Hollins University: 72.4% Acceptance Rate

72.4%Acceptance

$42,260Tuition

673Students

70%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$40,075Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Hollins University

This small Virginia college has produced Pulitzer Prize winner Annie Dillard and former U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey. Hollins University enrolls just 673 students in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Roanoke. The women's college built its reputation on creative writing programs that have launched celebrated literary careers. With a 72% acceptance rate and average SAT scores around 1200, Hollins attracts students serious about liberal arts education. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intensive mentorship in writing workshops and seminars.

Students pay an average net price of $22,263 after financial aid, well below the $42,260 sticker price. Recent graduates earn a median of $40,075 ten years after graduation. While that creates manageable debt loads averaging $27,000, the monthly loan payment of $286 represents a significant portion of early career salaries. About 33% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves middle-class families despite its private school pricing.

The student body is 61% white and 15% Black, with 45% coming from Virginia. With 695 housing spots for 673 students, nearly everyone lives on campus in this close-knit community. The 67% four-year graduation rate reflects the intensive, personalized education model that defines the Hollins experience.

Academics & Faculty

Hollins stands out as a women's liberal arts college with an extraordinary creative writing legacy. The school's MFA program has produced Pulitzer Prize winner Annie Dillard and former U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey. With an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive intensive mentorship in small seminars and workshops. The 67% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenging academic environment, while the close faculty relationships help students push through rigorous coursework. Liberal arts students here don't just study literature and writing, they're expected to contribute original work to the campus's active intellectual community. The intimate size means professors know every student's strengths and growth areas personally.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Full-Time Faculty: 68.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 67.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 69.7%
Retention Rate: 74.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $40,075
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

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Campus Life

The Blue Ridge Mountains surround Hollins' 475-acre campus just outside Roanoke, Virginia's largest city. With housing capacity for 695 students and total enrollment of 673, nearly every student lives on the tree-lined campus known for its Georgian architecture and the iconic Front Quadrangle. You'll need both a winter coat for snowy January days and sunscreen for humid Virginia summers.

The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and writing style intimately. This matters at a school famous for launching literary careers like Annie Dillard and Lee Smith. Students gather for the traditional Ring Night ceremony and Founder's Day celebrations that date back to 1842. Weekends revolve around hiking the nearby Appalachian Trail, exploring downtown Roanoke's galleries and farmers market, or attending readings by visiting authors. The 100% female student body creates an atmosphere where women lead every organization, debate team, and student government role. With 74.29% of students returning each year, the sisterhood culture clearly resonates despite the rural Virginia setting.

Setting: Suburb-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 695 beds
Calendar System: Four-One-Four
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1842

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Rape	1	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 24°–46°F
July Avg: 64°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 45.7"
Annual Snowfall: 11.4"

Student Demographics

Hollins draws students who choose an all-women's environment for serious academic work, with 673 students creating an intimate campus community. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the school's commitment to personalized attention. Just under half the students come from Virginia, while others travel from across the country for Hollins' well-known creative writing program. The student body is 60% white with significant representation from Black and Hispanic students. About one-third receive Pell Grants, showing the college's dedication to making quality women's education accessible across economic backgrounds.

Men: 0.0%
Women: 100.0%
White: 60.5%
Black: 14.9%
Hispanic: 10.3%
Asian: 2.1%
In-State Students: 44.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 33.1%

Location

Hollins University sits in Roanoke, Virginia, about 250 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. The campus nestled in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains offers students a scenic suburban setting with rolling hills and wooded landscapes. Roanoke serves as the region's cultural and economic center for the Shenandoah Valley, providing internship opportunities while maintaining a small-city feel. The area attracts outdoor enthusiasts with hiking trails, including portions of the Appalachian Trail within driving distance. With 44.83% of students coming from Virginia, many appreciate staying close to home while experiencing the region's natural beauty. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare Hollins University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Roanoke, Virginia 24020

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $40,075
Median Earnings (5 years): $40,175
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $27,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 58.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Hollins University?

Hollins University accepts 72.4% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private women's college. The average SAT score is 1206, with most admitted students scoring between 1113 and 1298.

How much does Hollins University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Hollins is $22,263, lower than the total cost of attendance of $58,460. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $16,579, while the college provides institutional grants averaging $35,635 to 34% of students.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Hollins University?

Hollins maintains an 8:1 student-faculty ratio with only 673 enrolled students. This intimate learning environment supports the college's reputation for strong creative writing and liberal arts programs, having produced notable alumni like Pulitzer Prize winner Annie Dillard.

What are the career outcomes for Hollins University graduates?

Hollins graduates earn a median salary of $40,075 ten years after graduation, with an employment rate of 91.8%. The typical graduate carries $27,000 in student debt with monthly loan payments of $286.

Where is Hollins University located and what is campus life like?

Hollins sits in Roanoke, Virginia, in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains with housing for 695 students. The campus serves 673 women from diverse backgrounds, with 45% from Virginia and students representing various racial and ethnic communities.

Is Hollins University really a women's-only college?

Yes, Hollins University enrolls 100% women, maintaining its tradition as a women's college since its founding in 1842. This 182-year commitment to women's education has fostered an environment that has produced distinguished writers including former U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey.