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Campus Setting
Details
Public 4-Year
Radford Red (RGB 194,1,27); Blue Ridge (RGB 0,60,113)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Highlander
Undergraduate
6206
Transfer-in
608
Overall
20
Years 1 & 2
28
Years 3 & 4
15
Radford University
Radford University
Radford University is a comprehensive public university of 7,837 students that has received national recognition for many of its undergraduate and graduate academic programs, as well as its sustainability initiatives. Radford University serves the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation through a wide range of academic, cultural, human service and research programs. Well known for its strong faculty/student bonds, innovative use of technology in the learning environment and vibrant student life on a beautiful 211-acre American classical campus, Radford University offers students many opportunities to get involved and succeed in and out of the classroom. The University offers 75 bachelor's degree programs in 47 disciplines and six certificates at the undergraduate level; 27 master's programs in 23 disciplines and five doctoral programs at the graduate level; and 21 post-baccalaureate certificates and one post-master's certificate. A Division I member of the NCAA and Big South Conference, Radford University competes in 16 men's and women's varsity athletics. With over 200 clubs and organizations, Radford University offers many opportunities for student engagement, leadership development and community service. In addition to robust academic offerings and engaging student experiences on the main campus located in Radford, Virginia, Radford University also offers a clinical-based educational experience for more than 1,000 students living and learning in Roanoke, Virginia as part of Radford University Carilion, a public-private partnership focused on the cutting-edge delivery of health sciences programming, outreach and service.
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Academics
Freshman Definition
Freshman applicants are students who will graduate or have graduated from high school, including homeschool and GED prog...see moreFreshman applicants are students who will graduate or have graduated from high school, including homeschool and GED programs, and have not attended or earned college or university credit after high school graduation. Students currently in high school and pursuing dual-enrollment coursework should complete the first-year/freshman application.
College Fit
Radford University is a medium-sized public residential university in the city of Radford in southwest Virginia, with 7,...see moreRadford University is a medium-sized public residential university in the city of Radford in southwest Virginia, with 7,837 students, 608 enrolled degree-seeking transfer students in Fall 2025, and an average class size of 20. Students learn across seven colleges and a growing Honors College, with 75 bachelor?s degree programs in 47 disciplines and academic options on the main Radford campus, Radford University Carilion in Roanoke, the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, and online. Incoming freshmen on the main campus are required to live on campus for two academic years unless exempt; transfer and RUC students are welcome to live on campus but are not required. Students can get involved through 200+ clubs and organizations, Division I athletics, outdoor recreation opportunities, and transfer-focused options such as Tartan Transfer.
Freshman Student Catalog Year
Catalog year is determined by the academic catalog year the student enters Radford University.
Admissions and Financial Aid
Application Fee
There is no fee to submit the freshman application.
Application Type(s)
Freshman applicants may apply using Radford?s Undergraduate Application or the Common App.
Transcripts
Freshman applicants must submit a high school transcript, or transcripts from all high schools attended. An unofficial c...see moreFreshman applicants must submit a high school transcript, or transcripts from all high schools attended. An unofficial copy may be used for admission review through the Highlander Portal; an official copy is required before enrollment. Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Dual Enrollment information is evaluated for enrolling students and is not needed at the time of application.
Tests
Radford University is test-optional and does not require standardized test scores (SAT, ACT or CLT) as part of the fresh...see moreRadford University is test-optional and does not require standardized test scores (SAT, ACT or CLT) as part of the freshman application or for merit-based scholarship consideration. Students may choose to submit scores, and choosing not to submit scores will not disadvantage them.
Essay
An essay/personal statement is optional; students are invited to include one to tell Radford more about themselves.
Letter of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are not required for first-year/freshman admission.
Interview
An interview is not required.
Important Dates
Freshman Application Deadline
Fall
1-Feb
Freshman Application Deadline
Spring
1-Dec
Freshman Financial Aid Date
1-Mar
Freshman Priority Application Deadline
Fall
1-Nov
Freshman Financial Aid Date
1-Mar
Academics
Transfer Definition
A transfer applicant is a student who graduated high school, completed home school, or earned a GED and then attended or...see moreA transfer applicant is a student who graduated high school, completed home school, or earned a GED and then attended or earned academic credit from a college or university. Students who completed dual-enrollment coursework during high school are freshman applicants. Military service members who have served at least two years are also considered transfer applicants, regardless of college credit earned.
College Fit
Radford University is a medium-sized public residential university in the city of Radford in southwest Virginia, with 7,...see moreRadford University is a medium-sized public residential university in the city of Radford in southwest Virginia, with 7,837 students, 608 enrolled degree-seeking transfer students in Fall 2025, and an average class size of 20. Students learn across seven colleges and a growing Honors College, with 75 bachelor?s degree programs in 47 disciplines and academic options on the main Radford campus, Radford University Carilion in Roanoke, the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, and online. Incoming freshmen on the main campus are required to live on campus for two academic years unless exempt; transfer and RUC students are welcome to live on campus but are not required. Students can get involved through 200+ clubs and organizations, Division I athletics, outdoor recreation opportunities, and transfer-focused options such as Tartan Transfer.
Associate Transfer Degree Completion
Students who complete an approved VCCS transfer-oriented associate degree (AA, AS, AA&S, or a SCHEV-approved General Stu...see moreStudents who complete an approved VCCS transfer-oriented associate degree (AA, AS, AA&S, or a SCHEV-approved General Studies transfer degree) are considered to have satisfied Radford?s Core/REAL lower-division general education requirements. Students must still complete all other University, college, departmental, major-specific, prerequisite, and Radford residency requirements.
Dual Enrollment - Completion of Associates
Students earning a transferable associate degree while in high school through dual enrollment should apply through the f...see moreStudents earning a transferable associate degree while in high school through dual enrollment should apply through the freshman application process and are not guaranteed admission under Radford?s VCCS Guaranteed Admission Agreement. If admitted, they receive the benefits associated with the transferable associate degree once an official college transcript showing degree completion is submitted; the degree satisfies REAL/Core general education requirements. Students must still complete all other University, college, departmental, major-specific, prerequisite, and Radford residency requirements.
Transfer Student Catalog Year
Generally, transfer students use the catalog year in effect when they first enroll at Radford University; under the VCCS...see moreGenerally, transfer students use the catalog year in effect when they first enroll at Radford University; under the VCCS/Radford GAA, students may request the catalog from the time of first post-high-school enrollment in an eligible VCCS associate degree, subject to GAA conditions.
Accepts Credits for Prior Learning
Radford awards credit for AP, CLEP, and IB when official scores meet Radford criteria; AP/CLEP scores and IB courses are...see moreRadford awards credit for AP, CLEP, and IB when official scores meet Radford criteria; AP/CLEP scores and IB courses are evaluated like transfer credit. Dual enrollment credit requires an official college transcript. Students may also seek prior-learning credit for professional work or life experience, military training, CLEP, departmental challenge exams, and national certification exams. Students should submit official scores, transcripts, or Joint Services Transcripts, and confirm with the Registrar/transfer team or academic advisor how awarded credit applies to their degree and major requirements.
Course Transfer Criteria
Courses from regionally accredited institutions are usually accepted for transfer credit with a grade of C or better; gr...see moreCourses from regionally accredited institutions are usually accepted for transfer credit with a grade of C or better; grades of C- or lower and Pass/Fail courses do not transfer. Official transfer-credit evaluation is completed after official transcripts are received.
Guaranteed Admission Agreement (GAA) Application Process
VCCS/Radford GAA: Complete an eligible transfer-oriented associate degree, earn a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher, be in...see moreVCCS/Radford GAA: Complete an eligible transfer-oriented associate degree, earn a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher, be in good academic and disciplinary standing, follow normal transfer admission timelines, and submit official transcripts from all colleges attended plus a final official transcript showing associate-degree completion. There are no GAA testing requirements and Radford does not charge an application fee.
Admissions and Financial Aid
Application Fee
Radford University does not charge an application fee.
Application Type(s)
Transfer applicants may use either the Radford Undergraduate Application or Common App.
Transcripts
Transfer applicants must submit transcripts from all colleges attended, whether or not credit was earned or is desired, ...see moreTransfer applicants must submit transcripts from all colleges attended, whether or not credit was earned or is desired, including dual-enrollment college transcripts. Unofficial college transcripts may be used for admission review, but official transcripts directly from the issuing institution are required before enrollment and transfer-credit review. Applicants with fewer than 24 semester hours of college-level coursework must also submit a high school transcript.
Tests
Standardized test scores are not required for transfer admission. Submit official AP/IB score reports if seeking transfe...see moreStandardized test scores are not required for transfer admission. Submit official AP/IB score reports if seeking transfer credit; dual-enrollment credit requires an official college transcript.
Essay
An essay/personal statement is optional; applicants are invited to include an optional essay in the application.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are not required for transfer admission.
Interview
An interview is not required for transfer admission.
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
89%
Estimate
Minimum GPA
2.0
Estimate
Important Dates
Transfer Application Deadline
Fall
31-Jul
Transfer Application Deadline
Spring
1-Dec
Transfer Financial Aid Date
1-Mar
Transfer Priority Application Deadline
Fall
1-Mar
Transfer Priority Application Deadline
Spring
1-Nov
Explore Our Majors
The card links below take you to pages on the Radford University website. Find detailed information on Radford University programs and courses in this portal.
Special Transfer Opportunities
Academic Options
Flexible Degree Options
Weekend/Evening Courses Available
Concurrent Enrollment
Offers High School Dual Enrollment
Reverse Transfer
Campus Services and Engagement
Student Clubs & Organizations
Sports
Military Friendly
Helpful Links
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