Augustana University

Overview

Augustana University, located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is a private liberal arts university known for its commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and a vibrant campus life. Founded in 1860, Augustana offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

History

Augustana University was founded in 1860 by Norwegian settlers and is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Originally established to provide education to Norwegian immigrants, the university has grown significantly over the years and is now a leading institution known for its commitment to liberal arts education and community service.

Academic Offerings

Augustana offers a comprehensive array of academic programs through its various schools and colleges, including the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Education, and the School of Music. The university is particularly renowned for its programs in biology, nursing, business, and education.

Student Life

Student life at Augustana is vibrant and diverse, with numerous student organizations, cultural events, and athletic activities. The university’s campus features modern facilities, extensive green spaces, and a strong sense of community. Augustana emphasizes leadership development, community service, and experiential learning.

Unique Features

Augustana is known for its strong emphasis on community engagement and experiential learning. The university’s Civitas Honors Program offers academically gifted students opportunities for advanced study and research. Augustana also has a strong commitment to sustainability, with initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact and promoting green practices.

Admissions

Augustana’s admissions process is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate typically around 68%. Admissions criteria include academic performance, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. The university values students who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to community service.

Alumni

Augustana’s alumni network includes notable figures such as former South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard, business leader T. Denny Sanford, and author Kathleen Norris. Augustana graduates are known for their contributions to politics, business, and literature.

University of Sioux Falls

Overview

The University of Sioux Falls (USF), located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is a private Christian liberal arts university known for its commitment to academic excellence, spiritual growth, and community engagement. Founded in 1883, USF offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

History

The University of Sioux Falls was founded in 1883 by members of the American Baptist Church with the mission of providing a Christian education that integrates faith and learning. The university has grown significantly over the years, expanding its academic offerings and becoming a leading institution known for its commitment to faith-based education and community service.

Academic Offerings

USF offers a comprehensive array of academic programs through its various schools and colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Education, and the School of Nursing. The university is particularly renowned for its programs in business administration, education, and the health sciences.

Student Life

Student life at USF is vibrant and engaging, with numerous student organizations, cultural events, and athletic activities. The university’s campus features modern facilities, extensive green spaces, and a strong sense of community. USF emphasizes spiritual growth, community service, and leadership development.

Unique Features

USF is known for its strong emphasis on faith-based education and community engagement. The university’s Center for Christian Thought supports students in integrating their faith with their academic and professional pursuits. USF also has a strong commitment to experiential learning, with opportunities for internships, research, and study abroad programs.

Admissions

USF’s admissions process is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate typically around 81%. Admissions criteria include academic performance, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. The university values students who demonstrate a commitment to Christian values and community service.

Alumni

USF’s alumni network includes notable figures such as former South Dakota Governor Harvey Wollman, business leader Kelvin Schroeder, and educator and author Dr. Michael W. Coyne. USF graduates are known for their contributions to politics, business, and ministry.

Mount Marty University

Overview

Mount Marty University, located in Yankton, South Dakota, is a private Catholic liberal arts university known for its commitment to academic excellence, community service, and spiritual growth. Founded in 1936, Mount Marty offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

History

Mount Marty University was founded in 1936 by the Benedictine Sisters of Yankton with the mission of providing a Catholic education that integrates faith and learning. The university has grown significantly over the years, expanding its academic offerings and becoming a leading institution known for its commitment to faith-based education and community service.

Academic Offerings

Mount Marty offers a comprehensive array of academic programs through its various schools and colleges, including the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Education, and the School of Nursing. The university is particularly renowned for its programs in nursing, education, and the liberal arts.

Student Life

Student life at Mount Marty is vibrant and diverse, with numerous student organizations, cultural events, and athletic activities. The university’s campus features modern facilities, extensive green spaces, and a strong sense of community. Mount Marty emphasizes community service, spiritual growth, and leadership development.

Unique Features

Mount Marty is known for its strong emphasis on community service and spiritual growth. The university’s Benedictine Leadership Institute offers programs and initiatives aimed at developing ethical leaders. Mount Marty also has a strong commitment to experiential learning, with opportunities for internships, research, and study abroad programs.

Admissions

Mount Marty’s admissions process is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate typically around 74%. Admissions criteria include academic performance, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. The university values students who demonstrate a commitment to Christian values and community service.

Alumni

Mount Marty’s alumni network includes notable figures such as former South Dakota State Senator Ben Nesselhuf, business leader Gary Jacobson, and educator and author Sister Helen Prejean. Mount Marty graduates are known for their contributions to politics, business, and ministry.

Dakota Wesleyan University

Overview

Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU), located in Mitchell, South Dakota, is a private Christian liberal arts university known for its commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and community service. Founded in 1885, DWU offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

History

Dakota Wesleyan University was founded in 1885 by members of the Methodist Episcopal Church with the mission of providing a Christian education that integrates faith and learning. The university has grown significantly over the years, expanding its academic offerings and becoming a leading institution known for its commitment to faith-based education and community service.

Academic Offerings

DWU offers a comprehensive array of academic programs through its various schools and colleges, including the College of Arts and Humanities, the School of Business, the School of Education, and the School of Nursing. The university is particularly renowned for its programs in business administration, education, and the health sciences.

Student Life

Student life at DWU is vibrant and engaging, with numerous student organizations, cultural events, and athletic activities. The university’s campus features modern facilities, extensive green spaces, and a strong sense of community. DWU emphasizes spiritual growth, community service, and leadership development.

Unique Features

DWU is known for its strong emphasis on leadership development and community service. The university’s McGovern Center for Leadership and Public Service offers programs and initiatives aimed at developing ethical leaders. DWU also has a strong commitment to experiential learning, with opportunities for internships, research, and study abroad programs.

Admissions

DWU’s admissions process is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate typically around 65%. Admissions criteria include academic performance, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. The university values students who demonstrate a commitment to Christian values and community service.

Alumni

DWU’s alumni network includes notable figures such as former U.S. Senator George McGovern, business leader Donald C. Alstad, and educator and author Dr. Joy Castro. DWU graduates are known for their contributions to politics, business, and ministry.

Presentation College

Overview

Presentation College, located in Aberdeen, South Dakota, is a private Catholic liberal arts college known for its commitment to academic excellence, community service, and spiritual growth. Founded in 1951, Presentation offers a range of undergraduate programs.

History

Presentation College was founded in 1951 by the Presentation Sisters with the mission of providing a Catholic education that integrates faith and learning. The college has grown significantly over the years, expanding its academic offerings and becoming a leading institution known for its commitment to faith-based education and community service.

Academic Offerings

Presentation offers a comprehensive array of academic programs through its various schools and colleges, including the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Education, and the School of Nursing. The college is particularly renowned for its programs in nursing, education, and the liberal arts.

Student Life

Student life at Presentation is vibrant and diverse, with numerous student organizations, cultural events, and athletic activities. The college’s campus features modern facilities, extensive green spaces, and a strong sense of community. Presentation emphasizes community service, spiritual growth, and leadership development.

Unique Features

Presentation is known for its strong emphasis on community service and spiritual growth. The college’s Center for Catholic Studies offers programs and initiatives aimed at developing ethical leaders. Presentation also has a strong commitment to experiential learning, with opportunities for internships, research, and study abroad programs.

Admissions

Presentation’s admissions process is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate typically around 76%. Admissions criteria include academic performance, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. The college values students who demonstrate a commitment to Christian values and community service.

Alumni

Presentation’s alumni network includes notable figures such as former South Dakota State Senator Curt Haggar, business leader Christine Hamilton, and educator and author Sister Paula Pahl. Presentation graduates are known for their contributions to politics, business, and community service.

Black Hills State University (BHSU)

Overview

Black Hills State University, located in Spearfish, South Dakota, is a public liberal arts university known for its strong emphasis on environmental studies, education, and the arts. Founded in 1883, BHSU offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

History

Black Hills State University was founded in 1883 as Dakota Territorial Normal School to provide training for teachers. It has since evolved into a comprehensive university, offering a wide variety of academic programs. BHSU is noted for its strong community ties and dedication to regional development.

Academic Offerings

BHSU offers a comprehensive array of academic programs through its College of Liberal Arts, College of Business and Natural Sciences, and College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. The university is particularly renowned for its programs in environmental science, education, and business administration.

Student Life

Student life at BHSU is dynamic and engaging, with numerous student organizations, cultural events, and outdoor recreational activities. The university’s campus is located near the Black Hills National Forest, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and mountain biking.

Unique Features

BHSU is known for its strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental education. The university’s Center for Conservation of Biological Resources supports research and education in biodiversity and conservation. BHSU also has a strong commitment to experiential learning, with opportunities for internships, research, and study abroad programs.

Admissions

BHSU’s admissions process is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate typically around 83%. Admissions criteria include academic performance, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. The university values students who demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and community service.

Alumni

BHSU’s alumni network includes notable figures such as former South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard, environmentalist and author Dan O’Brien, and business leader Steve Rokusek. BHSU graduates are known for their contributions to politics, environmental science, and business.

National American University

Overview

National American University (NAU), headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota, is a private, for-profit university known for its strong emphasis on flexible learning options and career-focused education. Founded in 1941, NAU offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, both online and on-campus.

History

National American University was founded in 1941 as National School of Business to provide business education and training. Over the years, it has expanded its academic offerings and now provides a wide variety of programs designed to meet the needs of working adults and non-traditional students.

Academic Offerings

NAU offers a comprehensive array of academic programs through its various schools, including the School of Business, the School of Health and Sciences, and the School of Legal Studies. The university is particularly renowned for its programs in business administration, healthcare management, and legal studies.

Student Life

Student life at NAU is designed to accommodate the needs of working adults and non-traditional students, with flexible scheduling, online learning options, and support services. NAU’s campuses and online platform provide students with access to a wide range of resources and support.

Unique Features

NAU is known for its strong emphasis on flexible learning and career-focused education. The university’s Prior Learning Assessment program allows students to earn credit for work experience and prior learning. NAU also has a strong commitment to student success, with a range of support services including career counseling and academic advising.

Admissions

NAU’s admissions process is generally open, with an acceptance rate typically around 95%. Admissions criteria include academic performance, work experience, and personal essays. The university values students who demonstrate a commitment to career development and lifelong learning.

Alumni

NAU’s alumni network includes notable figures such as business leader Chris Heivly, healthcare executive Debra Jasper, and legal expert Mike Brock. NAU graduates are known for their contributions to business, healthcare, and legal professions.