About Randolph-Macon College
Randolph-Macon College draws 1,489 students to its suburban Virginia campus, where the Yellow Jackets compete in 18 Division III sports. This United Methodist liberal arts college maintains the rigorous Four-One-Four calendar system that gives students an intensive January term for internships, study abroad, or focused research. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know their students well in small seminar-style classes. The college has built a reputation for strong pre-professional programs and undergraduate research opportunities.
Students pay an average net price of $27,759 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median salary of $58,448 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $27,000. The monthly loan payment of $286 represents a manageable burden given the earning potential. About 58% of students take federal loans, but the college's generous aid packages help keep costs reasonable for middle-class families.
The student body is 77% Virginia residents, creating a tight-knit community feel on campus. With 536 total athletes among fewer than 1,500 students, sports culture runs deep here. The 81% retention rate suggests students find what they're looking for, though the 74% four-year graduation rate indicates some take longer to finish their degrees.
Students pay an average net price of $27,759 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median salary of $58,448 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $27,000. The monthly loan payment of $286 represents a manageable burden given the earning potential. About 58% of students take federal loans, but the college's generous aid packages help keep costs reasonable for middle-class families.
The student body is 77% Virginia residents, creating a tight-knit community feel on campus. With 536 total athletes among fewer than 1,500 students, sports culture runs deep here. The 81% retention rate suggests students find what they're looking for, though the 74% four-year graduation rate indicates some take longer to finish their degrees.
Academics & Faculty
Randolph-Macon operates as a classic liberal arts college where students explore broad academic disciplines before choosing a major. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and provide personalized mentorship. Three-quarters of students graduate within six years, a solid rate reflecting the close academic support system. The college follows a unique Four-One-Four calendar that includes a month-long January term for intensive study or internships. Students particularly praise the psychology and business programs, which benefit from the college's strong alumni network in Richmond and Washington D.C. The liberal arts foundation prepares graduates for diverse careers, evidenced by the 96.7% employment rate after graduation.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 64.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 74.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 74.6%
- Retention Rate
- 80.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,448
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $53,810 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $44,276 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $43,426 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $41,342 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Religion/Religious Studies. | Bachelor | $37,568 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $36,848 |
| History. | Bachelor | $36,141 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $35,861 |
Campus Life
This Methodist-affiliated liberal arts college sits 15 miles north of Richmond, giving students easy access to Virginia's capital while maintaining a classic small-town college feel. With 1,489 students and housing for 1,272, about 85% of students live on campus in a tight-knit residential community. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll know your professors personally and see familiar faces across the tree-lined quad daily.
Virginia's four-season climate requires both winter coats and spring shorts, with mild falls perfect for outdoor activities. The Yellow Jackets field 18 Division III sports teams, and with 536 total athletes, about one in three students competes varsally. Weekend life revolves around campus traditions like the annual Ring Dance and strong Greek life presence. Students often head to Richmond for internships, cultural events, or weekend adventures, taking advantage of the college's Four-One-Four calendar system that includes a month-long January term for travel abroad or intensive study. The 81% retention rate reflects students who find their place in this close community.
Virginia's four-season climate requires both winter coats and spring shorts, with mild falls perfect for outdoor activities. The Yellow Jackets field 18 Division III sports teams, and with 536 total athletes, about one in three students competes varsally. Weekend life revolves around campus traditions like the annual Ring Dance and strong Greek life presence. Students often head to Richmond for internships, cultural events, or weekend adventures, taking advantage of the college's Four-One-Four calendar system that includes a month-long January term for travel abroad or intensive study. The 81% retention rate reflects students who find their place in this close community.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,272 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
30 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 4 | 3 | 4 | 0 |
| Fondling | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 27°–47°F
- July Avg
- 68°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 88.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 16.5"
Student Demographics
Students at this Methodist liberal arts college come overwhelmingly from Virginia, with 77% choosing to stay close to home. The student body tilts slightly female at 54%, typical for liberal arts institutions that emphasize humanities and social sciences alongside pre-professional programs. One in five students receives Pell Grants, indicating the college serves a mix of middle-class and lower-income families. The predominantly white enrollment of 74% reflects both Virginia's demographics and the college's historic roots in the region. Strong local loyalty suggests Randolph-Macon has built deep ties within Virginia's academic and professional communities.
- Men
- 46.3%
- Women
- 53.7%
- White
- 74.5%
- Black
- 8.7%
- Hispanic
- 5.5%
- Asian
- 2.6%
- In-State Students
- 76.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 20.2%
Location
Randolph-Macon College sits in Ashland, Virginia, about 15 miles north of Richmond. The 1,489-student campus occupies a classic college town setting where students can walk to local shops and restaurants along Railroad Avenue. Ashland calls itself "The Center of the Universe" for its historic train station that still sees daily Amtrak service connecting students to Washington D.C. and points south. The town's tree-lined streets and Victorian homes create the quintessential small college atmosphere that 76.64% of students call home as Virginia residents. With Richmond's internships and cultural offerings a short drive away, students get both intimate campus life and urban access. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare Randolph-Macon College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Ashland, Virginia 23005-5505
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,448
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $57,369
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 72.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Randolph-Macon College?
Randolph-Macon College accepts 85% of applicants, making it accessible for students with solid academic records. The college draws heavily from Virginia, with 77% of students coming from in-state.
How much does Randolph-Macon College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $27,759 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $48,002. The college is known for making private education affordable through substantial institutional grants averaging $30,787.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Randolph-Macon College?
Randolph-Macon maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,489 total students. This small liberal arts college emphasizes close mentorship and personalized attention in its academic programs.
What are the career outcomes for Randolph-Macon College graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $58,448 ten years after graduation, with a strong 97% employment rate. The college's liberal arts focus and career services help students transition successfully into diverse professional fields.
Where is Randolph-Macon College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Ashland, Virginia, a large suburban setting between Richmond and Fredericksburg. With housing for 1,272 students on campus, Randolph-Macon creates a close-knit residential community typical of small liberal arts colleges.
Does Randolph-Macon College compete in Division I athletics?
Randolph-Macon competes in NCAA Division III with 18 varsity sports and 536 total athletes. The Yellow Jackets are members of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference and emphasize the scholar-athlete ideal without athletic scholarships.
