Augustana College is a private Lutheran liberal arts college located in Rock Island, Illinois, along the Mississippi River in the Quad Cities region. Founded in 1860 by Swedish immigrants, the college maintains an affiliation with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Augustana offers Bachelor of Arts degrees across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, business, and education. The 115-acre campus includes historic buildings such as Old Main and academic facilities that support undergraduate research, study abroad, and experiential learning. With an enrollment of about 2,500 students, Augustana attracts students seeking a residential liberal arts environment with strong faculty engagement and opportunities for internships, research, and international study.
With a 62.68% acceptance rate, Augustana College is moderately selective. Applicants are expected to show good academic performance and readiness for college-level coursework. Students with consistent grades, extracurricular involvement, and a well-prepared application are typically competitive for admission.
Augustana College was founded in 1860 in Chicago as Augustana College and Theological Seminary by Swedish Lutheran immigrants seeking to educate clergy and community leaders. In 1863, the institution moved to Paxton, Illinois, and in 1875 it relocated permanently to Rock Island, Illinois, where it expanded its campus along the Mississippi River. During the late nineteenth century, Augustana College served a growing Swedish American population and developed a broader liberal arts curriculum. The theological seminary separated from the college in 1948, marking a significant structural change and allowing the college to focus fully on undergraduate liberal arts education. Throughout the twentieth century, Augustana College added new academic buildings, strengthened programs in the sciences and humanities, and expanded study abroad opportunities. Today, Augustana College continues its Lutheran heritage while operating as a comprehensive liberal arts institution in Rock Island.
Augustana College has a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, providing a balance between personalized instruction and a broader classroom environment. Students can expect opportunities to engage with professors while also benefiting from diverse perspectives in class discussions.
Augustana College offers a selective undergraduate admissions process focused on academic preparation, personal character, and involvement beyond the classroom. Applicants submit transcripts, a personal essay, and supporting materials that reflect their interests and goals. Because Augustana College emphasizes a liberal arts education and close faculty interaction, the admissions review looks for students who are prepared to engage in discussion-based learning and experiential opportunities such as research and study abroad.
Augustana College provides a range of merit scholarships and need-based financial aid to help make attendance affordable. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA and explore institutional scholarships, grants, and work-study options. Financial aid packages at Augustana College often combine multiple sources of assistance to support families in managing tuition and related costs.
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