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Augustana University

Sioux Falls, SD

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Verbum Dei manet in aeternum(The Word of God endures forever)

1860
Founded
Private university
Type
1,818
Total Students
2,003
Undergrad
387
Graduate
$39K
Tuition (In-State)
$39K
Tuition (Out-State)
$25K
Avg Net Price
59%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Graduation Rate
6-year
84%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Augustana University

Augustana University: Cultivating leaders in South Dakota's largest private institution since 1860.

Augustana University, nestled in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, stands as the state's largest private university. With a rich heritage dating back to 1860, this private Lutheran institution is dedicated to a holistic education, drawing its very name from the historic Confessio Augustana (Augsburg Confession), a cornerstone of Lutheranism. Students here are not just part of a university; they join a vibrant community known as the Vikings, fostering a spirited and supportive environment.

Prospective students will discover a vast array of academic opportunities at Augustana, with more than 100 majors, minors, and comprehensive pre-professional and graduate programs. This breadth ensures that individuals can carve out a personalized educational path, supported by dedicated faculty. The university's commitment to academic excellence is designed to prepare students for impactful careers and lives of purpose.

Augustana's journey is one of resilience and transformation. Tracing its origins to the Hillsboro Academy in Illinois in 1835, the institution embarked on a significant westward migration, eventually merging with the Lutheran Normal School in Sioux Falls in 1918 to solidify its presence in South Dakota. Originally known as Augustana College, the institution proudly embraced its university status in 2015, marking a new chapter in its distinguished history and reflecting its expanded academic offerings.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1860, with historical roots tracing back to 1835.
  • South Dakota's largest private university, located in vibrant Sioux Falls.
  • Offers over 100 majors, minors, and diverse pre-professional and graduate programs.
  • A private Lutheran institution, drawing its name from the historic Confessio Augustana.
  • Led by President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, serving a student body of 2,390.
  • Boasts an endowment of over $200 million (2022), supporting academic initiatives.
  • Motto: "Verbum Dei manet in aeternum" (The Word of God endures forever).

Timeline

1835
Scandinavian immigrants established Hillsboro Academy in Illinois, the institution's earliest origin.
1860
Augustana College and Seminary established in Chicago, identified as the university's founding year.
1869
A split occurred, with Norwegian leadership moving to Marshall, Wisconsin.
1889
The Lutheran Normal School opened in Sioux Falls to educate teachers.
1918
Augustana College (Canton) merged with the Lutheran Normal School in Sioux Falls, forming Augustana College and Normal School.
1926
"and Normal School" was dropped from the name, becoming Augustana College.
2015
Renamed Augustana University from Augustana College, reflecting expanded academic offerings.
🏛️
166 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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