Sioux Falls, SDprivate nonprofitwww.augie.edu/
Augustana University, a Lutheran-affiliated liberal arts college in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, combines rigorous academics with a tight-knit community vibe. Known for its strong outcomes—99% of 2024 graduates landed jobs or further education—it offers a personalized education where half of students pursue multiple majors. With a 67% acceptance rate and a median post-grad salary of $36,427, Augustana strikes a balance between accessibility and return on investment.
Augustana University is moderately selective, with an Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. of 67.74% (higher than its Illinois namesake’s 62.8%). Admitted students typically have SAT scores between 1190–1348 or ACT scores of 20–27. The admissions office emphasizes Holistic admissionsA review that weighs the whole applicant — grades, essays, activities, and context — rather than relying on test scores and GPA alone., with no strict cutoffs—though scoring above a 1348 SAT or 27 ACT nearly guarantees admission. Contact info: (605) 274-5516 or toll-free (800) 727-2844.
Augustana offers 100+ majors, minors, and pre-professional programs, with business and biological sciences as the most popular. Half of students double major, leveraging the school’s flexibility to build interdisciplinary skills. The College of Arts & Sciences emphasizes both depth in a discipline and broad liberal arts training. Reddit reviews highlight professor accessibility and challenging coursework, noting it’s 'tough but supportive.'
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 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.