“These rankings consider so many variables, so to find yourself near the top in a variety of categories really speaks to the excellence, commitment and innovative spirit displayed by our students, faculty, staff and alumni." — Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management Adam Heinitz ‘99
By the Numbers
U.S. News & World Report
#1
Best Value in the Midwest
#6
Most Innovative in the Midwest
#7
Best Overall in the Midwest
- U.S. News & World Report also ranked Augustana No. 7 in Best Undergraduate Teaching Programs in 2026.
The Princeton Review
- The Princeton Review ranked Augustana as one of its 2027 Best Regional Colleges (in the Midwest) considered academically outstanding and well worth consideration in a college search.
Military Friendly
- AU has been designated a 2026-27 Silver Military Friendly ® School.
WalletHub
- WalletHub ranked Augustana as one of its 2026 Best Universities — the top university in South Dakota and No. 118 out of more than 700 universities nationwide, as well as No. 17 in the Midwest across 30 key measures, ranging from student-faculty ratio and graduation rate to post-attendance median salary.
Niche
- Niche ranked Augustana among the 2027 Best Colleges in South Dakota — giving the university a grade A- or above in athletics, diversity, future readiness and student life. Niche also ranked AU in the Top 25 for Christian Colleges in America and the No. 1 College in South Dakota in the fields of biology and education, as well as student life.
A
Athletics
A
Future Readiness
A-
Student Life
College Raptor
- Augustana has once again been named a Hidden Gem College in the U.S. and Hidden Gem College in the Plains Region, as well as a Division II Hidden Gem College and Hidden Gem College for Nursing by College Raptor.
#1
Overall Ranking in SD
#2
Graduation Rate in SD
#1
Student Life in SD
Augustana University Outcomes Report
- Augustana graduates who completed their bachelor’s degrees between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, were surveyed within six months of graduation. The report by the AU Student Success Center offers a snapshot of post-graduation activities and destinations for members of the Class of 2025.
98
of 2025 Grads Achieved a Positive Career Outcome
22
of 2025 Grads Enrolled in Graduate School or Professional Programs
96
of 2025 Grads Were Admitted Into Continuing Education Programs
Top 4
Employers that Hired 2025 Grads: Avera Health, Sanford Health, Sioux Falls School District and RSM US LLP
121
Unique Organizations Hired 2025 Grads in 22 states, as well as in Norway, Spain and Sweden
$55,000
Full-Time Median Salary Reported by 2024 Grads