About Augustana

Ole

It Begins with a Sense of Purpose

Academics

Founded in 1860, Augustana University provides students with a wide range of academic courses and majors. There are more than 100 different majors, minors and pre-professional programs of study. Additionally, graduate students can select from nearly a dozen master and doctoral programs.

Accreditation

Augustana University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Its original accreditation dates to 1931, with the last accreditation visit in 2022. Augustana is also accredited by the South Dakota Department of Education and holds professional accreditation in the following organizations: 

Co-Curricular Activities

Beyond the classroom, Augustana provides opportunities for involvement in more than 100 student organizations and activities, including special interest groups, 19 NCAA Division II athletic teams and 20 performing arts ensembles in music and theatre.

Faculty

Nearly 85% of Augustana full-time and tenure-track faculty possess the highest degree in their disciplines. The student to faculty ratio is 12:1 with an average class size of 21 students.

Location

The university is located in Sioux Falls — South Dakota's largest city, with an estimated population of 213,891 with 5,007 new residents in 2023.

Students

More than 2,100 undergraduate and graduate students come from 42 states and 57 countries. Most are part of our residential community and call Augustana's 100-acre campus home. Approximately 215 transfer, exchange and continuing international students are enrolled at AU. Students typically enter the university with an average ACT of 25.5 and high school grade point average of 3.75.

Traditions

Major university traditions include Opening Convocation, Viking Days, Christmas Vespers, Day of Service, Semester Shutdown, the Arthur Olsen Student Research Symposium, Suite Farewell, Family Weekend and Faculty Gauntlet at Commencement. Ole — the Viking statue in the center of the quadrangle — is often decorated for special seasonal events. The Campus Green is the large expanse of green space used for intramural sports and student activities.

Residential Life

Living opportunities include seven residence halls, six apartment complexes and theme houses.