Augustana ties for No. 6 in enrolling international students

Augustana College once again moved up the ranks in the federal 2024 Open Doors Report among baccalaureate colleges for the number of international students it enrolls. The 2023-24 ranking is a tie with Denison University, Granville, Ohio, for sixth in the nation. 

Augustana’s student body currently includes 20% international students, up from 11.9% in 2020.
This fall the college enrolled 165 international first-year students, making up an unprecedented 25% of the first-year cohort. That’s an increase from 149 international first-year students admitted the year before. Top represented countries include Ethiopia, Morocco, Nepal, Vietnam and Pakistan.

The Open Doors report found the number of international students at U.S. colleges and universities reached an all-time high in 2023-24, with more than 1.1 million international students enrolled. This is a 7% increase from the previous academic year.

“Augustana’s commitment to diversity and success for students of all backgrounds is shown every day in the programs and the support we offer,” said Dr. Gauri Pitale, vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion. “We’re thrilled to continue to be an attractive place for learners from across the globe to achieve their academic and life goals at Augustana.”

According to the report, international students accounted for 6% of the total U.S. higher education population. The U.S. Department of Commerce notes international students contributed more than $50 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023.

President Andrea Talentino said Augustana’s international students are a vital part of the college’s vibrant community.

“This fall we welcomed new and transfer students from 26 states and 33 countries,” said President Andrea Talentino. “The life experiences of both our international and domestic students are enriched by learning and living together. We’re proud to continue our commitment to all students in preparing them for a diverse and changing world.”

Augustana’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services and Office of Student Inclusion and Diversity provide support and engagement opportunities for international students, students of color and the entire campus community. Programming includes International Education Week, International Student Orientation, cultural market trips, cooking classes, the PACE Multicultural Mentorship Program and the Culture Houses Block Party.

This year Augustana ranks among Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass.; Barnard College, New York, N.Y.; DePauw University, Greencastle, Ind.; and Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn. Only one other Illinois school made the list, Lake Forest College.

More information is available at opendoorsdata.org/annual-release/international-students/