A comprehensive public university in southwest Virginia offering 75+ bachelor's and 27+ master's programs with strong faculty-student bonds.
Radford University emphasizes hands-on, personalized, and career-driven learning across seven undergraduate colleges and one graduate college. The university offers more than 100 undergraduate fields and graduate programs including the M.F.A., M.B.A., M.A., M.S., Ed.S., Psy.D., and M.S.W. Business programs are accredited by AACSB. Special programs include Study Abroad, Honors Academy, Army ROTC, and undergraduate research opportunities. The student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1 with an average class size of 19, and more than 80% of faculty hold doctorates or terminal degrees.
The main 211-acre campus features red-brick Georgian-style buildings arranged around a main lawn and quadrangles. Recent facilities include a new College of Business and Economics building (2012), New Student Fitness Center (2014), Center for Sciences (2016), and renovated College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences building (2017). Nearly all dorms have been renovated as of 2016. Around 3,800 students live on campus in 15 residence halls. The university hosts the Radford University Planetarium with a 55-seat theater and operates the Selu Conservancy, a 376-acre reserve five miles away. Students engage through 250+ clubs and organizations, Greek life, and 17+ religious organizations.
Radford accepts applications through the Undergraduate Application or Common App for freshman and transfer students, with an 89% acceptance rate. Graduate students use the Graduate Application. Some programs require additional materials: dance and music majors must complete departmental auditions. The university maintains a Guaranteed Transfer Partnership Agreement with Northern Virginia Community College. International students have a dedicated admissions pathway.
Radford reports a 94% placement rate for graduates and 87% of students receive financial assistance. The university competes as a Division I NCAA member in the Big South Conference, offering 16 varsity sports. Men's basketball won Big South tournaments in 1998, 2009, and 2018; baseball won championships in 2015 and 2017. The Dedmon Center provides recreational facilities including an indoor track, weight training, and courts for basketball and volleyball. Notable alumni include actress Jayma Mays, sports reporter Marty Smith, and professional athletes in baseball and basketball.