Augustana University

With 66% of students living on campus, Augustana fosters a residential community heavy on involvement. The Office of Student Life organizes arts, cultural events, and intramurals, while Sioux Falls provides off-campus research and seasonal events. Niche reviews praise the 'easy-to-meet-people' culture, with clubs and activities central to social life.

Augustana delivers exceptional ROI: 99% of 2024 graduates secured jobs or grad school within six months, with 69% staying in South Dakota. The median early-career salary is $36,427. Notably, 24% of students are Pell Grant recipients, and they graduate at a 71% rate—far above the national average for low-income students. The overall graduation rate is 79%, ranking in the top 15% nationally.

The net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost.—after aid—averages $23,534. Augustana offers robust financial aid, including need-based packages averaging $39,995 for freshmen. The Net Price Calculator helps families estimate costs, though it’s not a final offer. Notably, international students receive an average of $23,534 in aid.

Augustana’s blend of Lutheran values, academic rigor, and Sioux Falls’ urban resources creates a unique niche. Its 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures mentorship, while the 99% outcomes rate—coupled with accessibility for Pell recipients—makes it a social mobility engine. The culture rewards curiosity: from double majors to undergrad research, students leave as versatile thinkers with a pragmatic edge.