What Verdica's 750 score means for Augustana College
Augustana College in Illinois receives a composite score of 750 out of 850 from Verdica, placing it in the "strong" band (740–799). This score reflects solid regulatory standing across the dimensions Verdica measures: accreditation status, student outcomes, and Title IV compliance.
A score in the strong band indicates that the institution meets or exceeds baseline regulatory requirements and demonstrates measurable performance in tracked areas. For a reader evaluating Augustana College—whether as a prospective student, employer, or partner—this score suggests the institution is operating within acceptable federal and state oversight frameworks and is not flagged for material compliance concerns.
The score is not in the "excellent" band (800–850), which means there are areas where performance trails best-in-class benchmarks. Specifically, the student outcomes sub-score of 585 pulls the overall composite down and warrants closer inspection. Readers should understand that "strong" is a qualified endorsement: Augustana College is compliant and accredited, but student outcome metrics—such as graduation rates, employment placement, or loan repayment—show room for improvement relative to peer institutions or national standards.
How the sub-scores break down
Accreditation: 845. This near-excellent score reflects a current, valid accreditation status from a recognized regional or national body. Accreditation is the primary signal that an institution meets minimum quality and operational standards. A score this high means Augustana College carries recognized accreditation with no known sanctions, probation, or warnings. Prospective students and employers can rely on the credential legitimacy of degrees awarded.
Student Outcomes: 585. This score falls in the "elevated risk" band (580–669) and is the weakest component of Augustana's profile. Student outcomes typically measure graduation rates, time-to-degree, employment placement rates, and loan default or repayment performance—all drawn from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) and federal loan servicer data. A score of 585 suggests that one or more of these metrics trail sector norms or threshold expectations. This does not indicate crisis or imminent closure, but it signals that students should examine graduation and job placement rates directly before enrollment.
Compliance: 830. This strong score reflects solid Title IV program participation compliance—meaning Augustana College administers federal student aid (Pell Grants, federal loans) in accordance with Department of Education rules. No material violations in aid disbursement, verification, or financial responsibility are flagged. This is critical for students relying on federal aid.
What regulators in IL track for education providers
Illinois education providers operate under oversight from the U.S. Department of Education (Title IV compliance and IPEDS reporting), regional accrediting bodies (such as the Higher Learning Commission), and the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
Title IV compliance monitoring focuses on whether institutions correctly disburse and track federal student aid, verify student eligibility, and maintain financial stability. Violations can include improper loan origination, aid overpayment, inadequate cash management, or failure to report accurate enrollment data. Serious breaches trigger audits, fines, or suspension of federal aid eligibility.
Accreditation bodies evaluate educational quality, mission alignment, governance, faculty credentials, and institutional effectiveness. Loss or suspension of accreditation is rare but immediately signals serious operational or governance breakdown.
IPEDS data collection mandates transparent reporting of graduation rates, retention, cost, aid distribution, and employment outcomes. These metrics drive institutional rankings and inform prospective student and employer decisions. The Department of Education and consumers use IPEDS to identify institutions with persistently poor outcomes.
Scores move up or down based on accreditation status changes, Title IV audit findings, and shifts in published outcome metrics. No single missed deadline or minor procedural misstep triggers a material score change; rather, patterns of non-compliance or persistent outcome gaps drive scoring adjustments.
Bottom line
Augustana College's score of 750 positions it as a compliant, accredited institution with solid federal aid administration. However, the notably lower student outcomes sub-score merits direct inquiry: prospective students and employers should request current graduation rates, job placement data, and alumni outcomes before committing resources or enrollment.