Accreditation
Augustana is accredited as a four-year institution by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). The M.Ed program does not lead to any type of licensure or endorsement. Certified teachers in South Dakota are allowed to add an endorsement in K-12 Special Education or Early Childhood Special Education provided they have met all current requirements for endorsement. https://doe.ssd.gov/cerification/endorsements.aspx. All graduate degree programs are also approved by the Veterans Administration under Title 38, U.S. Code in accordance with VAR 14253 and 14273.
The baccalaureate program in nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and is fully approved by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. The University is also approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS)., the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society, and the National Association of Schools of Music.
The University is on the approved list of the American Association of University Women. It is authorized under Federal Law to enroll non-immigrant alien students.
Augustana holds membership in the Association of American Colleges and Universities, the Council of Independent Colleges, the Lutheran Educational Conference of North America, the South Dakota Association of Independent Colleges, the College Board, the Association of Governing Boards and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, and the South Dakota Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (SDACTE). Augustana is an active member and participant in numerous professional and learned societies and groups.