Augustana ranked among top 10 regional universities for the first time by U.S. News

Augustana University has hit a new high in the annual college rankings compiled by U.S. News & World Report.

It’s been named a top 10 regional university, ranking No. 9 in Best Regional Universities in the Midwest.

In previous years, Augustana was categorized and highly ranked as a Best Regional College. In a statement the university said its new classification underscores the school’s growth in academic programming and high student outcomes.

Augustana is listed in other Best Regional Universities Midwest categories: No. 2 Best Value, No. 8 (tie) in Most Innovative, and No. 12 (tie) in Best Undergraduate Teaching.

More than 1,900 colleges in the nation were evaluated and close to 1,400 of them were ranked according to their performance across several indicators of excellence: graduation and retention rates, graduation rate performance, social mobility, expert opinion, faculty resources, student excellence, financial resources and alumni giving.

“The U.S. News & World Report rankings demonstrate Augustana’s commitment to academic excellence,” said Augustana University President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin in a statement.

“The regional university category more accurately reflects the depth and breadth of Augustana’s academic degrees, our faculty’s expertise and their dedication to providing a liberal arts education of enduring worth.”

U.S. News identifies a regional university as one that offers a broad scope of undergraduate degrees and some master’s degree programs. The publication defines a regional college as “one that focuses on undergraduate education but grants fewer than 50 percent of their degrees in liberal arts disciplines.” Both categories rank institutions in four geographical groups: North, South, Midwest and West.

“We went from being ranked number four as a best regional college in the Midwest last year to number nine as a best regional university this year,” Herseth Sandlin said.

“This shift reflects the success of strategic decisions made over the past few years and supports our Vision 2030 goals as we plan for more growth – in academic programs, scholarships, and innovative learning opportunities – thereby attracting even more students who are interested in being part of this very special place that is Augustana.”

Augustana aims to reach 3,000 students, diversify through strategic scholarships

Want to stay in the know?

Get our free business news delivered to your inbox.



Augustana ranked among top 10 regional universities for the first time by U.S. News

Augustana University has hit a new high in the annual college rankings compiled by U.S. News & World Report.

News Tip

Have a business news item to share with us?

Scroll to top