Augustana College

Augustana College is a Private Nonprofit institution in Rock Island, IL with approximately 2,490 students. Augustana College has a strong graduation rate of 76.26%. The median earnings 10 years after graduation are $62,971, indicating a good return on investment. The college has a diverse student body, with a significant proportion of Hispanic students. Augustana College has a medium-sized student body, fostering a close-knit community.

Augustana College prides itself on a robust liberal arts education, with a strong emphasis on undergraduate research and faculty mentorship. The college boasts several highly regarded departments, including its renowned Augustana Center for the Arts, the Environmental Studies program, and its pre-professional advising for fields like medicine and law. With a student-faculty ratio that is typically low (though not explicitly provided, it's a hallmark of liberal arts institutions like Augustana), students benefit from personalized attention and close working relationships with faculty. Many professors are actively engaged in research and often involve undergraduates in their projects, offering invaluable hands-on experience. The Honors Program provides a challenging academic path for high-achieving students, with smaller class sizes and opportunities for independent study. Augustana also has a strong commitment to global learning, with numerous study abroad programs that allow students to immerse themselves in different cultures and academic environments. Academic support is readily available through resources like the Tutoring Center and the Academic Success Center, ensuring students have the resources they need to thrive academically.

Augustana College is committed to making its private liberal arts education accessible through a combination of merit-based and need-based financial aid. For the incoming class, the average financial aid package often includes a significant portion of institutional aid, with many students receiving grants and scholarships that can substantially reduce the sticker price of $51,598. Merit scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, and while specific dollar amounts vary, they can range from a few thousand dollars to a significant percentage of tuition. Need-based aid is determined by the FAFSA and CSS Profile, and Augustana strives to meet a substantial portion of demonstrated financial need for its students. Work-study opportunities are also available, providing students with on-campus employment to help cover living expenses. For families with an annual income below $75,000, Augustana has historically aimed to provide aid that covers at least tuition, fees, room, and board, though this is not a guaranteed commitment and depends on individual circumstances. Negotiating financial aid at Augustana is possible, particularly if you have a competing offer from a similarly ranked institution, but it's essential to present a strong case with supporting documentation. It's crucial for prospective students to complete their financial aid applications early to maximize their chances of receiving the best possible aid package.

Augustana College graduates enter a diverse job market, with alumni finding opportunities across various sectors. While specific major employer recruitment data for Augustana is not publicly detailed, graduates often leverage the college's strong liberal arts foundation to pursue careers in fields like education, healthcare, business, and technology. Industries where alumni tend to cluster include education, with many graduates becoming teachers and administrators in K-12 schools and higher education institutions. The healthcare sector is another significant area, with alumni working as nurses, therapists, and in administrative roles at hospitals and clinics in the Quad Cities region and beyond. Business and finance roles are also common, with alumni employed in banking, marketing, and management. Technology roles, though perhaps less concentrated than traditional fields, are growing, with graduates finding positions in software development, IT support, and data analysis.

Graduate school placement rates are generally strong, reflecting Augustana's academic rigor. Many alumni pursue advanced degrees in fields such as law, medicine, psychology, and business. While specific placement rates for each program are not readily available, the college's emphasis on critical thinking and research prepares students well for further academic pursuits. Notable alumni include figures like former NFL player and coach Mike Shanahan, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Stephenie Meyer.

Augustana's career services are designed to support students through their academic journey and into their professional lives. They offer personalized career counseling, resume workshops, interview preparation, and networking events. The college actively cultivates internship pipelines, with students gaining practical experience at local organizations such as Genesis Health System, Deere & Company (headquartered nearby in Moline), and various school districts. Geographic hiring patterns show a strong presence of Augustana alumni within the Quad Cities metropolitan area (Rock Island, Moline, Davenport, Bettendorf), but also extend to major Midwestern cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, and Des Moines, as well as national placements in sectors like finance and technology.

Augustana College, nestled in Rock Island, Illinois, cultivates a vibrant and engaged campus community that feels both close-knit and dynamic. The 'Viking spirit' is palpable, fostering a sense of belonging and shared experience. Most students live on campus for at least their first two years, with a variety of housing options ranging from traditional residence halls like Erickson and Westerlin to apartment-style living in the Bergendoff Commons. The campus itself is a beautiful, walkable space, with iconic landmarks like the Centennial Hall and the Denkmann Memorial Library serving as central hubs. Social life often revolves around campus events, student organizations, and informal gatherings. With over 100 student clubs and organizations, from academic and cultural groups to service-oriented and recreational clubs, there's a niche for everyone. Greek life is present but not dominant, with a few fraternities and sororities contributing to the social fabric. Athletics are a significant part of the Augustana experience, with strong NCAA Division III programs in various sports, drawing enthusiastic crowds to games. The Quad Cities region offers additional off-campus opportunities for entertainment, dining, and internships, providing a well-rounded college town feel. Expect a friendly, collaborative atmosphere where students are encouraged to get involved and make the most of their four years.

Augustana College's location in Rock Island, Illinois, offers a unique blend of Midwestern charm and strategic access to economic opportunities. The Quad Cities metropolitan area, comprising Rock Island, Moline, Davenport, and Bettendorf, provides a solid local job market with a diverse economic base. Key industries in the region include advanced manufacturing, with major employers like Deere & Company and Alcoa having significant operations nearby. The healthcare sector is also robust, with Genesis Health System and UnityPoint Health serving as major employers. Additionally, the region supports a growing presence in logistics, distribution, and technology.

The cost of living in the Quad Cities is notably lower than the national average, making the overall financial burden of attending Augustana more manageable for students and their families, especially when considering living expenses post-graduation. This affordability extends to housing, transportation, and daily necessities.

While not a direct hub for cutting-edge tech or finance like a major coastal city, the Quad Cities offers proximity to larger industry hubs. Chicago, a major economic powerhouse, is approximately a three-hour drive away, providing access to a vast array of internships and job opportunities in sectors ranging from finance and technology to arts and culture. This proximity allows Augustana students to tap into a broader job market without the exorbitant cost of living associated with a large metropolis.

Quality of life in the Quad Cities is characterized by a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere, with ample recreational opportunities along the Mississippi River, including parks, trails, and cultural attractions. Safety is generally good, with crime rates comparable to or below national averages for similar-sized metropolitan areas. The weather is typical of the Midwest, with distinct seasons including warm summers and cold, snowy winters.

Augustana's location provides a balanced environment: a supportive local community and job market, coupled with accessible connections to larger economic centers, offering graduates a solid foundation for career development and a reasonable cost of living.

Augustana College's admission rate of 62.7% suggests a moderately selective admissions process. While Augustana doesn't publish specific GPA or test score ranges, successful applicants typically demonstrate strong academic performance in a rigorous high school curriculum. Focus on presenting a GPA that reflects consistent effort and achievement, ideally in the B+ to A- range. Given the absence of published SAT/ACT midpoints, it's wise to submit scores if they are strong and align with your academic profile, but the absence of scores won't necessarily penalize you. The admissions committee looks for well-rounded individuals who will contribute to the Augustana community. Your application essay is a critical opportunity to showcase your personality, passions, and intellectual curiosity. Consider essays that highlight your leadership experiences, your engagement in extracurricular activities, or how you've overcome challenges. Demonstrated interest is important; engage with Augustana by attending virtual or in-person information sessions, visiting campus if possible, and connecting with admissions counselors. Applying Early Action (EA) can be advantageous, allowing you to receive an earlier decision and demonstrate your strong interest without the binding commitment of Early Decision. The typical application timeline involves submitting your application by the EA deadline (often November 1st) or the Regular Decision deadline (typically February 1st), with financial aid applications due around the same time.