Augustana College has once again been named to Forbes’ list of Top Colleges, also earning recognition as one of 25 private colleges nationwide offering substantial financial aid and scholarships. The ranking, released Aug. 28, highlights schools where scholarships cover at least half of the total tuition cost.
Augustana President Andrea Talentino emphasized the college’s commitment to accessibility, stating, “We want every talented, curious, bold thinker who dreams of an Augustana education to be able to walk through these doors.”
All Augustana students receive financial aid, making it one of 20 schools on the Forbes list to do so. Merit awards include academic scholarships up to $32,000 annually and fine arts scholarships up to $4,500 annually. For the 2025 entering class, 19% received the Presidential Scholarship, the highest academic award.
John Cage, Augustana’s director of financial aid, underscored the impact of aid. “As a first-generation college student myself, I know firsthand how life-changing financial aid can be in shaping someone’s educational journey and future,” he said.
Augustana also meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for qualifying students through its “Augustana Possible” program, launched in 2023. More than 500 high-achieving students, 40% of whom are first-generation college students, have benefited from the program, which was made possible by a $40 million commitment from 1975 graduate Murry Gerber and additional donor support.
“The Gerber Grand Challenge that created Augustana Possible has changed lives,” said Kent Barnds, executive vice president for strategy and innovation at Augustana College. “It’s a perfect example of generosity building generosity.”
Beyond financial aid, Augustana invests in students through initiatives like Augie Choice, a $2,000 grant for study abroad, internships or research; personalized Success Teams; and over 170 student organizations. The college also boasts a strong alumni network and is in the top 1% nationally for NCAA Academic All-Americans.
Forbes is not the only notable list to recognize Augustana. The college also appears on The New York Times-bestselling author Jeff Selingo’s list of 75 new “Dream Schools” in his upcoming book, “Dream School, Finding the College That’s Right for You” (Scribner, Sept. 2025), which highlights institutions with dynamic student experiences, accessible admissions and strong career outcomes.
