Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Radford, Virginia |
| Online | radford.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Distant Town |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Radford University is located in the New River Valley of southwestern Virginia, approximately 45 minutes from Roanoke. Set on 204 acres, the campus features a mix of modern academic buildings and historic structures with distinctive Georgian Colonial architecture, including several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Founded in 1910 as a women's teacher training institution, Radford has evolved into a comprehensive public university offering undergraduate and graduate programs, with particular strengths in nursing, education, business, and visual arts. The university maintains a residential campus environment where most first-year students live in on-campus housing, and students have access to the nearby Jefferson National Forest for recreational activities. Radford competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Highlanders, participating in the Big South Conference.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
RU is rated within the top 43% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Radford University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#449 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#134 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#13 in Best Colleges in Virginia
#9 in Best Public Colleges in Virginia
#460 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#12 in Best Value Colleges in Virginia
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 950/1170 |
| ACT | 19/26 |
| GPA | 3.31 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Virginia Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,260 |
| Other Fees | $3,885 |
| Room and Board | $11,973 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,652 |
| Total One Year Cost | $29,171 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,260 |
| Other Fees | $3,885 |
| Room and Board | $11,973 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,652 |
| Total One Year Cost | $41,623 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 18% |
| General Studies | 10% |
| Health Professions | 9% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 9% |
| Communication | 8% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering RU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=233277 IPEDS survey data for Radford University.
Current students may use the Radford University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025