Students at Augsburg University achieve substantially higher earnings than similar students elsewhere, with graduates earning nearly $20,000 more than expected based on their backgrounds and the institution's profile.
This earnings advantage, combined with strong outcomes for low-income students, demonstrates the university's effectiveness in delivering meaningful economic mobility for its diverse student body.
Augsburg University is a medium-sized private nonprofit institution in Minneapolis that delivers meaningful value through its combination of accessibility and strong graduate outcomes. With over half of students receiving Pell Grants and nearly 30% being first-generation college students, Augsburg maintains an inclusive environment while achieving solid financial results for graduates. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $58,829, placing the university in the 63rd percentile nationally for earnings outcomes.
What distinguishes Augsburg is its ability to serve a diverse student body effectively. As a designated "Mobility Engine," the university combines broad access with meaningful upward mobility, particularly for students from lower-income backgrounds. The institution's nursing, business, and accounting programs stand out for their strong career preparation and employer connections in the Twin Cities region.
Augsburg's private university model provides the personalized attention and support systems that help students succeed, while maintaining net prices that are more accessible than many private institutions. For students seeking a supportive academic environment with proven outcomes in professional fields, Augsburg offers a compelling combination of access, quality, and career-focused education in one of the Midwest's most dynamic metropolitan areas.
Augsburg University's program portfolio reflects its focus on career-ready fields that align with Minneapolis-area employment opportunities. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the highest-earning and highest-return program, with 52 graduates earning $67,660 ten years out, benefiting from strong demand in the Twin Cities' extensive healthcare systems. This program exemplifies Augsburg's strength in professional preparation, combining clinical training with the theoretical foundation needed for nursing leadership roles.
Business programs form another cornerstone of Augsburg's offerings, with Digital Marketing enrolling the most students at 41 graduates annually, though with more moderate earnings of $42,402. Accounting Technology graduates earn $49,084, reflecting the steady demand for financial professionals in the region's diverse economy. These business programs benefit from Augsburg's location in Minneapolis, where students can access internships and entry-level positions at major corporations, nonprofits, and growing startups.
The university's program mix emphasizes practical, professionally-oriented fields that translate directly into career opportunities. With strong industry partnerships and experiential learning opportunities, Augsburg ensures that graduates enter the workforce with both technical skills and professional networks that support long-term career advancement in the Twin Cities' dynamic job market.
Augsburg University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that reflect the institution's focus on career-ready programs. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $58,829, with the university ranking in the 63rd percentile nationally for earnings outcomes. Particularly impressive is Augsburg's value-added performance, where graduates earn nearly $19,644 more than similar students at other institutions, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in preparing students for successful careers.
The strongest financial returns come from Augsburg's health and business programs. Adult Health Nursing leads with graduates earning $67,660 ten years out, combining high earnings with substantial enrollment of 52 graduates annually. Business programs also perform well, with Accounting Technology graduates earning $49,084, while Digital Marketing, the university's largest program with 41 graduates, produces earnings of $42,402. These programs benefit from Augsburg's location in Minneapolis, where healthcare systems, financial services, and growing tech companies provide abundant career opportunities.
The university's focus on practical, professional preparation helps explain why graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations. Strong industry partnerships and internship opportunities in the Twin Cities create pathways to well-paying positions, while the university's emphasis on experiential learning ensures students graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that employers value.
Augsburg University maintains relatively accessible pricing for a private institution, though affordability varies significantly by family income level. Low-income students pay a net price of $21,376 annually, while middle-income families see costs of $20,478, both representing substantial discounts from the sticker price through need-based aid. High-income families face higher net prices of $30,427, reflecting the university's commitment to directing financial aid toward students with the greatest need.
Debt levels at Augsburg are moderate and manageable given graduate earnings outcomes. Typical students graduate with $25,347 in federal loan debt, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $15,978. With median graduate earnings of $58,829 ten years out, most borrowers can handle standard repayment comfortably, and the university's strong value-added earnings performance means graduates often have more financial flexibility than peers from similar institutions.
The combination of targeted financial aid and strong post-graduation earnings makes Augsburg financially sustainable for most families. The university's 0% federal loan default rate indicates that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations, while the institution's focus on career-oriented programs helps ensure that educational investments translate into stable employment and earnings growth over time.
Augsburg University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
