PublicTownRadford University
RU
Radford, Virginia 24142
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for health sciences — excellent value
Radford University is a public institution in Radford with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1061, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 5.6K undergraduates with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.
50% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $53,739 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $16,640.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Highlanders
History & Fun Facts
- •History The State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Radford was founded in Radford as a women's college in 1910.
- •In 1924, the school was renamed the State Teachers College at Radford, with the primary intent of training teachers in the Appalachian region.
- •The merger was dissolved in 1964, and Radford College became coeducational in 1972.
- •Following a period of sustained and significant growth, Radford College was granted university status in 1979.
- •In 2008, the Virginia General Assembly authorized three doctoral programs at Radford University, and the first doctoral degrees were awarded in 2011.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1061
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
45.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
2.1%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$17,500
Programs (101)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
73%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
37
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from VA state average