About Radford University

Founded in 1910, Radford University. is a Public college. Located in Virginia, which is a city setting in Virginia, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 8,453 full time undergraduate students, and 948 full time graduate students.

The Radford University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 16:1. There are 469 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Radford University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate81%
Application Deadline
Application Fee50
SAT Range
ACT Range

Admissions at RU are considered Less Selective, with ,70% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 24 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

61% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 22% were in the top quarter, and 6% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Radford University.

0%
“We”re apathetic”
27%
“We know about current events and vote”
64%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
9%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
6%
“We save it for the classroom”
28%
“Sometimes, but not often”
45%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
21%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
10%
“I only go out in groups”
44%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
46%
“I feel extremely safe”
2%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
63%
“We bought the gear”
35%
“We live for the big game”
7%
“It”s not really our thing”
18%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
52%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
23%
“We”re a very artistic group”
3%
“Haven”t met them”
4%
“Available in class”
55%
“They keep regular office hours”
38%
“They”re always available”
6%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
7%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
80%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
7%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
1%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
23%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
31%
“We only party on weekends”
45%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
10%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
53%
“There might be people who do”
30%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
7%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
27%
“We know about current events and vote”
64%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
9%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
6%
“We save it for the classroom”
28%
“Sometimes, but not often”
45%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
21%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
10%
“I only go out in groups”
44%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
46%
“I feel extremely safe”
2%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
63%
“We bought the gear”
35%
“We live for the big game”
7%
“It”s not really our thing”
18%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
52%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
23%
“We”re a very artistic group”
3%
“Haven”t met them”
4%
“Available in class”
55%
“They keep regular office hours”
38%
“They”re always available”
6%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
7%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
80%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
7%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
1%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
23%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
31%
“We only party on weekends”
45%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
10%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
53%
“There might be people who do”
30%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
7%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
Write a review, Enter to win $1,000 Scholarship
  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    157 Students rated on-campus housing 3.7 stars. 18 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    119 Students rated off-campus housing 3.9 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    169 Students rated campus food 3.4 stars. 19 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    170 Students rated campus facilities 4.1 stars. 35 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    170 Students rated class size 4.4 stars. 56 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    169 Students rated school activities 4.1 stars. 41 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    169 Students rated local services 3.8 stars. 33 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    170 Students rated academics 4.1 stars. 39 % gave the school a 5.0.

Radford University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Radford University?

83 Students rated Radford University

Shahobiddin - 09/24/2024

rgergregerhtejhyrsthyr

Katherine - 07/16/2023

I met the most memorable classmates, dorm mates, professors, co-workers and locals while I attended Radford University. These friendships and relationships changed my life for the better and Radford, VA has a huge piece of my heart. I even met my husband while going to school here and my younger sister transferred from her college to Radford University to attend with me because it just reminds us of home. As far as academics went, I studied Design with a concentration on Fashion and I felt like our Department was more focused on the Interior Design studies and Fashion Design students were always an after thought, but this has most-likely shifted since I attended.

ShaNiyah - 12/13/2021

I like it as my first college.it is a good school to recommend as someone first college. The staff is very nice and fixable with the time and will try to help you out. The staff their also do their best to help you around campus and the professor make sure you understand before moving on to the next thing.

Daniyah - 05/26/2021

I believe I am going to love it at Radford and I can’t wait to spend the next four years of my life there. When I visited the campus for the first time it was raining and my tour guide got me a umbrella she was so nice and helpful and really encouraged me to apply to the honors program and I got in. I can’t wait to meet all my new friends

Jorrian - 01/09/2021

If you’re looking for a place to call home then Radford University is the place for you. Radford gives you the stretch to become who you want and find yourself while attending. The i are accommodating and are very helpful when asking and needed help.

Avery - 11/25/2020

I feel Radford University is a perfect home for many students. Going to Radford University can be whatever you make it to be, because the school has a perfect balance of being a strong Academic University while giving students plenty of opportunities to have a fun and an enjoyable college experience. While also the staff from top to bottom is full of kind and caring people who are always willing to help any student upon their college journey.

David - 11/18/2020

I like Radford university. The people are nice and I have lots of friends. I enjoy the small class sizes and the small environment of the school. Professors at Radford are very approachable whether its by email or in-person. If I am having trouble with something in a class, the professor is there to help me understand in any way they can.

April - 08/01/2020

I loved my time at Radford University. I found forever friends and an amazing college experience. I am using my degree and am going back to Radford this fall to get my Master's degree. The professors are available at all times are are always willing to assist. I have been able to contact multiple people about returning to school at different times and get a call or email back within a few hours. I also still keep in contact with professors from my Undergrad. I am excited to start my Master's. Radford is an amazing university.

Ameera - 05/06/2020

Seems like a good environment to study in. The place is diverse and the people are very friendly. The sizes of the classrooms are just like what you would expect in normal colleges. Food is okay, though there's always an option to eat outside. It's also a nice way to meet new people and make friends!

Tyla - 01/25/2020

I think Radford has major potential to be a great school. The clubs are great and meeting people is usually pretty easy, I think overall the most people are pretty nice. Where they lack is for me academically speaking some of their programs aren't the greatest, but some programs people love like their criminal justice program. I'd say know what you want so that there's a niche for you. There's something too be said about being a little bit behind than others to make sure you have everything in order because they will find a hole and tear you apart. It's not a bad school if you have a goal in mind.

Marvin - 11/29/2019

Radford is a very rural area with increasing diversity, The dinning facilities on campus vary to different cultures. The sports program are a conglomerate of over 272 sports. The surrounding area isn’t truly that nice. Overall it’s the campus is very nice.

Mary - 11/04/2019

Radford University provides a uniquely inclusive atmosphere that is rarely found on other campuses. The notion that everyone deserves access to an education is instilled throughout campus life, and the staff will go above and beyond to ensure success of it's students. No, the school is not notoriously prestigious, nor does it's wild reputation go unnoticed by the rest of the state. However, no matter your background, family, financial status, or adversities, all students are valued here, and I don't believe that can be said for many colleges.

Alexis - 10/28/2019

My time at Radford University has been a really good experience. Before Radford, I had been home schooled and the faculty here has been very supporting / willing to make accommodation needs. I think Radford would be good for anyone, but it is very pleasing to those who are not very socialized before. Radford is a very involved school with their students and help them advance to reach their goals. Go Highlanders!!

Elyssa - 09/25/2019

I love Radford University, and while there are some things I would change if I could, I would not have gone anywhere else. I wish the class sizes were overall larger so it did not seem like a high school classroom setting in most classes. I also wish the teachers respected boundaries more and did not try to invade your personal life.

Morgan - 08/26/2019

Radford University feels like home to me. Radford is a very small town and a small school. There is a total of 9,000-10,000 students that go here. The campus is beautiful, the dorms and off campus housing is great. One thing I do not like is there is not many shops or things to do in Radford. The food at RU is okay, I think they should open up more food options. They should also have more food places open on the weekends. There is only maybe two food places that are open on Saturdays and Sundays.

Radford University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Radford University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Radford University is 81%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    Visit schools during the academic school year, not the summer.

    Read all 147 answers
  3. What kind of person should attend this school?

    I really think that anyone would enjoy being at this school. I belive that anyone in a frame of mind of learning and enjoying its surroundings would love to be at Radford University. If a person that is quiet and reserved may meet their match that is upbeat and outgoing. A person that loves life, getting involved, socializing, learning all they can, and enjoys the outdoors, then Radford University is the right place to be. Anyone that would come from a big high school to Radford would enjoy the one on one time and someone from the opposite would too.

    Read all 33 answers
  4. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    Radford University is beautiful and the all around atmosphere is great.

    Read all 31 answers
  5. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    The town outside of campus is small, not much to do unless you travel blacksburg or christiansburg, va

    Read all 30 answers
  6. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish I had of known about the area surrounding Radford, there is not too much to do in the town, most of the attractions such as the mall, restaurants, and other places to hang out are outside of the town of Radford.

    Read all 30 answers
  7. Describe the students at your school.

    socail

    Read all 29 answers
  8. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    One who is looking for low tuition costs, someone who wants to fit in, its easier to get scholarships

    Read all 26 answers
  9. What's unique about your campus?

    The opportunity for extra curricular activities

    Read all 23 answers
  10. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    Radford University is well known for formally being an all girls school. Also that we use to be affiliated with Virginia Tech when they were an all boys school. We are also known for being partiers and being able to pre-game harder than most people can party.

    Read all 22 answers
  11. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    I brag most to my friends about how small my classes are, how cool my teachers are, and how close my classes are to each other.

    Read all 20 answers
  12. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    It's a smaller school which means smaller classes and more one on one time with the professors. You can really get to know the professors and the other students in your classes.

    Read all 16 answers
  13. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    Transferring schools has been the most frustrating thing because of all the credits needed at Radford that weren't necessary at my previous University.

    Read all 14 answers
  14. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    A lot of students in dorms leave their doors open and they all talk to each other as they walk by. there isn't a whole lot off campus, but it's nice in the spring to go to the local park and hang out by the river and sometimes go swimming in it. A tradition Radford University had is the annual Fall Highlander Fest. There are traditional games like stone tossing, food, games, a music therapy drum circle, performances and shops. There is a small suburban area only 15 minutes away from Radford and has a lot to do.

    Read all 8 answers
  15. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    Radford is known as a huge party school. Though there are a few parties held off-campus it doesn't really effect those that stay on campus. For the most part there aren't any problems with noise of drunk people walking around campus or sirens from cop cars.

    Read all 7 answers
  16. What are the academics like at your school?

    The academics here can be a little challenging but with the help of the professors and the tutoring center you can pass with no problem.

    Read all 6 answers
  17. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    The school is a perfect size. Its not too small but not at all too big. The classes aren't taught by grad students and the classes are never bigger than like 75 people, MAX. People tend to associate Radford with a party school, but it really has a lot more to offer. In this day and age, the only school that isn't a party school is like BYU! There is fun stuff to do on campus, such as the $1 movie theater, the bowling alley, the New River, the billiards room, and much more. We always have fun campus sponsered activities. The town of Radford is really small though and can be boring at times. The closest mall is about 10 mins. away. I would never choose another school. I am so happy here and am proud to say I am a highlander.

    Read all 5 answers
  18. Describe the dorms.

    Comfortable for two students, three is a bit much but it happens. A few have A/C, others are being renovated now to update the rooms and bathrooms and add air conditioning.

    Read all 3 answers
  19. Why did you decide to go to this school?

    I chose Radford for it's specialization in Education. If you want to be a teacher in VA, Radford is the college for you! They have a GREAT 5 year master's program. I also chose Radford for it's perfect size and unity. The teachers know me by name, not just a number. The students here are friendly and fun, not just party-goers. And lastly, I chose Radford for it's smalltown feel, which reminds me of home.

    Read all 2 answers
  20. When you step off campus what do you see?

    The beautiful mountains and a cute town.

    Read all 2 answers
  21. What do students complain about most?

    Students complain most about the lack of food choices and the quality of most of the food.

    Read all 1 answers

Student Body

Students

57%

female

43%

male

8,453

Total Undergrad Enrollment

948

Total Grad Students

7%

Out-Of-State

92%

In-State

1%

International

Organizations

250

Student Organizations

10

Fraternities

5

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

34%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
1%
% Black or African-American
15%
% Hispanic/Latino
7%
% White or Caucasian
69%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

79% of students attending Radford University receive some sort of financial aid. 35% were awarded federal grants.66%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$22,162

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,200

Books and Supplies

$8,405

Room and Board

31,767

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$12,720
$30 - $48K
$13,537
$48 - $75K
$16,334
$75 - $110K
$20,729
$110K & UP
$21,349

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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