Augustana College named a national ‘Dream School’ in new book by bestselling author

Augustana College has been named one of 75 “New Dream Schools” in the nation in “Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You,” the book released today by New York Times bestselling author and higher education journalist Jeffrey Selingo. The book is a follow-up to Selingo's 2020 bestseller “Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions.”

Augustana is one of three Illinois colleges/universities to be recognized on the "Dream School" list. The college was recognized in the category of “Hidden Values,” highlighting colleges that deliver exceptional value through access, belonging and outcomes.

Selingo, whose work appears in The Atlantic, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, compiled the list from more than 3,900 U.S. colleges. His research identified schools where students thrive because of strong outcomes, affordability, accessible admissions and a sense of belonging.

"Augustana's campus made my list of 'New Dream Schools' because of its strong outcomes, accessible admissions and engaging student experiences," Selingo said. "My goal is to help families see beyond the myth that there are only a dozen good schools. When we stop equating selectivity with quality, dozens of college opportunities open up, and yours is a perfect example."

Kent Barnds, Augustana’s executive vice president for strategy and innovation, said it was “thrilling to be called a ‘Dream School,’ but what really makes me proud is how Augustana fulfills the criteria Selingo sets forth. Student access, student experience and student outcomes — what college or university doesn’t aim to shine in each of these areas? Augustana prioritizes these and succeeds.”

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Dianna Shandy said the recognition affirms what the Augustana community sees every day. 

“Recognition as a ‘Dream School’ underscores what we see in our classrooms and across campus — students empowered to take risks, think critically and connect their learning to meaningful futures,” she said. “Augustana’s model of engaged learning is making a national impact.”

President Andrea Talentino noted that the honor reflects Augustana’s mission. “We believe a transformational college education should be accessible to all talented students, not just a privileged few,” Talentino said. “To be named a ‘Dream School’ affirms that our commitment to access, belonging and student success is recognized nationally.”

The “Dream School” recognition follows another recent national endorsement. On Aug. 28, Forbes magazine named Augustana one of 25 private colleges in the country offering the most generous financial aid, one of only 20 that provide aid to 100% of students. 

Together, the two recognitions highlight Augustana’s dual commitment: opening doors through affordability and ensuring students thrive once they are here. Augustana’s Bold & Boundless strategic plan ensures the qualities that earned the “Dream School” honor — access, engagement and outcomes — remain central to the college’s future.