Augustana University
Augustana University: A Comprehensive Overview
Rooted in Lutheran traditions and offering over 100 majors, minors, and pre-professional programs, Augustana is a dynamic institution where students thrive both academically and personally.
History and Founding: Augustana University
Augustana University’s history is rich and deeply connected to the Scandinavian immigrant experience in America. Founded in 1860 in Chicago by Norwegian settlers, the institution moved several times before settling in Sioux Falls in 1918. The university was established as a Lutheran college and maintains an affiliation with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
Its name, “Augustana,” is derived from the Confessio Augustana or Augsburg Confession, a foundational document of Lutheranism. The institution has grown from its religious roots into a progressive and inclusive liberal arts university that still values its spiritual heritage.
Campus and Facilities: Augustana University
The university's campus spans more than 100 acres in the heart of Sioux Falls, the largest city in South Dakota. Known for its picturesque setting, the campus features classic collegiate architecture, modern facilities, and inviting green spaces.
Recent expansions have enhanced both academic and student life. The Froiland Science Complex, for example, provides advanced laboratory spaces for STEM disciplines, while the Humanities Center and Chapel of Reconciliation serve as hubs for liberal arts education and spiritual growth.
The university’s location in Sioux Falls offers students access to internships, research opportunities, and community engagement within a vibrant urban setting. Sioux Falls has a strong economy, a burgeoning arts scene, and a high quality of life, making it an ideal environment for college students.
Academic Excellence: Augustana University
It offers more than 100 majors, minors, and pre-professional programs across several academic divisions:
Colleges and Schools:
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School of Arts and Sciences
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School of Education
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School of Business
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School of Health Professions
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Graduate and Continuing Education
Among the most popular majors are: Augustana University
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Nursing
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Biology
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Psychology
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Business Administration
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Education
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Exercise Science
Small class sizes and a student-to-faculty ratio of around 12:1 foster strong relationships between students and professors.
Honors Program and Undergraduate Research
Augustana’s Honors Program challenges intellectually curious students with advanced coursework, independent projects, and leadership opportunities. In addition, the university is known for its emphasis on undergraduate research, allowing students to collaborate with faculty and present at national conferences.
Experiential Learning and Study Abroad
Augustana places a strong emphasis on learning by doing. Internships, clinical experiences, student teaching, and service-learning projects are integral parts of many programs. The university’s location in Sioux Falls supports experiential learning in fields like healthcare, education, business, and nonprofit work.
One of the university's hallmark offerings is the study abroad program. Through J-Term (January Term) courses and semester-long programs, students have the opportunity to study in locations around the world—from Norway to Namibia. These experiences deepen students’ understanding of global cultures and expand their academic horizons.
Student Life: Augustana University
With approximately 2,100 undergraduate and graduate students, the campus community is large enough to offer diverse activities, yet small enough to ensure a sense of belonging.
Clubs and Organizations
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Academic clubs (e.g., Pre-Health Club, Math Club)
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Cultural groups (e.g., Black Student Union, International Programs)
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Arts and performance (e.g., Choir, Theatre, Jazz Band)
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Service organizations and honor societies
The Augustana Student Association (ASA) represents student voices and works to improve campus life and university policy.
Residence Life
Most first- and second-year students live on campus in residence halls or theme houses. The housing options range from traditional dormitories to suite-style living. Residential life staff organize programs that encourage community building and wellness.
Athletics
Augustana University is a proud member of NCAA Division II, competing in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The university sponsors 19 varsity sports, including:
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Football
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Basketball
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Baseball
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Soccer
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Volleyball
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Wrestling
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Swimming & Diving
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Golf
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Cross Country
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Track & Field
The Vikings, as the athletic teams are called, have earned national recognition for both athletic success and academic achievement. Augustana’s athletic facilities are top-notch, including the Sanford Fieldhouse, Bowden Field, and the Midco Arena (currently in development), which will host the university’s emerging men’s ice hockey program.
Arts and Culture: Augustana University
Augustana is renowned for its contributions to the arts.
Music
The Augustana Choir is internationally acclaimed and has performed across the globe. Other ensembles include:
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Augustana Band
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Northlanders Jazz Band
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Chamber Choir
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Orchestra
Music students benefit from exceptional faculty, professional performance spaces, and a curriculum that balances theory, practice, and performance.
Theatre
The Augustana Theatre Department stages a full season of plays and musicals each year, featuring both classic and contemporary works. Students can participate in acting, directing, set design, and more.
Art
The Eide/Dalrymple Gallery showcases student and professional artwork, while studio art majors explore disciplines from painting to ceramics and digital media.
Faith and Service: Augustana University
While Augustana welcomes students of all faith backgrounds, its Lutheran identity remains central to its mission. The university’s ethos emphasizes ethical leadership, social justice, and service to others.
Students are encouraged to participate in community service and service trips. Projects range from volunteering with local nonprofits to national and international service experiences during spring break or J-Term.
Graduate and Continuing Education
Augustana also offers several graduate programs designed for working professionals and students seeking advanced degrees. These include:
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Master of Education
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Master of Professional Accountancy
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Master of Science in Genetic Counseling
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Doctor of Physical Therapy (in partnership)
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Accelerated nursing and healthcare programs
Courses are designed with flexibility in mind, often incorporating evening, weekend, or online components.
Admissions and Financial Aid
Admission to Augustana is selective but holistic. The university looks at a combination of GPA, standardized test scores (optional), extracurricular involvement, recommendation letters, and personal essays. Interviews are not required but can strengthen a candidate's application.
Financial Aid: Augustana University
Augustana is committed to affordability and offers generous financial aid packages. More than 98% of students receive some form of aid, including:
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Merit-based scholarships
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Need-based grants
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Federal aid and work-study
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Institutional scholarships for music, theatre, and athletics
The university’s goal is to make a high-quality liberal arts education accessible to all qualified students.
Career Preparation and Alumni Success
Augustana University boasts a high job and graduate school placement rate. Within six months of graduation, more than 97% of students are employed or enrolled in further education.
Career Services: Augustana University
The Student Success Center offers career counseling, mock interviews, resume workshops, and job fairs. The university also maintains a robust alumni network that helps with mentoring and career connections.
Notable Alumni
Augustana’s alumni have gone on to excel in fields such as:
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Medicine
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Education
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Business
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Law
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Politics
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the Arts
Many serve as leaders in their communities, reflecting the university’s mission to develop servant-leaders.
Diversity and Inclusion
Augustana is committed to creating a welcoming environment for students of all backgrounds. Through the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the university supports underrepresented students and fosters campus conversations around identity, race, equity, and justice.
Programs include:
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Cultural awareness events
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First-generation student support
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LGBTQ+ student resources
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Bias reporting systems
Future Growth and Vision: Augustana University
Augustana continues to grow with a bold strategic vision. In recent years, the university launched new programs in data science, neuroscience, and supply chain management. Plans are also underway for expanded graduate offerings and international partnerships.
The addition of men’s ice hockey has positioned Augustana as the first South Dakota school to offer the sport at the NCAA Division I level. This ambitious move reflects the university’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
Conclusion
Augustana University is a premier liberal arts institution that blends tradition with innovation. With its rigorous academics, vibrant campus life, Lutheran heritage, and emphasis on experiential learning, Augustana prepares students to lead meaningful lives and make a difference in the world.
Whether you're interested in the arts, sciences, athletics, or service, Augustana offers a personalized and empowering college experience in a supportive, values-driven environment. For those seeking a comprehensive education rooted in community and purpose, Augustana University is a place to belong—and to become.
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