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 Rate
81%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
50
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”
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?
86 Students rated Radford University
Jennifer
Prospective04/14/2025
I want to attend Radford University because it offers the perfect combination of programs to support both my artistic and professional goals. Being accepted into the Dance program with a concentration in Entrepreneurship enables me to pursue my passion for dance while acquiring the business knowledge necessary to achieve my dream of owning a dance studio. Additionally, I plan to double major in Allied Health Science to prepare for Radford’s accelerated Doctor of Physical Therapy program. This unique combination will allow me to support dancers both creatively and physically throughout their careers.
Jocelyn
Prospective04/11/2025
What draws me to Radford University is their commitment to hands-on learning, especially in the healthcare field. I'm someone who is passionate about becoming a pediatric nurse. I'm excited about the opportunities Radford offers through its excellence in nursing programs and labs. I believe the real world experiences Radford provides align with the kind of nurse I dream to be one day- someone with clinical skills and the ability to attend to families and children in need.
Jocelyn
Prospective04/09/2025
The University of Radford is a beautiful campus. I enjoyed my visit and the mountainviews were spectacular.
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.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Radford University is 81%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
Visit schools during the academic school year, not the summer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
