Minneapolis, MNprivate nonprofitwww.augsburg.edu/
Augsburg University, a small liberal arts college in the heart of Minneapolis, punches above its weight with an urban-engaged curriculum and a commitment to social justice. Known for its tight-knit community and hands-on learning, Augsburg attracts students who want professors who know their names and a campus that feels like home—despite its location in a major city. While its graduation rates lag behind national averages, its strong employment outcomes (89% employed or in grad school within 18 months) suggest students who stick it out land on their feet.
Augsburg is decidedly not a selective school, with Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. hovering between 67-82% depending on the year. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores between 1203–1325, though the university is Test-optionalA policy where you choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you don't, the rest of your application carries more weight.. There's no early decision or early action—just a rolling admissions process with a soft deadline of August 1. Notably, Augsburg doesn't publish its average high school GPA for admitted students, suggesting academics aren't the sole focus here.
Augsburg offers a classic liberal arts curriculum with some standout programs:
The university emphasizes experiential learning, with all programs incorporating critical thinking and ethical reasoning. Small class sizes are the norm, and the lack of graduate programs in many fields means undergrads get faculty attention. Unique offerings include American Indian/First Nations studies and biopsychology—a reflection of Augsburg's commitment to interdisciplinary work.
This is a commuter-heavy campus (only about 30% of students live on campus) with a low-key social scene—no Greek life, and Minneapolis' off-campus options often overshadow dorm activities. That said, Campus Life staff work hard to create engagement opportunities:
Niche reviews describe it as a place where 'if one wants one-on-one time with professors, this is the school for them.' The urban location means students often venture into Minneapolis for entertainment.
Augsburg's 4-year graduation rate is just 40% (well below national averages), though this jumps to 66% at the 6-year mark. But here's the twist: 89% of graduates are employed, in grad school, or doing service work within 18 months. Salary data shows wide variation by major:
The low graduation rate suggests many students transfer out or take longer to finish, but those who persist land decent outcomes—especially in tech and healthcare fields.
At $64,502 sticker price, Augsburg isn't cheap—but 88% of students receive financial aid, bringing the average Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. down to $24,807. The university meets 79% of demonstrated need on average, with aid packages heavy on grants rather than loans. Notably, Augsburg participates in the Minnesota State Grant program, which helps in-state students significantly reduce costs. The Net Price Calculator suggests most middle-income families pay between $20k-$35k annually after aid.
Augsburg's urban location and social justice mission set it apart from typical liberal arts colleges. Its small size (just 3,100 students) creates an intimate feel in the middle of Minneapolis, with faculty who prioritize teaching over research. The university has particularly strong pipelines into local healthcare systems and nonprofits—ideal for students who want to stay in the Twin Cities after graduation. While it won't wow prestige-seekers, Augsburg delivers solid value for hands-on learners who thrive in close-knit communities.