Second-oldest Lutheran college in the US, offering 35 majors and strong liberal arts education in Salem, Virginia.
Roanoke College offers 35 majors with 57 minors and concentrations across 16 academic departments including Biology, Business Administration, Chemistry, Education, and Computer Science. The college awards bachelor's degrees in arts, science, and business administration and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Notable programs include a dual-degree engineering program with Virginia Tech, pre-professional tracks in medicine, dentistry, law, and pharmacy, and an honors program accepting approximately 35 freshmen annually. The business program is accredited by ACBSP, chemistry by the American Chemical Society, and teacher licensure by CAEP.
U.S. News & World Report rates Roanoke admissions as 'selective.' For 2023, enrolled students had middle-range GPAs of 3.1–4.0, SAT scores of 1150–1270, and ACT scores of 22–28. The college awarded $36 million in merit-based scholarships in 2023 and provided an average of $32,000 in financial aid per student completing FAFSA. Scholarships are available in music, theater, art, and fellowships in areas of student interest. Approximately 50% of the student body is from Virginia, with significant representation from Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.
The 80-acre suburban campus features three quadrangles with a blend of historic and modern architecture. Seven buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the 1848 Administration Building and Miller Hall (1857). Approximately 70% of students reside on campus. The college has over 100 student organizations, nine Greek social organizations, and two service fraternities; approximately 25% of students participate in Greek life. Fintel Library holds over 500,000 items with reciprocal borrowing access to Hollins University's 300,000-item collection. Recent facilities include the 2016 Morris M. Cregger Center with a 2,500-seat arena and 200-meter indoor track.
Roanoke competes in NCAA Division III within the Old Dominion Athletic Conference with 14 men's and 14 women's varsity sports. The college has won four national championships: the 1972 NCAA College Division men's basketball championship, the 1978 Division II men's lacrosse championship, and individual championships in women's track and field (2001, 2009). The athletic nickname is Maroons, and the mascot is Rooney, a maroon-tailed hawk. The college is one of 280 institutions with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter.