On Sept. 9, 2025, Augustana College was listed as one of 75 “Dream Schools” nationwide in the new book, “Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You.” Written by Jeffrey Selingo, a New York Times bestselling author and higher education journalist, Augustana was one of three Illinois colleges and universities to be recognized.
The book was a successor to Selingo’s 2020 bestseller, “Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions.” Augustana received recognition in Selingo’s “Hidden Values” category, emphasizing colleges that provide value through access, a sense of belonging and positive outcomes for students.
This honor speaks to Augustana’s dedication to student accessibility, educational opportunities and student outcomes, criteria used by Selingo. President Andrea Talentino expressed pride in the college’s dedication to preparing students for success.
“Augustana has very consciously been focusing on thinking about student outcomes and how we prepare graduates well,” Talentino said. “And that’s been true throughout its history, but certainly even more now as we think about changing workplaces and what students need to really be successful in them. That’s been a key point of focus for us.”
Talentino also mentioned that Augustana has a clear vision for its future. She said she believes this recognition coincides well with the college’s strategic plan, Augustana Bold & Boundless.
Bold & Boundless focuses on three key areas: engaged learning, student support and community partnership. Talentino highlighted the significance of engaged learning, stating that engaged learning at Augustana is “important for what students do after [college] when they’re professionalized.”
Talentino emphasized that Selingo’s recognition highlights Augustana’s commitment to student success.
“We want to make sure that students can access Augustana, and they can stay here and do well when they’re here,” Talentino said. “ [Community partnerships] are a bit different, but still connect because a big piece of the community partnerships is making sure that students have places where they can do active, engaged, hands-on learning with businesses, with nonprofits, with internships, all kinds of things.”
Kent Barnds, the vice president for strategy and innovation and vice president of enrollment at Augustana, said the college did not have forewarning about being included in the book.
“I think it would be hard to say that there was some sort of strategy behind our inclusion,” Barnds said. “Instead, I think that the author really just kind of saw a number of things that stand out about Augustana that have been of interest to us for a long time.”
Barnds said that this recognition shows prospective and current students that success can be achieved without following a conventional path.
Dianna Shandy, provost and vice president of academic affairs said that the Augustana faculty continually updates coursework to align with student interests, resulting in positive student outcomes. Augustana continues to improve for the benefit of students and faculty, regardless of external recognition or awards.
“I think this recognition is well earned,” Shandy said. “Everybody has a sense of pride being singled out for recognition in this way.”
