About Radford University
Radford University builds its reputation around three core strengths: nursing, criminal justice, and education programs. The university enrolls 5,609 students in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, creating a tight-knit academic community where professors know their students well. NFL players Chris Burnham and Kendall Fuller represent the school's ability to develop talent both in the classroom and on the field. With a 93% acceptance rate, Radford opens its doors wide to students seeking a supportive environment. The student-faculty ratio of 12:1 ensures personalized attention that larger universities struggle to provide.
Students pay an average net price of $16,640 annually, making Radford accessible for middle-class families. Graduates earn a median of $53,739 ten years after graduation, while typical student loan debt sits at $24,000. The monthly loan payment of $254 represents a manageable burden given graduate earnings. Low-income students pay just $11,289 net price, demonstrating the university's commitment to affordability.
Women comprise 65% of the student body, reflecting strong enrollment in Radford's signature programs like nursing and education. The campus houses 3,229 students, fostering the close community atmosphere that defines the Radford experience. About 90% of students come from Virginia, creating a familiar, home-state feel.
Students pay an average net price of $16,640 annually, making Radford accessible for middle-class families. Graduates earn a median of $53,739 ten years after graduation, while typical student loan debt sits at $24,000. The monthly loan payment of $254 represents a manageable burden given graduate earnings. Low-income students pay just $11,289 net price, demonstrating the university's commitment to affordability.
Women comprise 65% of the student body, reflecting strong enrollment in Radford's signature programs like nursing and education. The campus houses 3,229 students, fostering the close community atmosphere that defines the Radford experience. About 90% of students come from Virginia, creating a familiar, home-state feel.
Academics & Faculty
Radford University operates as a full public university with particularly strong reputations in nursing, criminal justice, and education programs. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors, though the 52% four-year graduation rate suggests many students need extra time to complete degrees. About 55% of students take federal loans to finance their education. The university's teaching-focused mission means faculty prioritize undergraduate instruction over research. Radford's nursing program has built regional recognition for preparing healthcare professionals. The criminal justice program benefits from partnerships with Virginia law enforcement agencies. With 90% of students coming from in-state, the campus maintains a tight-knit Virginia community feel that supports student success through familiar connections.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 68.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 51.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 49.6%
- Retention Rate
- 72.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,739
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $102,123 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $73,769 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $71,015 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $70,736 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $62,508 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $61,516 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,366 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $53,608 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $50,952 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $50,856 |
Campus Life
Radford sits in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains about two and a half hours from Richmond, where fall brings stunning foliage and winters require a decent coat but rarely heavy snow gear. With housing for 3,229 students on a campus of 5,609, about 58% live on campus, creating a tight residential community where you'll recognize faces walking to class.
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially important since many students pursue hands-on programs in nursing and criminal justice. Women make up 64.9% of the student body, and with 90.5% of students from Virginia, there's a strong local feel. Weekend life centers around Highlanders athletics, outdoor activities in the surrounding mountains, and the walkable downtown area just minutes from campus. Students often head to the New River for tubing or hiking trails like the Wildwood Park system. The Big South Conference provides competitive Division I sports, and with 282 total athletes, you'll likely know someone on a team.
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially important since many students pursue hands-on programs in nursing and criminal justice. Women make up 64.9% of the student body, and with 90.5% of students from Virginia, there's a strong local feel. Weekend life centers around Highlanders athletics, outdoor activities in the surrounding mountains, and the walkable downtown area just minutes from campus. Students often head to the New River for tubing or hiking trails like the Wildwood Park system. The Big South Conference provides competitive Division I sports, and with 282 total athletes, you'll likely know someone on a team.
- Setting
- Town-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 3,229 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1910
Campus Safety (2023)
49 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 9 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Aggravated Assault | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 22°–42°F
- July Avg
- 61°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 42.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 21.7"
Student Demographics
Radford draws overwhelmingly from Virginia, with 90% of students calling the state home. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in nursing, education, and social work programs that traditionally attract more female students. The campus serves a significant population of first-generation college students, with over one-third receiving Pell Grants. This creates a supportive environment where many students share similar backgrounds and challenges. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio helps professors build personal relationships with students who often need extra guidance navigating college life.
- Men
- 35.1%
- Women
- 64.9%
- White
- 66.4%
- Black
- 14.3%
- Hispanic
- 8.4%
- Asian
- 1.6%
- In-State Students
- 90.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 35.4%
Location
Radford sits in southwestern Virginia, about 45 miles from Roanoke and roughly 260 miles from Washington D.C. The Blue Ridge Mountains provide a scenic backdrop for this classic college town. With 5,609 students in a community of about 18,000 residents, the university forms the heart of local life. The Appalachian setting offers outdoor recreation opportunities from hiking to kayaking on the New River. Downtown Radford features student-friendly restaurants and shops within walking distance of campus. The town-fringe setting means students get small-town charm while remaining connected to larger metropolitan areas. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare Radford University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Radford, Virginia 24142
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,739
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,291
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 67.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $254/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Radford University?
Radford University accepts 93.34% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1060. The university takes a welcoming approach to admissions while maintaining academic standards for its comprehensive programs.
How much does Radford University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Radford University is $16,640 annually. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,289 on average, making this Virginia university particularly accessible for lower-income students.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Radford University?
Radford University maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with 5,609 total students. The university is known for strong programs in nursing, criminal justice, and education that benefit from this personalized attention.
What are the graduation rates at Radford University?
Radford University has a 49.60% six-year graduation rate and graduates earn a median salary of $53,739 ten years after graduation. The 96.8% employment rate shows that Radford effectively prepares students for the workforce despite graduation challenges.
Where is Radford University located and what is campus life like?
Radford University sits in a town-fringe setting in Radford, Virginia with housing capacity for 3,229 students. The close-knit campus community attracts 90.49% in-state students who embrace the Highlanders athletics program competing in NCAA Division I.
Does Radford University have a gender imbalance?
Women make up 64.90% of Radford University's student body compared to 35.10% men. This gender distribution reflects the university's strong programs in traditionally female-dominated fields like nursing and education.
