Whittier College vs. Augustana University

Comparable Facts

Compare Whittier College in Whittier, CA with Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Augustana University is larger than Whittier College based on total student enrollment (2,390 students vs. 795 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Whittier College is located in Whittier, CA (Large Suburban setting); Augustana University is in Sioux Falls, SD (Midsize City setting).
• Whittier College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Augustana University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Whittier College 8:1; Augustana University 12:1.

Whittier College vs. Augustana University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Whittier College or Augustana University? 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 Augustana University than Whittier College ($24,977 vs. $28,101).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Augustana University are 39.6% lower than at Whittier College ($10,326 vs. $17,082).
• Whittier College is 27.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Augustana University (about $11,190 more per year; $51,350.00 vs. $40,160.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.9% higher at Whittier College than at Augustana University (about $11,190 more per year; $51,350.00 vs. $40,160.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Augustana University than at Whittier College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Whittier College students is 18.8% larger than aid received by Augustana University students ($36,176 vs. $30,445).

Whittier College vs. Augustana University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Whittier College or Augustana University? 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 Augustana University and Whittier College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Augustana University (1260) is 20 points higher than at Whittier College (1240).
• Incoming Whittier College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 24 at Augustana University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Whittier College 1140/1340; Augustana University 1150/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Whittier College 24/30; Augustana University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Whittier College - Test-free; Augustana University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Augustana University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at Whittier College (3.61).
• Whittier College has a higher acceptance rate (80.8%) than Augustana University (67.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.4% at Whittier College vs. 26.1% at Augustana University.

Whittier College vs. Augustana University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Whittier College and Augustana University? 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 Whittier College's (55%).
• Graduates from Whittier College earn a median of about $600 more per year than Augustana University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Whittier College graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Augustana University graduates ($25,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Whittier College graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Augustana University graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More Augustana University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Whittier College students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 69%)

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.