Founded in 1860 by Swedish settlers, Augustana College is a selective liberal arts college that is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Augustana has been ranked as one of the nation’s best colleges by U.S. News & World Report and ranks among the top 60 U.S. liberal arts colleges in the sciences.
| Overall Score (about) | 87.8 |
| Total Cost On-Campus Attendance | $54,907 |
| Admission Success rate | N/A |
| Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty | 13 : 1 |
| Retention (full-time / part-time) | 88% / N/A |
| Enrollment Total (all students) | 2,543 |
Some of the majors offered include Accounting, Art, Biochemistry, Business Administration, Computer Science/ Mathematics, Elementary and Secondary Education, Music, Psychology, Religion, Scandinavian, Sociology, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Studio Art, and Theatre.
The college also offers coordinated degree programs in Dentistry, Engineering, Environmental Management, Forestry, Landscape Architecture, and Occupational Therapy, as well as a number of pre-professional programs. Students may also pursue self-designed majors, double majors, study abroad programs, part-time degree programs, independent study, and internships. Class sizes are small; the college’s student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1.
The Office of Admissions evaluates applications using a unique approach. All of the information in an application, including extracurricular activities, plays a part in determining admission. Students can apply using the Common Application and the college’s own supplement beginning August 1 prior to their senior year. Applicants must also submit transcripts, recommendations, and writing samples. Standardized test scores and video essays are optional. Prospective students are encouraged to visit, and are welcome to stay overnight in a residence hall. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis from early November. There is no application deadline, but students who apply before February 1 receive priority consideration. Admitted students who intend to enroll must submit a $350 non-refundable deposit by May 1 in order to reserve a spot in the incoming class. Different requirements apply to international students, transfer students, and homeschooled students.
The Financial Assistance Office is committed to helping students understand and successfully complete the financial aid process. In just one year, Augustana students were awarded more than $31 million in grants and scholarships from the school. 96% of the college’s students receive some type of financial assistance. Financial aid can come in various forms including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study. Students who wish to apply for financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student AID (FAFSA) every year. Financial assistance packages are mailed to accepted students beginning in early March and extending through April. The college also offers a monthly payment plan.
Living on Campus
Seventy percent of students live on campus, due largely to the school’s three-year residency requirement. The college considers living on campus to be an important part of a student’s educational experience. As such, all full-time students except for seniors, students who are 22 years of age or older, students who have been granted commuter status by the Office of Residential Life, and students who have received written permission to reside off-campus by the Office of Residential Life, the Student Policy Committee (SPC) or the Dean of Student Services are required to live on campus .
Most freshman and sophomore students live in traditional residence halls. Upperclassmen may choose to reside in one of the college’s Transitional Living Areas (TLAs), which offer more independence. Meal plans are required for most resident students. There is a wide variety of dining locations located throughout the campus, which provide nutritious meals, affordable prices, and excellent service.
Student Organizations
Campus life includes numerous clubs, events, and activities. Students can participate in music ensembles, publications, theatre, broadcasting, debate, student government, as well as a wide variety of professional, departmental, religious, social, political, and service organizations. There is a chapter of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa honor society. There are also collegiate organizations that focus on interests such as music or service. Augustana has a local Greek system, which includes six sororities and seven fraternities.
The school is committed to promoting religious diversity on campus, as part of the Five Faith Commitments. The Interfaith Group has students, faculty and staff who meet regularly to discuss issues of tolerance, understanding and clarification. There are advisors who help Jewish and Muslim students. The Office of Campus Ministries is a resource that provides students with spiritual guidance, as well as opportunities for worship, learning, and service. There are two full-time chaplains, one Lutheran, and one Catholic, who are available to all students.
Student services include nonremedial tutoring, a women’s center, a career / job placement service, student health services, and student health insurance.
The Vikings have a long tradition of athletic excellence. They compete in the NCAA Division III College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW), and the Midwest Lacrosse Conference. The Vikings participate in 22 male and female team sports, and more than 70% of students compete in some form of varsity, club, or intramural sport. Current varsity sports include: football, baseball, volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s track & field, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s swimming, and wrestling. The Vikings have one 174 conference titles and have had 135 Academic All-American student athletes.The college’s football team won four NCAA Division III national championships in a row from 1983 – 1986.
Club sports and intramural sports include badminton, equestrian, crew, fencing, men’s hockey, martial arts, men’s and women’s volleyball, rugby, paintball, ultimate frisbee, and cheerleading.
Athletic facilities include the Roy J. Carver Center for Physical Education, which is used for intercollegiate basketball, wrestling, volleyball, and swimming, as well as for most of the college’s physical education classes. Ericson Field and the Paul V. Olsen track are where the Vikings play football and track. Other facilities include Swanson Stadium, Brunner Field and the PepsiCo Recreation Center, which has 3 basketball courts, a tennis court, two racquetball courts, four volleyball courts, locker rooms, a weight room, cardiovascular exercise equipment, and a training room.
The school is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Universities, the National Association of Schools of Music, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, and the Illinois State Board of Education.
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