Founded in 1860 by Norwegian Lutheran pioneers in Illinois before relocating to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Augustana University is a premier private liberal arts university located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Spanning a picturesque 100-acre residential campus in South Dakota's largest city, Augustana connects nursing, business administration, government, computer science, and NSIC athletic traditions. You can examine its Lutheran heritage, pioneer history, and campus evolution through the Augustana University Wikipedia historical entry.
When you study at Augustana, you enter a supportive Christian liberal arts community world-famous for academic rigor, high career placement rates, and personalized faculty mentorship. Living in Sioux Falls places you inside a thriving economic hub offering corporate internships, modern healthcare systems, and cultural arts.
Premier Academic Programs
Augustana organizes its instruction across specialized academic divisions holding top regional and national rankings:
- School of Nursing: Renowned program preparing professional registered nurses and nurse leaders in advanced simulation suites. Explore degree paths on the Augustana School of Nursing portal.
- Augustana Business Administration: AACSB-eligible business school famous for finance, accounting, management, and entrepreneurship.
- Department of Government and International Affairs: Prepares future legal professionals, diplomats, and public policy leaders.
- Department of Computer Science: Leader in cybersecurity, data analytics, and software engineering.
- Center for Western Studies: Renowned regional research center focusing on Great Plains history, literature, and art.
"Enduring Faith and Scholarship, guiding Augustana University's mission to shape ethical global citizens."
Campus Culture and Mascot
Your daily student experience centers on the Morrison Commons, the Mikkelsen Library, and the Elmen Center. School spirit revolves around Ole the Viking, the energetic costumed mascot representing Augustana Vikings athletic teams in NCAA Division II competition. You can read about spirit traditions and athletic programs on the official Augustana Vikings Athletics portal. Cheering inside the Midco Arena for hockey games, attending campus chapel services, and joining over 70 student clubs creates an engaging campus culture.
Research Infrastructure and Cultural Centers
Augustana operates an active undergraduate research framework supported by specialized institutes and digital archives:
- Center for Western Studies: Interdisciplinary research unit publishing historical books and hosting annual Dakota conferences.
- Wagner Science Center Laboratories: Advanced facility supporting student research in molecular biology and chemistry. Learn more via Augustana Academic Operations.
- Boe Forum on Public Affairs: Premier lecture series bringing world leaders, diplomats, and economists to campus.
Notable Alumni Legacy
You walk in the footsteps of Governors, U.S. Ambassadors, corporate executives, and scientific innovators, including:
- Sigurd Anderson: Former Governor of South Dakota and distinguished public servant.
- Reidar Lie: Renowned medical researcher and bioethics scholar.
- Carol Pomeroy: Prominent healthcare executive and nursing leader.
- James O. Eastland: Distinguished jurist and public policy advocate.
Augustana provides generous merit scholarship coverage and financial aid assistance for admitted domestic and international students. Review full admission standards on the official Augustana Admissions portal.