Saint Augustine's College

Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) was established in 1867 in Raleigh, N.C. SAU, which sits on 105 acres, is a four-year liberal arts university with an average enrollment of approximately 1,100. SAU offers more than 25 undergraduate degree programs and is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Saint Augustine’s University’s mission is to sustain a learning community in which students can prepare academically, socially and spiritually for leadership in a complex, diverse and rapidly changing world.

Saint Augustine’s University will be nationally recognized as a comprehensive institution with high performing students, renowned faculty, focused community engagement and a strong alumni base of change agents.

We are pleased that you have chosen to learn more about Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Our goal is to make your transition to university life as seamless as possible. The Admissions Office can assist you in completing your admissions application, submission of required admissions documents, and scheduling a campus visit. We provide an academic and social environment where students quickly assimilate into campus life. From the first day of class to Commencement, the opportunities for success are limitless.

Saint Augustine’s University is proud of its diverse student body and welcomes your international point of view. Students seeking admissions must first complete an online application for the semester for which they plan to enroll.

The goal of the Financial Aid Office is to provide a financial package to cover the difference between the student's budget and the amount revealed by his or her official need analysis. Current students and prospective students are urged to file an application for financial aid early and follow-up on any additional information needed to make an award.

The Office of Financial Aid at Saint Augustine's University attempts to meet your financial need with a combination of all aid funds for which you are eligible, providing you with a financial aid package. This package must include all resources available to you from other sources, such as private scholarships, other institutional scholarships awarded from departmental funds, and from other agencies such as Vocational Rehabilitation.

Saint Augustine’s University was chartered as a “Normal School and Collegiate Institute” on July 19, 1867, by the Reverend J. Brinton Smith, D.D., secretary of the Freedman’s Commission of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and the Right Reverend Thomas Atkinson, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina. Bishop Atkinson became the first president of the Board of Trustees and Dr. Smith was the first principal. The new school opened its doors for instruction on January 13, 1868.

In 1893, the School’s name changed from Saint Augustine’s Normal School to Saint Augustine’s School. In 1919, the name changed to Saint Augustine’s Junior College, the first year in which postsecondary instruction was offered. The School became a four-year institution in 1927. In 1928, the institution was renamed Saint Augustine’s College. Baccalaureate degrees were first awarded in 1931.

The College further extended its mission by establishing St. Agnes Hospital and Training School for Nurses to provide medical care for and by African Americans. It was the “first” school of nursing in the state of North Carolina for African-American students and served as the only hospital that served African Americans until 1960. One of St. Agnes most famous patients was boxer Jack Johnson. Following an accident that ultimately led to his death in 1946, Jack Johnson was taken to St. Agnes Hospital. Johnson was the first African-American world heavyweight boxing champion.

The University also owns and operates a hidden gem, Saint Augustine’s University Golf Course and Recreation Complex at Meadowbrook, a 9-hole golf course in Garner, NC. Founded as Meadowbrook Country Club in 1958, it was the area’s only private golf club for African Americans. The club purchased 136 acres of former tobacco land and pioneered one of the country’s first country clubs for African Americans. The University purchased Meadowbrook in 2007 and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Since the beginning of its existence, Saint Augustine’s University has blazed the trails in academics. Alumna Anna Julia Cooper, who was a prominent writer, educator and scholar, became the fourth African-American woman in united states to earn a doctoral degree. Today, Saint Augustine’s University is proud of preserving its legacy by continuing to ensure scholars are academically equipped to be the global change agents of tomorrow.

Falcons not only soar in academics but also in athletics. The men’s track and field team has experienced the victory of being Number #1 on numerous occasions. Saint Augustine’s University alumnus, legendary head track and field coach and athletic director, George “Pup” Williams, has built a dynasty in track and field and cross country at the University. Since he began coaching in 1976, his track and field programs have won an astounding 36 national championships including the 2014 and 2013 NCAA Division II Men’s Indoor Championships and the 2014 and 2013 NCAA Division II Men's Outdoor Championship. Williams has also coached 39 Olympians including three gold medalists.

On August 1, 2012 when Saint Augustine’s College transitioned in name and status to Saint Augustine’s University. Saint Augustine’s University has a strong tradition of excellence and a rich legacy that bonds thousands of Saint Augustine’s University sons and daughters from across the globe.