About Randolph College
Randolph College transforms women's education traditions into modern liberal arts excellence. Founded in 1891 as a women's college, this institution welcomed men in 2007 while maintaining its intimate academic environment. Just 520 students call this small city campus home, creating tight-knit communities where every voice matters. The college builds on its heritage of helping students through rigorous academics and close faculty mentorship.
Students pay an average net price of $18,436 after financial aid, making quality liberal arts education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median of $53,409 ten years after leaving college, while carrying typical debt loads of $26,950. The investment pays dividends with a 93.1% employment rate for recent graduates. Over 40% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's commitment to economic diversity.
The 7:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students by name, not number. Women comprise 60% of the student body, maintaining echoes of the college's founding mission. The WildCats compete in 14 Division III sports with 232 total athletes. However, the 51.5% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete their degrees, making strong academic preparation essential for success.
Students pay an average net price of $18,436 after financial aid, making quality liberal arts education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median of $53,409 ten years after leaving college, while carrying typical debt loads of $26,950. The investment pays dividends with a 93.1% employment rate for recent graduates. Over 40% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's commitment to economic diversity.
The 7:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students by name, not number. Women comprise 60% of the student body, maintaining echoes of the college's founding mission. The WildCats compete in 14 Division III sports with 232 total athletes. However, the 51.5% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete their degrees, making strong academic preparation essential for success.
Academics & Faculty
Randolph College offers the intimate academic experience typical of small liberal arts colleges, with a 7:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring close mentorship from professors. The college transitioned from women-only to coeducational in 2007, maintaining its commitment to personalized education across traditional liberal arts disciplines. Students benefit from small class sizes and individualized attention, though the 51% six-year graduation rate suggests some struggle to complete their programs. The liberal arts curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, writing, and interdisciplinary learning rather than pre-professional training. With just 520 students total, every voice matters in classroom discussions and research opportunities typically reserved for graduate students at larger universities.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 7:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 50.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 51.5%
- Retention Rate
- 68.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,409
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $43,575 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $28,598 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $22,771 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $18,771 |
Campus Life
Randolph College's 100-acre campus sits in the Blue Ridge foothills about two hours from Richmond. With 520 students and a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll know your professors personally and likely run into classmates constantly. The college houses 621 students in campus residence halls, creating a tight-knit residential community where roughly 70% of students live on campus.
Lynchburg's four-season climate means you'll need both winter coats for snowy January days and shorts for humid Virginia summers. The 60% female, 40% male student body reflects the school's transition from a women's college to coeducational in 2007. Students often gather in the Macon activities center or explore downtown Lynchburg's restaurants and shops on weekends. The WildCats compete in 14 NCAA Division III sports with 232 total athletes, giving nearly half the student body a chance to play varsity athletics. Campus traditions still echo the school's 133-year history, while the small size means student organizations rely heavily on participation from the diverse student body that's 57% white, 21% Black, and 11% Hispanic.
Lynchburg's four-season climate means you'll need both winter coats for snowy January days and shorts for humid Virginia summers. The 60% female, 40% male student body reflects the school's transition from a women's college to coeducational in 2007. Students often gather in the Macon activities center or explore downtown Lynchburg's restaurants and shops on weekends. The WildCats compete in 14 NCAA Division III sports with 232 total athletes, giving nearly half the student body a chance to play varsity athletics. Campus traditions still echo the school's 133-year history, while the small size means student organizations rely heavily on participation from the diverse student body that's 57% white, 21% Black, and 11% Hispanic.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 621 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1891
Campus Safety (2023)
39 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 24°–46°F
- July Avg
- 64°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 43.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 12.4"
Student Demographics
Students come primarily from Virginia, with 71% staying in-state for this small liberal arts experience. The college attracts a diverse mix, with 43% students of color finding their place on the historic campus. Women make up 60% of enrollment, reflecting the school's evolution from a women's college to coeducational institution in 2007. With 41% of students receiving Pell Grants, Randolph serves many first-generation college students seeking affordable liberal arts education. The intimate setting of just 520 students appeals to those wanting close faculty relationships and personalized attention in their academic journey.
- Men
- 39.8%
- Women
- 60.2%
- White
- 57.1%
- Black
- 21.2%
- Hispanic
- 10.8%
- Asian
- 2.7%
- In-State Students
- 70.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 40.6%
Location
Randolph College sits in Lynchburg, Virginia, about 180 miles southwest of Washington D.C. The city of 80,000 residents lies in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the James River. Lynchburg earned the nickname "City of Seven Hills" for its rolling terrain and historic neighborhoods. The area blends small-city amenities with outdoor recreation, including nearby hiking trails and Peaks of Otter. Liberty University, with over 15,000 students, dominates the local college scene and shapes much of the city's character. The region offers a lower cost of living compared to Northern Virginia's urban corridor. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare Randolph College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Lynchburg, Virginia 24503-1555
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,409
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $47,139
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 64.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,950
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Randolph College?
Randolph College accepts 95% of applicants, making admission highly accessible for most students. The average SAT score is 1035, which reflects the college's focus on providing opportunities for students with diverse academic backgrounds.
How much does Randolph College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Randolph College is $18,436 after aid, lower than the sticker price of $42,140. About 41% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many middle and lower-income families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Randolph College?
Randolph College maintains a 7:1 student-faculty ratio with just 520 total students. This intimate liberal arts environment allows for close mentoring relationships and personalized attention in small classes.
What are the graduation rates at Randolph College?
About 51% of students graduate within six years at Randolph College. Graduates earn a median salary of $53,409 ten years after enrollment, though the retention rate of 68% suggests some students transfer or leave before completing their degrees.
Where is Randolph College located and what is campus life like?
Randolph College sits in Lynchburg, Virginia, housing 621 students on campus out of 520 total enrollment. The WildCats compete in 14 NCAA Division III sports with 232 student-athletes participating.
How has Randolph College changed since becoming coeducational?
Randolph College became coeducational in 2007 after 116 years as a women's college, founded in 1891. Today the student body is 60% women and 40% men, maintaining some of its historical character while serving a broader population.
