Founded in 1842, Roanoke College. is a Private college. Located in Virginia, which is a city setting in Virginia, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 1,984 full time undergraduate students, and 0 full time graduate students.
The Roanoke College Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 11:1. There are 167 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Roanoke College include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
73%
Application Deadline
1-Nov
Application Fee
30
SAT Range
970-1200
ACT Range
21-27
Admissions at are considered Selective, with ,46% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 11 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
87% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 51% were in the top quarter, and 25% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Roanoke College.
0%
“We”re apathetic”
19%
“We know about current events and vote”
78%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
3%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
12%
“We save it for the classroom”
9%
“Sometimes, but not often”
61%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
18%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
6%
“I only go out in groups”
25%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
69%
“I feel extremely safe”
5%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
67%
“We bought the gear”
29%
“We live for the big game”
3%
“It”s not really our thing”
30%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
45%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
21%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
33%
“They keep regular office hours”
67%
“They”re always available”
0%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
18%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
76%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
6%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
3%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
15%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
55%
“We only party on weekends”
27%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
15%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
58%
“There might be people who do”
24%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
3%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
19%
“We know about current events and vote”
78%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
3%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
12%
“We save it for the classroom”
9%
“Sometimes, but not often”
61%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
18%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
6%
“I only go out in groups”
25%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
69%
“I feel extremely safe”
5%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
67%
“We bought the gear”
29%
“We live for the big game”
3%
“It”s not really our thing”
30%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
45%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
21%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
33%
“They keep regular office hours”
67%
“They”re always available”
0%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
18%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
76%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
6%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
98 Students rated on-campus housing 3.8 stars. 19 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
70 Students rated off-campus housing 3.4 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
102 Students rated campus food 3.6 stars. 28 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
103 Students rated campus facilities 3.9 stars. 26 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
103 Students rated class size 4.5 stars. 62 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
103 Students rated school activities 4.1 stars. 45 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
103 Students rated local services 4.1 stars. 44 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
103 Students rated academics 3.8 stars. 35 % gave the school a 5.0.
Roanoke College REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Roanoke College?
34 Students rated Roanoke College
Avery
Prospective04/08/2025
I am interested in attending Roanoke College because it feels like the right place for me to grow as a student, athlete, and person - which I felt from the second I walked on campus. The first thing that stuck out to me on my visit to campus was the small class sizes and strong academic support. I love the idea of being in a place where I have a relationship with my professors and they actually know my name and care about how I am performing in their class. The second thing that stood out to me was the sense of community. Everyone I met or came across was so welcoming and seemed genuinely happy to be there. It felt personal and I could feel like way people cared about each other just from my short visit there. On top of all of that, Roanoke's location is beautiful. The city of Salem and area of the campus is perfect. Roanoke College has absolutely checked all of my boxes and I am so excited to attend and pursue my education there.
Alana
08/10/2024
Roanoke College has a beautiful campus that students are often frequenting. Most facilities are in good condition with new renovations happening. Academics are what you would expect, but there are less niche majors/minors/concentrations, they have more of the basics.
Kiana
04/27/2021
I love the location of the college and the nice warm welcome they gave upon my arrive to the visit. They continued to keep us focused and aware of what the campus offers and all the possibilities that could be explored. There dorms are very pretty and very clean and the student body as a whole are very attentive and kind to new people.
Kristina
06/15/2020
I moved right before my senior year of high school, I was stressed and worried about college until I met the assistant dean of students, Courtney Penn. I went to a meeting at my high school's auditorium to learn about "The Roanoke Experience", and it was the best decision I have ever made. He answered every question with clear answers. After the meeting, I decided to look more into Roanoke College, I ever toured the campus, which is beautiful. I applied to Roanoke and a community college as a backup. When I found out I had been accepted into Roanoke I burst into tears. The staff has already been so helpful. They are easy to reach and have a conversation with. Any time I have a concern or question, Dr. Penn is right there to help. The campus feels like a little community within another community. I feel one-hundred percent right in my decision to spend the next four years here.
Taylor
04/16/2020
Roanoke College is an amazing school with faculty that truly care about you and your interests. The campus is phenomenal and so are the people. Everyone is so kind and willing to help you with anything.
Katherine
01/06/2020
It is a fantastic school with fantastic professors and student body. I am glad that I have the opportunity to go to Roanoke College, as it has helped me blossom into the person I am today and continues to push me further along in the direction I want to sail.
Claire
07/03/2019
Roanoke College features a beautifully manicured campus nestled in between the mountains. Friendly faces are found everywhere, be that a friend, professor, dining hall staff member, or barista at Mill Mountain Coffee. The small class sizes allow for all students to engage in meaningful discussions. My biggest class had 24 people and my smallest was 7 including myself. All of my professors know not only my name, but also where I’m from and what I’m involved in on campus. When I was in the fall play my freshman year, my professors and entire orientation group came to see me perform. The theatre department is small and close knit, they welcome all newcomers with open arms. If theatre isn’t your thing, there are a plethora of other clubs and activities to partake in. Greek life provides social events on the weekends and comprises 24% of the student body. The rush process is fairly chill as there are only 3 sororities and 5 fraternities. While the Greek aspect of campus is active, it does not create any noticeable divides or barriers. I’m not in a sorority but am still friends with plenty of sisters and attend the events on occasion. For those not interested in traditional Greek Life, there is a service fraternity, Christian fraternity, and even the honors fraternity Phi Beta Kappa.
Something different about Roanoke is the requirement to live on campus all four years. Though this is not necessarily everyone’s preference, it allows students to stay close to the action and encourages participation in school activities, be that attending basketball games or bingo nights. All types of rooms are available to choose from based on preference; singles, doubles, triples, suites, apartments and more are available to all students! There are two dining options with a swipe based mean plan that both have an amazing selection of food that changes up every day. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time at Roanoke College thus far.
Serayna
06/25/2019
My first opinion arriving at Roanoke College was that it was a school that I was going to love. And that's exactly what it has come to be. I love my professors, the attention they give to each individual student, and the curriculum. The food options are fantastic, and expanding this year (super psyched!) The dorms are fairly decent buildings to live in, and you get to actually sleep (if you don't pull an all-nighter) because of silent hours. There's always something going on in campus, and plenty of things to explore in the neighboring area if you so choose to do so. I'm not really a sports person, but we have everything in the universe minus football in honor of a deceased individual. I also love the culture on campus, and appreciate all the little things they do to give back to the community and honor previously associated members.
jasmine
06/24/2019
I love the school, Its just right for me. I do not ever want to leave the school. I wish I could move in now. My parents love the school. I am in love with the environment, the air is amazing, the food is great, the dorms are average but just right for me.
Saja
06/11/2019
I love Roanoke and always enjoy my visits I can't wait to go to school there this August! The people are so friendly and the air there is very soothing and reassuring. The food is delicious and there is always something to do there you never feel bored or out of place it is a very wonderful school with lots of potential and promise.
Cameron
06/10/2019
Assuming I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I'd tell myself to know learn how to manage time better, since I'd be doing homework for around 5 hours everyday. I'd tell me not to stress out to much about classes, they're a lot easier than I originally thought, as long as I pay attention in class everything will be fine.
Danielle
04/22/2019
I love Roanoke College. It is a very small school so you know everyone in all of your classes. The professors are very friendly and talk a lot about their own lives. They are all easy to find on campus if you need them for homework help. Overall, it is a wonderful school to be apart of. You’ll make so many friends and learn a lot of stuff you didn’t know before.
Cecilia
04/01/2019
The academics are amazing. Professors have amazing credentials and they are there to meet your needs. The school is so small that you either know everyone, or you know no-one. There's only two dining options that are the same every week. There isn't anything to do on weekends except sports or parties. I thrive here academically, but socially the school is dead. It is in a beautiful location and a nice area. If you find one person that you click with and can take you around then you'll have a good time.
Nitasia
03/21/2019
Roanoke College is a good school overall; professors are willing to step in and help if they are able to, tutoring is always an option for students and its FREE!. I am a third year undergrad and I like the friendly and safe environment; they will not let students go off campus without them being in a group which is a fun, smart, and safe idea. It is very expensive though due to the fact that it is a private college. I suggest applying for many many scholarships to help any individual out !
Maddie
03/05/2019
When you walk through the campus you have this immense feeling of belonging; at least that is how it felt to me. The class buildings and hall are far enough away that you have a chance to walk through the campus and short enough that you don't need to take a bus to your next class. All of the staff are wonderful and helpful, the students are friendly and welcoming, and overall I'm excited to attend this coming fall.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Roanoke College is 73%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
I would tell myself "don't worry about it"! "When you arrive it will be hectic and you might be a little scared but you have to remember that everyone there for move in day and orientation care that this HUGE transition in your life will be a bit easier." I would say "stay confident". There will be many new faces and you will have to get to know the campus but don't make it stressful, give yourself room to explore and get to know people because they might be the ones who stay your friends through college. If you payed attention in high school then classes won't be that hard. If you don't get it right in the first few weeks don't beat yourself up about it but talk to your professors and work it out, this is college. Since this is college leave the drama for high school, you are now an adult, a huge responsibility so don't take it lightly. While you’re in high school hone the ability to balance classes, work and social life that skill makes a difference. Your life might be changing but don’t forget your roots.
I consider the student body size to be the best thing about my school. I like the fact that Roanoke College is not as large as other schools in the area, such as the University of Virginia or Virginia Tech. I truly value the student body size because it makes the environment of Roanoke College much more personal. The small class sizes enable the professors to build relationships with each student and teach each student in a unique way in order to help them understand the material. The student body size is the best thing about Roanoke College.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
The location of the college is very central, nothing is far away from your reach. Whether its dorm buildings, classrooms, or even resturants and downtown.
Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.
It's a great opportunity to find yourself, travel, get a close relationship with your professors and the people around you, and it just plain out rocks!
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?
I wish I would have known how much of a party school Roanoke was and how much the school revolved around the fraternity and sorority scene on the weekends, and the lack of activities available for strongly religious students.
Someone who is a psychology, business, sports management, biology, or chemistry major, with a sure way of paying the expensive tuition. Also, non-citizens should as well because they are so largely welcomed.
Very, very small and can be a little claustrophobic. The town is good, nightlife revolves mostly around house and frat parties and there are very few bars that people actually go to.
Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?
There are a ton of people that fit the stereotype, but there are also a lot that don't. Most of the people that don't fit these stereotypes don't go out very often though.
It's tough. Very difficult curriculum but you are definitely getting a lot out of it. Roanoke was named one of the top 16 schools (along with MIT and Yale) in which it is most difficult to get an A in. We take academics very seriously here. I spend a lot of late nights in the library but it always pays off.
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.
100% of students attending Roanoke College receive some sort of financial aid.
23% were awarded federal grants.66%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.
