and remain on track toward graduation.
Available services include:
Academic advising
Individual and small-group tutoring
Supplemental instruction
Math and writing support
Disability services
Testing accommodations
Study space and academic resources
Peer tutors are available to help students review challenging concepts, prepare for exams and develop more effective study habits. Tutoring is not only for students who are struggling. Using these services early can help students remain organized, increase confidence and improve academic performance.Academic advisers also help students select courses, understand their degree requirements and make informed decisions about their academic plans.
Parents can support their children by encouraging them to ask for help early. Meeting with a tutor, adviser or professor before a problem grows will make a meaningful difference in a student’s college experience.
Why Should Students Consider Living on Campus at Vaughn College?
Living on campus can help students become more connected to their education and the college community. Research suggests that students who live on campus may be more likely to remain engaged, progress toward their degrees and graduate on time.
Vaughn’s residence hall provides a supportive environment where students live alongside peers who are navigating many of the same opportunities and challenges. Residential life can help students develop independence, create lasting friendships and become more involved in campus activities.
Vaughn’s all-suite-style residence hall includes:
Bathrooms within each suite
Wireless internet and streaming access
Security staff available 24 hours a day while classes are in session
A lobby lounge for gatherings, gaming and entertainment
A shared kitchen for cooking and meal preparation
Food storage areas
On-site laundry facilities
A fitness center with views of airplanes taking off and landing
A multipurpose room for studying, hosting events and presentation practice
Living on campus also gives students convenient access to classes, tutoring, academic advising, wellness services, career resources and student events. Take a video tour of Vaughn’s residence hall.
Location is another important benefit. Vaughn College is located in New York City and is close to major airports and numerous aviation, engineering and technology companies. What makes this location unique is that it allows students to experience New York City while remaining near organizations connected to their academic interests and future careers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Student Support at Vaughn College
Does Vaughn College offer counseling services?
Eligible undergraduate and graduate students can access free counseling services during the academic year, including individual counseling, group counseling, screenings, crisis support and referrals. Contact the office counseling and wellness at to learn more and check out these tips for maintaining mental wellness.
Does Vaughn College help students find internships and jobs?
Yes. Career Services helps students with career planning, résumés, interviews, networking, internships and job searches. Students also have opportunities to connect with employers through Handshake, career fairs and campus recruiting events.
Is tutoring available at Vaughn College?
Students can access peer tutoring, supplemental instruction and specialized math and writing support through the Academic Success Center.
Can students live on campus?
Vaughn offers an all-suite-style residence hall with internet access, security, study and social spaces, a kitchen, laundry facilities and a fitness center.
A College Experience Built Around Student Success
At Vaughn College, student support is not limited to one department or a single point in a student’s journey. It is integrated into the full college experience, from academic assistance and personal wellness to career preparation, campus involvement and residential life.
*Outcomes include data within one year of graduation for graduates who reported via survey. There were a total of 289 reported graduates in 2024. 230 reported an outcome for an 80% response rate. The 2024 graduate class includes September 2023, December 2023 and May 2024 graduates.
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Picture your child as a student, graduating with an engineering or aviation degree that might launch a career at a major airline, aerospace firm or tech company. Now, picture them making the big play, crossing the finish line and celebrating with teammates who became family. At Vaughn College, they don’t have to choose between a promising future and an unforgettable college experience. They get both. 
Men’s soccer captain Moaz Amer couldn’t be more excited about this advancement:
opportunity to compete and be recognized on a national level. Also, it allows us to compete against local colleges that are similar in size to Vaughn, creating a strong competitive environment for our teams. As our athletics program continues to grow, I am excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring to our student-athletes. This program is on the rise—and your student can be part of writing that story.”
Ask any parent what they hope college gives their child, and “confidence,” “discipline” and “lifelong friends” are usually near the top of the list. That’s exactly what the athletics programs deliver at Vaughn.
Vaughn athletics has one clear vision: to become a respected name among the best collegiate programs at its level. That means building strong rosters, forging real connections with student-athletes, and creating a winning culture, all in service of one ultimate goal: supporting every student-athlete all the way across the graduation stage.
