PrivateSuburbanRoanoke College
Salem, Virginia 24153-3794
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business
Roanoke College is a private institution in Salem with particular strength in business and biology. With an average SAT of 1193, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A small campus of 1.8K undergraduates with a 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.
66% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $58,047 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $27,786.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •Originally located in Augusta County near Staunton, the school was named Virginia Institute until chartered on January 30, 1845, as Virginia Collegiate Institute.
- •In 1847, the institute moved to Salem which was developing into a center of commerce and transportation in the region; the school moved all of its possessions in a single covered wagon.
- •The Virginia General Assembly granted a college charter on March 14, 1853 and approved the name Roanoke College, chosen in honor of the Roanoke Valley.
- •Bittle then served as the college's first president.
- •The student body was organized into a corps of cadets and fought with Confederate forces near Salem in December 1863.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1193
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
19.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
-1.1%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$22,313
Programs (34)
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
78%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
13
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
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 + suburban adjustment