RU vs. Ascent College

Comparable Facts

Compare Radford University in Radford, VA with Ascent College in Gainesville, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Radford University is larger than Ascent College based on total student enrollment (7,812 students vs. 83 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Radford University is located in Radford, VA (Distant Town setting); Ascent College is in Gainesville, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Radford University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ascent College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Radford University 14:1; Ascent College 8:1.

RU vs. Ascent College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, RU or Ascent College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ascent College are 4.4% lower than at Radford University ($11,960 vs. $12,504).
• Radford University is 46.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ascent College (about $3,998 more per year; $12,548.00 vs. $8,550.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 199.8% higher at RU than at Ascent College (about $17,083 more per year; $25,633.00 vs. $8,550.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Radford University than at Ascent College (94% vs. 0%).

RU vs. Ascent College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, RU or Ascent College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Ascent College and RU.

• Ascent College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Radford University 940/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Radford University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: RU - Test optional; Ascent College - Open admission.

RU vs. Ascent College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for RU and Ascent College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.