Augustana College is one of 75 “new dream schools” named by higher ed influencer Jeffrey Selingo in his book, “Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You” — an instant New York Times bestseller.
Why so popular? Because you are not alone in thinking there must be more than only 25 really great schools out there. Selingo says you are right, and here’s what to look for in your dream school.
Students walk along Augustana's Swanie Slough Path in autumn.
To select the 75 new dream schools, Selingo first reviewed more than 3,000 colleges and universities nationwide. Considering only schools with more than 1,000 students (for ease of measuring/comparison), he looked at:
For his final selection, Selingo chose “institutions that punch above their weight,” graduating students who can be as successful and happy as grads from the elite ivy leagues. His priorities:
President Andrea Talentino chats with a student during Move-In Day.
Among the 75 “new dream schools,” Augustana College is in the category called Hidden Values. The other two categories are Large Leaders and Breakout Regionals.
Augustana is one of only three Illinois schools to make the list. The other two are DePaul University, a private Catholic university of about 21,000 students in urban Chicago; and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a large public university of about 35,000 undergraduates.
In comparison, Augustana has about 2,500 undergraduates. Each student has a personalized Success Team of professors, peers, advisors, counselors and coaches. That Success Team is dynamic—changing as a student grows, throughout all four years at Augustana.
You will know your Success Team even before arriving on campus. This is just one reason why Augustana is a dream school.
Augustana students, faculty and staff gathered before a day of canvassing Rock Island neighborhoods to test drinking water lines.
Jeff Selingo selected Augustana for its “strong outcomes, accessible admissions and engaging student experiences.” Here are examples of each of these, and there are so many more.
Money magazine has once again recognized Augustana as one of Illinois’ top 30 national liberal arts colleges in its 2026 “Best Colleges in America” list.
The Augustana Possible grant has spurred the college’s largest applicant pool and largest first-year cohort in the school’s 163-year history.
Augustana will receive $100,000 annually over the next five years from The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation. The money will give current and future Augustana students the needed resources to achieve their educational dreams.
“As a first-generation college student, throughout my college visit process, it became evident that Augustana would provide me with the most welcoming and positive campus climate.”
Augustana’s Center for the Advancement of Community Health and Wellness strengthens campus and community well-being. Learn about three community partnerships focused on cleaner water, maternal health and personal wellness.
From Quad Cities to Costa Rica, internships expose students to the career options that intrigue them the most, and build skills for the world after graduation.
Organized by the Google Developer Group, in collaboration with the Augustana Physics and Engineering Society and the Data Analytics Club, Augustana’s first student-led hackathon welcomed 146 students from more than 20 colleges and universities. Check out what they built!
“I have had so many fantastic experiences that I can’t pick just one … I traveled to Scotland to run the IFTA Congress, another was the feeling of pure pride after pitching our campaign for ADs in 2025, and lastly going to Brasil for a study abroad.”
In the most recent Locals Love Us poll, Augustana College’s EDGE Center came in at No. 2 for Best Website Design in the Quad Cities. EDGE Center students provide communications, marketing and creative services to small businesses and non-profits. Find out why it's a win for both students and the community.
As part of her Master of Public Health program at the University of Illinois Chicago, Kira Banks ’23 spent eight weeks in Morocco to study the feasibility of a screening program for toxoplasmosis. At Augustana, Banks triple-majored in public health, biology and Classics — a combination that proved more interconnected than it may seem.
Dr. Jenn Hintzsche ’06 is on a winning streak, and she’s not slowing down. In less than three years, she has collected her sixth national award as her company, PherDal Fertility Science, Inc., continues to redefine what’s possible in reproductive health.
“The relationships I’ve made along the way have helped push me to become the best student, athlete and person that I can be, which I know will apply to my future as a doctor.”
Augustana was one of 75 U.S. colleges and universities named as a "Dream School" from among 3,900 institutions Jeffrey Selingo researched for his latest book. Augustana is one of only three Illinois colleges/universities on the "Dream School" list.
Transfer students know what they want. Better fit, better value. Hear four transfer students' personal experiences, and get some practical information, too.
