Overview
Augustana University was founded in 1860 by Norwegian Lutheran immigrants and has evolved from a small seminary-affiliated college into a respected liberal arts institution based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It maintains an affiliation with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America while welcoming students of all faiths, and it has built a reputation for rigorous academics, particularly in pre-medicine, business, education, and the sciences. The university emphasizes close faculty-student relationships and a values-based, whole-person approach to education rooted in its Lutheran heritage.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Sioux Falls, South Dakota |
| Founded | 1860 |
| Total students | 1,900 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 12:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 78% |
| Graduation rate | 68% |
| Average starting salary | $48,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $40,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $40,000 |
| Room & board | $10,500 |
| Average financial aid | $28,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 98% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1050-1290 |
| ACT range | 21-27 |
| Average GPA | 3.6 |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Nursing
- Biology/Pre-Med
- Business Administration
- Education
- Government/International Affairs
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.