Radford University
Virginia's public university in the heart of the New River Valley — founded in 1910, serving nearly 8,000 students across 70+ undergraduate majors, 27 master's programs, and six doctoral programs on a 211-acre campus along the New River.
History & Milestones
Founded by the Virginia General Assembly as the State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Radford, to train teachers for the Appalachian region.
Founder's Hall dedicated on August 9; first classes began September 17, 1913, with an inaugural class of about 100 students.
Renamed State Teachers College at Radford; began offering four-year degree programs and bachelor's degrees.
Merged with Virginia Polytechnic Institute, serving as its women's division for two decades.
Separated from VPI to become an independent four-year institution — Radford College.
Became coeducational, admitting male students to all undergraduate programs.
Granted university status by the Commonwealth of Virginia; renamed Radford University.
Virginia General Assembly authorized the university's first doctoral programs.
Awarded its first doctoral degrees in Counseling Psychology and Physical Therapy.
Opened the Center for Sciences and the College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences building — two major campus additions.
Merged with Jefferson College of Health Sciences to form Radford University Carilion (RUC) in Roanoke.
Today Radford University is one of Virginia's eight doctorate-granting public universities and is classified as a "Doctoral/Professional University" under the Carnegie Classification system. Dr. Bret S. Danilowicz has served as the university's eighth president since July 2022.
Academics & Colleges
Radford University offers more than 70 undergraduate majors, 100+ minors and certificates, 27 master's programs, and six doctoral programs. Average class size is 19 students, and over 80% of faculty hold doctorates or terminal degrees.
College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences
Psychology, criminal justice, political science, communication, English, history, and more.
Davis College of Business and Economics
AACSB-accredited programs in accounting, finance, marketing, management, and economics.
College of Education and Human Development
Teacher education, educational leadership, counselor education, and sport management.
Waldron College of Health and Human Services
Social work, exercise and health promotion, nutrition, public health, and communication sciences.
Artis College of Science and Technology
Biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, cybersecurity, data science, and geospatial science.
College of Visual and Performing Arts
Art, design, dance, music, and theatre — including MFA programs.
College of Nursing
BSN, RN-to-BSN, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs.
College of Graduate Studies and Research
Oversees 27 master's programs, six doctoral programs, and graduate certificates.
Radford University Carilion (RUC)
Located in Roanoke, RUC is a partnership with Carilion Clinic that provides clinical-based health sciences education for over 1,000 students. Formed in 2021 through the merger with Jefferson College of Health Sciences, RUC expands the university's reach into health professions with hands-on clinical training in a major medical center setting.
Doctoral Programs
- • Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) — Counseling Psychology
- • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
- • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- • Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) — Educational Leadership
- • Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
- • Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Special Academic Programs
- • Honors Academy
- • Study Abroad in 50+ countries
- • RU Connections living-learning communities
- • Army ROTC (Highlander Battalion)
- • Undergraduate research opportunities
- • Tartan Transfer Program (9 community colleges)
Affordability & Financial Aid
Radford University is the fourth most affordable four-year public university in Virginia. Over 80% of students receive some form of financial aid.
Radford Tuition Promise
Launched in Fall 2024, the Radford Tuition Promise covers full tuition for in-state undergraduate students from households earning $100,000 or less per year. Students are still responsible for room, board, and fees. This program makes Radford one of the most accessible public universities in the Commonwealth.
March 20, 2026
The Board of Visitors unanimously approved tuition and fee adjustments: in-state undergrad +2.25% ($196), out-of-state undergrad +4% ($880), and mandatory comprehensive fee +6% ($248). The Tuition Promise continues for eligible students.
Source: WSLS →Campus & Student Life
The 211-acre campus sits along the New River in the Virginia Highlands between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains. Red-brick Georgian-style buildings are arranged around a main lawn and two quadrangles.
Campus Facilities
- • 15 residence halls housing ~3,800 students
- • Student Fitness Center (opened 2014)
- • Center for Sciences (opened 2016)
- • Davis College of Business building (opened 2012)
- • Dedmon Center — athletic and convocation complex
- • RU Planetarium — 55-seat theater with 10-meter dome
- • McConnell Library
Student Organizations
- • 250+ clubs, organizations, and Greek life
- • The Tartan — student newspaper
- • Radio Free Radford — student radio station
- • ROC-TV — student television
- • Exit 109 — literary magazine
- • Intramural and club sports
- • 17+ religious organizations
Selu Conservancy
Owned by the University Foundation, the Selu Conservancy is a 376-acre nature reserve, observatory, retreat, and conference center located about five miles from the main campus along the Little River. It serves as an outdoor classroom for environmental science, biology, and recreation programs.
Athletics — Go Highlanders
- •NCAA Division I — Big South Conference
- •16 varsity sports for men and women
- •Nickname: Highlanders (honoring the region's Scots-Irish heritage)
- •Men's basketball: Big South tournament champions (1998, 2009, 2018) with three NCAA Tournament appearances
- •Baseball: Big South Conference champions (2015, 2017)
- •Named "Top Adventure College in the Southeast" by Blue Ridge Outdoors (2025, 2026)
- •Home facilities: Dedmon Center, Cupp Stadium
Economic & Community Impact
Radford University is the city's largest employer and a major economic engine for the entire New River Valley. The following figures are from a FY2022 study conducted by the New River Valley Regional Commission.
Annual Economic Impact (VA)
FY2022 study by NRV Regional Commission
Jobs Supported Statewide
1,574 direct university jobs + 3,957 stimulated
Student Spending (Regional)
94% stays within the New River Valley
Alumni Economic Contribution
70% of alumni reside in Virginia
Community Service Hours
Average annual student volunteer hours
ROI Per State Dollar
For every $1 allocated, $6.35 generated
Key Community Partnerships
The HUB at Radford University
A coworking and business engagement center connecting local businesses with student talent and faculty expertise. Includes CoWorks (flexible coworking space) and a Pearson VUE Certification Testing Center.
RU/City Joint Commission
A formal collaboration between Radford University and the City of Radford to coordinate on shared priorities — infrastructure, public safety, economic development, and community events.
Radford Gives Back
An annual initiative supporting the Bobcat Backpacks program, which provides weekend food for children in Radford City Schools. In 2024, the program collected over 87,000 items, filling about 160 backpacks weekly.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Davis College business students partner with New River Community Action to offer free tax prep for residents earning under $56,000 — saving the community an estimated $266,000 in preparation fees annually.
Rankings & Recognition
- •4th most affordable four-year public university in Virginia
- •U.S. News & World Report: Top 200 Public Schools nationally
- •Washington Monthly: #87 among Master's Universities
- •Blue Ridge Outdoors: "Top Adventure College" in the Southeast (2025, 2026)
- •Viqtory: 2025–26 Military-Friendly School
- •81% of 2024 graduates completed at least one high-impact experiential learning activity
Contact & Resources
Official Website
radford.edu
Admissions
Apply & visit campus
The HUB
Business & coworking
Community Impact
Service & partnerships
Athletics
Highlander sports
Main Campus
801 East Main St, Radford, VA 24142
Sources: Radford University, U.S. News & World Report, NRV Regional Commission Economic Impact Study (FY2022), Virginia Business, Wikipedia. Data reflects the most recent publicly available figures. For the latest information, visit radford.edu.