About Augustana University
Augustana University builds strong community ties in Sioux Falls while maintaining its Lutheran heritage. The 1,818 students benefit from an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that emphasizes close mentorship. This liberal arts university attracts students who want personal attention in a midsize city setting. The acceptance rate of 66% makes admission competitive but accessible for solid students.
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $24,723 after aid, well below the sticker price of $39,190. Graduates earn a median of $59,217 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $25,000 reasonable. The monthly loan payment averages $265, which most graduates can handle given their earning potential. Nearly 98% of graduates find employment after finishing their degrees.
Women outnumber men 61% to 38% on campus, creating a female-friendly environment. The Vikings compete in 18 Division II sports with 555 total athletes, meaning about 30% of students participate in varsity athletics. The 4-1-4 calendar system includes a January term for internships or study abroad. With 83% of freshmen returning for sophomore year, most students find what they're looking for at Augustana.
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $24,723 after aid, well below the sticker price of $39,190. Graduates earn a median of $59,217 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $25,000 reasonable. The monthly loan payment averages $265, which most graduates can handle given their earning potential. Nearly 98% of graduates find employment after finishing their degrees.
Women outnumber men 61% to 38% on campus, creating a female-friendly environment. The Vikings compete in 18 Division II sports with 555 total athletes, meaning about 30% of students participate in varsity athletics. The 4-1-4 calendar system includes a January term for internships or study abroad. With 83% of freshmen returning for sophomore year, most students find what they're looking for at Augustana.
Academics & Faculty
Augustana University operates as a private liberal arts university with strong ties to its Lutheran heritage, emphasizing well-rounded education across disciplines. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentorship and personalized attention in small classes. Students graduate at impressive rates, with 75.6% earning degrees within six years. The university is particularly known for its education, business, and pre-health programs, with many students pursuing careers in teaching, healthcare, and ministry. The Four-One-Four academic calendar includes a January term for intensive study or internships. Liberal arts education here means students explore diverse subjects while developing critical thinking skills valued by employers, as evidenced by the 97.5% employment rate after graduation.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 72.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 75.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 75.6%
- Retention Rate
- 83.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,217
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,724 |
| Education, General. | Master | $48,883 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $44,666 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $43,426 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $39,009 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $39,009 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,928 |
| History. | Bachelor | $36,848 |
| Business/Corporate Communications. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
| American Sign Language. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
Campus Life
Augustana sits in South Dakota's largest city, but Sioux Falls feels more like an oversized college town than a metropolitan center. With housing capacity for 1,376 students and total enrollment of 1,818, about three-quarters of undergraduates live on campus in a tight-knit community. The Lutheran heritage shows in the school's emphasis on service and ethical leadership rather than strict religious requirements.
Winter dominates the academic year with brutal cold and snow that lasts from November through March. Students bundle up for the trek between residence halls and academic buildings, though the compact campus keeps walks short. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you miss class. With 555 student-athletes competing in 18 NCAA Division II sports, Vikings games draw solid crowds, especially for football and basketball. The Four-One-Four calendar system includes a January term for internships or study abroad. Weekends revolve around campus activities, sporting events, and ventures into downtown Sioux Falls for restaurants and entertainment.
Winter dominates the academic year with brutal cold and snow that lasts from November through March. Students bundle up for the trek between residence halls and academic buildings, though the compact campus keeps walks short. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you miss class. With 555 student-athletes competing in 18 NCAA Division II sports, Vikings games draw solid crowds, especially for football and basketball. The Four-One-Four calendar system includes a January term for internships or study abroad. Weekends revolve around campus activities, sporting events, and ventures into downtown Sioux Falls for restaurants and entertainment.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 1,376 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1860
Campus Safety (2023)
18 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 7°–25°F
- July Avg
- 63°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 28.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 49.0"
Student Demographics
Augustana draws students who value close-knit academic communities, with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio fostering personal attention. The student body splits almost evenly between in-state and out-of-state students, reflecting both strong regional ties and growing national recognition. Women comprise about 61% of enrollment, typical for liberal arts institutions that emphasize education, nursing, and social sciences. Only 16% receive Pell Grants, indicating the school primarily serves middle and upper-middle-class families. The Lutheran heritage attracts students seeking faith-integrated learning, though the community welcomes diverse backgrounds within its predominantly white student population.
- Men
- 38.7%
- Women
- 61.3%
- White
- 75.1%
- Black
- 3.5%
- Hispanic
- 4.8%
- Asian
- 2.1%
- In-State Students
- 47.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 16.0%
Location
Augustana University sits in Sioux Falls, South Dakota's largest city with about 195,000 residents. The campus is roughly 240 miles from Minneapolis, making it the regional center for southeastern South Dakota. Sioux Falls offers more urban amenities than typical college towns, with a growing downtown arts district and Falls Park featuring the Big Sioux River's namesake waterfalls. The 4-1-4 calendar system allows students to explore internships in the city's expanding healthcare and financial sectors. South Dakota's prairie landscape surrounds the area, though students aren't isolated thanks to Sioux Falls' size and regional importance. Students considering colleges in South Dakota may also compare Augustana University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57197-0001
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,217
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,473
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 82.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Augustana University?
Augustana University accepts 65.79% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1110-1325 on the SAT, reflecting the Lutheran liberal arts college's solid academic standards.
How much does Augustana University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $24,723 annually, less than the $39,190 sticker price. The college is known for generous institutional aid, with 25.63% of students receiving grants averaging $27,920.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Augustana University?
Augustana maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,818 total students. This small liberal arts environment allows for close mentoring relationships that the college emphasizes in its Four-One-Four academic calendar system.
What are job outcomes like for Augustana University graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $59,217 ten years after enrollment, with an impressive 97.5% employment rate. The strong Lutheran work ethic culture and career services help explain why 75.60% of students graduate within six years.
Where do Augustana University students live on campus?
The university houses 1,376 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. With 83.51% of freshmen returning for sophomore year, the residential experience clearly resonates with students at this Sioux Falls campus.
How strong are athletics at Augustana University?
The Vikings compete in NCAA Division II with 555 total athletes across 18 varsity sports. The athletic program receives $6.67 million in scholarship funding, reflecting Augustana's commitment to competitive sports within the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.
