St. Augustine College is an independent, bilingual (dual language) institution of higher education created under the auspices of the Episcopal Diocese to make the American system of higher education accessible to a diverse student population, with emphasis on those of Hispanic descent; to strengthen ethnic identity; to reinforce cultural interaction; and to build a bridge to fill cultural, educational, and socio-economic gaps.
School Highlights
St. Augustine College serves 954 students (62% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 7:1 is lower than the state community college average of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 53%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
Enrollment: 954 students
Private-state tuition: $9,576
Student:teacher ratio: 7:1
Minority enrollment: 98%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
The student population of St. Augustine College has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 7:1 has stayed the same over five years.
The St. Augustine College diversity score of 0.42 is less than the state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has declined by 13% over five years.
Total Enrollment
954 students
3,270 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
21:1
# Full-Time Students
587 students
1,007 students
# Part-Time Students
367 students
2,747 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
954 students
328 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
587 students
1,007 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
43 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
367 students
3,310 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
18 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
132 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
3%
6%
% Hispanic
76%
26%
% Black
6%
13%
% White
2%
47%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
n/a
3%
% Non Resident races
4%
1%
% Unknown races
8%
4%
Diversity Score
0.42
0.69
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
n/a
0.4%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
0.2291%
0.38%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$26,700
$31,800
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The private state tuition of $9,576 is less than the state average of $14,511. The private state tuition has declined by 20% over four years.
Private State Tuition Fees
$9,576
$14,511
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
89%
82%
Median Debt for Graduates
$4,083
$8,187
Median Debt for Dropouts
$2,250
$4,549
Acceptance Rate
n/a
89%
SAT Reading
n/a
390
SAT Math
n/a
360
SAT Writing
n/a
355
ACT Composite
n/a
17
ACT English
n/a
17
ACT Math
n/a
17
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
On October 7, 1980, the Illinois State Board of Higher Education
granted operating authority to the first bilingual institution of
higher education in Illinois: St. Augustine College. This
educational setting is unique in Illinois, as well as the entire
country. It came into existence as a result of years of work,
observation and research, and is based on more than ten years of
community work performed by the Spanish Episcopal Services, an
educational agency that was created under the auspices of the
Episcopal Diocese of Chicago by Father Carlos A. Plazas, Ph.D. in
1970. The bilingual programs of St. Augustine College are
recognized today as a dynamic and vibrant part of the Hispanic life
of our city. Our graduates compete effectively in all sectors of
our local and regional economy, in a growing number of professional
programs. Their bilingual skills are recognized as valuable assets
to businesses and institutions in the private and public sectors
alike. The student body of St. Augustine College grows increasingly
diversified, as we attract large contingents of students,
representative of other ethnic and racial groups in our city.
Located at the Main Campus, the Chapel of the Divine Wisdom,
consecrated in 1997 by the then Episcopal Bishop of Chicago, the
Rt. Rev. Frank Griswald, is the spiritual center of St. Augustine
College. This quiet place of worship and reflection is a gathering
place that has welcomed weddings, baptisms, Eucharistic
celebrations, and funeral masses. The Chapel serves as an important
reminder that this College's history and foundation is closely
linked to the spiritual values of the Judeao-Christian tradition.
St. Augustine College is accredited by the Commission on
Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association
of Colleges and Schools.
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