Augustana named a ‘Best College’ by Money magazine

Augustana College was one of five national liberal arts colleges in Illinois named to Money magazine’s 2024 “Best Colleges in America” list. 

Money analyzed 745 four-year colleges based on graduation rates, cost of attendance, financial aid, alumni salaries and more in its ranking. Augustana earned a 4.5 star ranking in the 2024 list. The other national liberal arts colleges in Illinois named to the “Best Colleges” list include Wheaton College, Lake Forest College, Knox College and Illinois College. View the complete rankings at Money.com.

Money, founded in 1972 as a print magazine, ranked the schools on its list by 25 factors in three categories: quality of education, affordability and outcomes.

“We’re pleased to continue to receive recognition as a leading national liberal arts school that provides great value and an excellent educational experience to students,” said President Andrea Talentino. “We know Augustana students are shaped by the engaged learning experiences provided by our skilled faculty and staff, which positions them to achieve their life and career goals.”

Augustana’s guiding plan for preparing students is its strategic plan, Bold & Boundless. The goals of the plan include prioritizing engaged learning, maximizing student potential, and connecting through partnership with the community by serving as an engaged presence in the region. 

Other recognitions received by the college include being ranked No. 100 in U.S. News and World Report’s 2024 ranking of best national liberal arts colleges. Other U.S. News and World Report rankings include: No. 36 in Best Undergraduate Teaching, No. 67 in Best Value Schools and No. 120 in Top Performers on Social Mobility. 

Augustana was also ranked No. 9 on The Wall Street Journal's list of best liberal arts schools in the Midwest, which recognizes student outcomes, the learning environment and diversity. The college also was recognized for economic diversity by The New York Times and Augustana earned its fourth Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

More information about Augustana’s rankings and recognitions is available at www.augustana.edu/about-us/rankings.