Augustana University welcomed a total of 2,652 students — part- and full-time undergraduate and graduate students — for Academic Year 2026-27. Hailing from 46 states and 48 countries, the number marks the largest ever student body in Augustana’s 166-year history — a 4% increase from last year.
“This remarkable growth reflects the continued momentum of Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030 and the unwavering dedication of our faculty and staff,” Augustana President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin said. “Investments in the academic and student life experience are strengthening our vibrant community and expanding opportunities for students to thrive. The strength of both our incoming class and student retention affirms that students value Augustana University as a place where they feel supported, inspired and empowered to pursue their goals.”
The student body includes 2,228 total undergraduates, which is the largest ever overall undergraduate headcount at Augustana.
Among those undergraduates, a total of 586 full-time first-year students chose to find their bold at Augustana — the third largest incoming class in the university’s history, which includes a record number of transfer students. The class includes students from 24 states and 23 countries outside of the U.S. are also represented in the incoming class, with 60 new international students.
“Students choose Augustana because they get the best of both worlds: a supportive campus community where faculty and staff know them by name, paired with an abundance of clubs, athletics and performing arts that keep them engaged outside the classroom. Our continued growth over the past five years shows how deeply families value that balance,” said Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management Adam Heinitz ‘99. “Additionally, the city of Sioux Falls gives our students an unbeatable advantage to build meaningful resumes and career connections across all industries, while fully enjoying the traditional college life they came here for.”
The top 10 majors declared by Augustana students are nursing, biology, business administration, psychology, exercise science, finance, elementary education, accounting, sport management and mathematics. Innovative interdisciplinary programs across these majors and others include bioinformatics, fintech and neuroscience, as well as media production & entrepreneurship.
Connor Sullivan ‘30 is a first-year student from Fremont, Nebraska. Sullivan said he had no experience with Augustana prior to visiting, now the nursing and biology double major is already involved in several student organizations on campus, as well as theatre and choir.
“Sioux Falls is amazing, and I have only heard good things about Augustana from its graduates,” said Sullivan, who hopes to become an operating room nurse or anesthetist. “So far, AU has been nothing but welcoming. I am enjoying my time here, and I look forward to meeting more people and finding more friendships.”
Andie Aughenbaugh ‘30 — a first-year student from Huron, South Dakota — attended Woonsocket High School. The biology major (also minoring in mathematics and Spanish) is on the pre-med track in hopes of becoming an anesthesiologist.
“Originally, I had zero clue where I wanted to pursue my undergraduate degree, but I knew I wanted to find the best route to medical school. A few of my family members, who are currently pursuing a medical degree or in residency themselves, had attended Augustana and believed it was extremely beneficial to their applications,” said Aughenbaugh.
Aughenbaugh, who is a member of the Augustana Band and Viking Marching Band, attended several prospective student days at Augustana and knew it was the place for her when she experienced Science Day.
“We were given the chance to perform a couple of experiments and listen to a lecture; I heard how enthusiastic the professors were about topics I also had a passion for and knew this was a place I would thrive,” said Aughenbaugh. “I miss my family and friends, but I enjoy all the university events. The course load is a struggle, but I love my classes. What I can say is that I have never gone through these difficulties alone. Every one of my professors is invested in my success and willing to help me with anything.”
Lael Hippen ‘30, of St. Paul, Minnesota, said she learned about Augustana through its Lutheran community and ultimately decided to attend the university because of its student life and the activities offered across campus.
“Augustana has been very helpful and welcoming — the community has been engaging and fun to get involved with,” said Hippen, an English and journalism double major.
The number of first-year students from Fall 2025 returning to Augustana for Fall 2026 is 87.2% — the highest retention rate in the university’s history.
Augustana once again set a record for the overall number of graduate students in the university’s history with 424 — a nearly 5% increase from last year thanks in part to the university’s newest master’s degree program — the Master of Social Work (MSW) — and its doctorate programs, which includes the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, as well as the new Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD).
