Augustana College (South Dakota) Admissions

Augustana College Admissions Overview:

Augsutana College accepts applications on a rolling basis, meaning that students can apply any time during the year (although it is typically to your advantage to apply early). With an acceptance rate of 69%, Augustana College is generally open to hard-working high school students with grades and standardized test scores that are at least a little above average. While good grades and high test scores are always helpful, Augustana has holistic admissions. This means the admissions folks will look at more than just scores and grades; students with extracurricular activities, work/volunteer experience, and strong writing skills—even with less than average grades—still have a chance at being admitted to Augustana.

Admissions Data (2016):

• Augustana College Acceptance Rate: 69%
• Test Scores -- 25th / 75th Percentile
  • SAT Critical Reading: 440 / 610
  • SAT Math: 490 / 620
  • SAT Writing: - / -
    • What these SAT numbers mean
  • ACT Composite: 23 / 29
  • ACT English: 22 / 30
  • ACT Math: 23 / 28
    • What these ACT numbers mean

Augustana College Description:

Augustana College is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Students of all faiths are welcome, and a little less than half of students are Lutheran. Augustana is located within the city of Sioux Falls, and the University of Sioux Falls is just a couple of blocks away. The college's identity is built around five core values: Christian, liberal arts, excellence, community, and service. Students can choose from over 50 majors and pre-professional programs. Education, biology, and business are particularly popular with undergraduates. Augustana has a 11 to 1 student / faculty ratio and an average class size of 21. Student life is active with high levels of participation in co-curricular activities such as music and athletics. The Vikings compete in the NCAA Division II Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The college fields eight men's and eight women's intercollegiate sports.

Enrollment (2016):

• Total Enrollment: 1,937 (1,665 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 41% Male / 59% Female
• 95% Full-time

Costs (2016 - 17):

• Tuition and Fees: $30,944
• Books: $1,000 (why so much?)
• Room and Board: $7,480
• Other Expenses: $1,400
• Total Cost: $40,824

Augustana College Financial Aid (2015 - 16):

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 100%
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 100%
  • Loans: 63%
• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $19,748
  • Loans: $9,471

Academic Programs:

• Most Popular Majors: Biology, Business Administration, Elementary Education, English, Exercise Science, Nursing, Political Science

Transfer, Retention and Graduation Rates:

• First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 84%
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 54%
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 71%

Intercollegiate Athletic Programs:

• Men's Sports: Football, Track and Field, Baseball, Basketball, Golf, Wrestling, Tennis
• Women's Sports: Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis, Softball, Soccer, Golf, Track and Field

Data Source:

National Center for Educational Statistics

If You Like Augustana College, You May Also Like These Schools:

Applicants interested in a school in South Dakota should also consider the University of Sioux Falls, Northern State University, South Dakota State University, and the University of South Dakota, which are all similar in size (both in enrollment numbers and in programs offered) to Augustana.

For other colleges in the midwest/plains regions affiliated with the Lutheran Church, interested applicants should also consider Finlandia University, Bethany College, Luther College, Wartburg College, Thiel College, and Midland University.

Augustana and the Common Application

Augustana College uses the Common Application. These articles can help guide you:

• Common Application essay tips and samples
• Short answer tips and samples
• Supplemental essay tips and samples