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Radford University

Radford, VA · Public

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90.6%
Acceptance
1050
SAT
$32,663
Sticker Price
$14,533
Net Price*
$53,739
Earnings
3.1 yrs
Payback
11,072
Applicants

*Net price for families earning $48k–$75k. See all income brackets →

Apply Now Admissions Info Financial Aid Net Price Calculator

What is Radford University's acceptance rate?

Up 16.1 percentage points since 2018

With a 90.6% acceptance rate, Radford University is considered accessible. The school has become slightly less competitive over the past five years. Applicants should focus on demonstrating strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and authentic personal essays to stand out in the applicant pool.

How many students apply to Radford University?

Radford University received 11,072 applications in 2023, down 22% since 2018. High application volume means admissions officers spend limited time per application—typically 8-15 minutes. Make every word count in your essays and ensure your application materials are error-free.

Applications
Admitted

How many admitted students enroll?

The yield rate of 11% is typical for a school of this caliber. Yield rate measures how many admitted students actually enroll—a key indicator of how desirable students find the school. Demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits, attending info sessions, and writing specific "Why Us" essays can improve your chances.

What are the most popular majors at Radford University?

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing leads as the most popular major at Radford University. Your intended major can affect admission chances—some programs are more competitive than others. Research department-specific requirements, faculty research, and career outcomes when choosing your major. Consider how your academic interests align with the school's strengths.

How have majors changed over time?

Degrees awarded by major, 2015-2023

How has tuition changed at Radford University?

Out-of-state tuition has increased by 16% since 2015. Total cost of attendance (including fees and room & board) has grown 20% from $27,212 to $32,663.

Tuition (Out-of-State) Tuition (In-State) Total Cost

How much do Radford University graduates earn by major?

Graduates in Computer Science earn among the highest salaries, with median earnings of $61,516 within two years of graduation. Earnings vary significantly by major—STEM and business fields typically offer higher starting salaries, while humanities and arts may have different career trajectories. Consider both passion and practical outcomes when choosing your field of study.

Computer Science $61,516
$6,765 $160,116
Registered Nursing, Nursing Ad... $57,366
$6,765 $160,116
Finance and Financial Manageme... $50,856
$6,765 $160,116
Information Science/Studies $48,041
$6,765 $160,116
Allied Health Diagnostic, Inte... $46,478
$6,765 $160,116
Accounting and Related Service... $45,008
$6,765 $160,116
Marketing $41,565
$6,765 $160,116
Economics $41,025
$6,765 $160,116
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Radford University Admissions Statistics (2018-2023)

Each row shows the admissions cycle for that academic year. Applicants is the total number of students who applied for freshman admission. Admitted shows how many received acceptance letters. Rate is the acceptance rate (admitted ÷ applicants) — lower percentages indicate more selective schools. Yield measures the percentage of admitted students who actually enrolled — a high yield (above 50%) suggests the school is a top choice for admitted students, while lower yields indicate students often choose other options. SAT shows the 25th-75th percentile range, meaning the middle 50% of enrolled students scored within this range. Data is sourced from IPEDS, the federal database where all US colleges report annually.

Year Applicants Admitted Rate Yield
2023 11,072 10,036 90.6% 11.0%
2022 11,442 10,680 93.3% 11.5%
2021 11,291 10,762 95.3% 12.0%
2020 14,994 11,798 78.7% 11.3%
2019 16,013 12,061 75.3% 13.7%
2018 14,161 10,561 74.6% 16.7%
2017 14,620 10,866 74.3% 17.0%
2016 7,447 6,047 81.2% 29.0%
2015 7,617 6,328 83.1% 31.0%

Is Radford University worth it?

Calculate your personal ROI

4-Year Sticker Price --
4-Year Net Cost --
Earnings & ROI Range (10yr)
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Optimistic (75th pct) -- --
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Estimates based on College Scorecard averages. Use official calculator →

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What do Radford University graduates earn?

Median Earnings (10 years)
$53,739
Earnings Range (10th - 90th percentile)
$16,000 $53,739 median $81,500

Earnings vary widely: the bottom 10% earn $16,000 while the top 10% earn $81,500. Your outcome depends heavily on major, career path, and individual circumstances.

Median Earnings (6 years)
$44,830
Median Debt
$24,000
6-Year Graduation Rate
49.6%

How much does Radford University cost?

The total cost of attendance at Radford University is approximately $32,663 per year for out-of-state students. Remember: sticker price rarely equals actual cost. Most students receive financial aid, and net price varies significantly by family income. Use the school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate before ruling out any option based on cost alone.

In-State Tuition
$7,922
Out-of-State Tuition
$19,557
Fees
$3,494
Room & Board
$9,612
Total Cost of Attendance
$32,663

What You'll Actually Pay

Net price represents what families actually pay after grants and scholarships. The figures above are averages—your actual cost depends on family income, assets, and the school's aid policies. Many selective private schools are more affordable than public universities for middle and lower-income families due to generous institutional aid.

$0-30k income $11,289
$30-48k income $11,883
$48-75k income $14,533
$75-110k income $20,204
$110k+ income $22,537

Which majors pay the most?

  • Computer Science $61,516
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $57,366
  • Finance and Financial Management Services $50,856
  • Information Science/Studies $48,041
  • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $46,478

Who attends Radford University?

Radford University enrolls 7,531 students, with 1% from outside the United States. Women make up 68% of the student body. Campus diversity enriches the educational experience through varied perspectives and backgrounds. Consider how you'll contribute to and benefit from the campus community when crafting your application.

Total Enrollment 7,531
Retention Rate 73%
International 1%
Women 68%
Race/Ethnicity
White 69%
Black 13%
Hispanic 7%
Asian 2%

How much financial aid is available?

92% of students receive some form of financial aid at Radford University. About 35% receive Pell Grants, indicating support for low-income students. Apply for aid regardless of your family's income level—merit scholarships and institutional grants are available to students at various income levels. Never assume you won't qualify.

Receive Grants 92%
Avg: $8,601 free money/year
Pell Grant Recipients 35%
Federal aid for <$60k income families
Have Federal Loans 55%
Avg: $6,315
School's Own Grants 98%
Avg: $4,160 from school funds

How much do professors earn?

Faculty salaries at Radford University are above the national average, reflecting the school's investment in attracting and retaining talented professors. Higher faculty compensation often correlates with stronger research programs, better student mentorship, and more resources for academic departments. Look for opportunities to engage with faculty through research, office hours, and smaller seminars.

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