RU Tuition Set to Rise for 2026–27
Radford University's Board of Visitors unanimously approved tuition and fee increases for the 2026–27 academic year. In-state undergraduate tuition will rise 2.25% ($196), out-of-state undergraduate by 4% ($880), and the mandatory comprehensive fee by 6% ($248). The Radford Tuition Promise continues to cover tuition for eligible in-state students with household income of $100,000 or less.
Radford University's Board of Visitors unanimously approved tuition and fee adjustments for the 2026–27 academic year during its quarterly meeting on March 20, 2026. The increases will apply to all Radford University locations.
In-state undergraduate tuition will rise 2.25%, an additional $196. Out-of-state undergraduate tuition increases 4% ($880), in-state graduate tuition rises 3% ($304), and out-of-state graduate tuition jumps 15.5% ($3,072). A 6% increase ($248) in the mandatory comprehensive fee applies to all full-time, on-campus students.
Rector Tyler W. Lester said the adjustments are "measured and necessary" to maintain strong academic programs, student support, and long-term value. The university says the increases help meet budget requirements and advance strategic initiatives supported in part by the Commonwealth of Virginia's FY27 budget proposal.
Radford remains one of the most affordable options in Virginia — in 2025–26, it offered the fourth-most affordable in-state undergraduate total costs among Virginia public institutions at $25,575, about 13% below the state average.
The Radford Tuition Promise will continue to cover tuition for eligible in-state undergraduate students whose AGI is $100,000 or less and whose Student Aid Index is under $15,000. In the current academic year, 2,114 students benefit from the promise.
The Radford University Foundation awards over 1,000 donor-funded scholarships annually, expected to exceed $3.5 million in 2026–27.