Augustana University vs. USD

Comparable Facts

Compare Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD with University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of South Dakota is larger than Augustana University based on total student enrollment (10,619 students vs. 2,390 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Augustana University is located in Sioux Falls, SD (Midsize City setting); University of South Dakota is in Vermillion, SD (Distant Town setting).
• Augustana University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of South Dakota is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Augustana University 12:1; University of South Dakota 16:1.

Augustana University vs. USD Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Augustana University or USD? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of South Dakota than Augustana University ($19,133 vs. $24,977).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Augustana University are 0.3% lower than at University of South Dakota ($10,326 vs. $10,356).
• Augustana University is 325.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than USD (about $30,728 more per year; $40,160.00 vs. $9,432.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 210.3% higher at Augustana University than at University of South Dakota (about $27,218 more per year; $40,160.00 vs. $12,942.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Augustana University than at University of South Dakota (100% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Augustana University students is 441.4% larger than aid received by University of South Dakota students ($30,445 vs. $5,623).

Augustana University vs. USD Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Augustana University or USD? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between USD and Augustana University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Augustana University (1260) is 40 points higher than at USD (1220).
• Incoming Augustana University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at USD).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Augustana University 1150/1370; University of South Dakota 1125/1315.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Augustana University 21/27; University of South Dakota 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Augustana University - Test optional; USD - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Augustana University students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at USD (3.43).
• USD has a higher acceptance rate (98.8%) than Augustana University (67.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26.1% at Augustana University vs. 24.1% at USD.

Augustana University vs. USD Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Augustana University and USD? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Augustana University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than University of South Dakota's (47%).
• Graduates from University of South Dakota earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than Augustana University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,200 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of South Dakota graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Augustana University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, USD graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Augustana University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Augustana University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USD students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 70%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.