Radford University crest

Radford University

Radford, United States Founded 1910 World Rank #4860

Updated Jun 2026

Overview

Acronyms: RU
Founded: 1910
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #4860
Rank in United States: #499
Colours: Red and white
Mascot: The Highlander
Approach to Radford University campus
1 / 6

Founded in 1910, the Radford University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the rural setting of the large town of Radford (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Virginia.

This institution also has a branch campus in Roanoke. Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Radford University (RU) is a medium-sized coeducational US higher education institution.

Radford University (RU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 114-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.

The acceptance rate range is 90-99% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. RU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Looking to reach Radford University? Address, contact details, and online links below. For finance and tuition payment queries, the bursar or finance office is typically a separate contact point.

Address: 801 East Main Street
Postal Code: 24142
Phone: +1 (540) 831 5000
Fax: +1 (540) 831 5038
Social Media:

Academic Details

Academic statistics for Radford University — including its student body and academic staff numbers. Read these alongside rankings; institution scale changes how rankings should be interpreted.

Recognition: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Total Students: 6,038
Student Enrollment: 7
Academic Staff Range: 700-799
Campus Setting: Rural
Memberships & Networks
American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

Radford University's academic units, organised by type. Recently formed faculties (post-merger or post-split) often have updated curricula and may carry less institutional history than older units.

Unit 8 items
  • Artis College of Science and Technology
  • College of Education and Human Development
  • College of Graduate and Research
  • College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences
  • College of Visual and Performing Arts
  • Davis College of Business and Economics
  • School of Nursing
  • Waldron College of Health and Human Services

Programs Offered

All active programmes at Radford University are listed by degree level. Cross-reference against the divisions section to identify which faculty owns each programme — that determines admissions handling.

95 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 47 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Bachelor's Degree in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry
Chemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Bachelor's Degree in Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Communication and Media Studies
Communication Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Speech & Language Therapy

Showing 10 of 47.

Master's Degree 20 programmes

Master's Degree in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Master's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Master's Degree in Communication and Media Studies
Communication Studies
Master's Degree in Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Speech & Language Therapy
Master's Degree in Computer Software and Media Applications
Digital Media & Game Development
Master's Degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Law & Justice
Master's Degree in Education, General
Education & Teaching
Master's Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision
Educational Leadership
Master's Degree in English Language and Literature, General
English Language Studies
Master's Degree in Fine and Studio Arts
Visual Arts

Showing 10 of 20.

Doctorate 5 programmes

Doctorate in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision
Educational Leadership
Doctorate in Public Health
Public Health
Doctorate in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Nursing
Doctorate in Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Rehabilitation Sciences

Professional Doctorate 3 programmes

Professional Doctorate in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Professional Doctorate in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Nursing
Professional Doctorate in Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Rehabilitation Sciences

Associate's Degree 2 programmes

Associate's Degree in Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
Health Sciences
Associate's Degree in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences

Certificate 6 programmes

Certificate in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Certificate in Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Certificate in Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
Information Systems & Technology
Certificate in Geography and Cartography
Geography
Certificate in Information Science/Studies
Information Systems & Technology
Certificate in Sustainability Studies
Liberal Arts

Postgraduate Certificate 12 programmes

Postgraduate Certificate in Area Studies
Social & Cultural Studies
Postgraduate Certificate in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Postgraduate Certificate in Data Analytics
Liberal Arts
Postgraduate Certificate in Design and Applied Arts
Applied Design
Postgraduate Certificate in English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
English Language Studies
Postgraduate Certificate in Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities
Health Sciences
Postgraduate Certificate in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Nursing
Postgraduate Certificate in Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
English Language Studies
Postgraduate Certificate in Security Science and Technology
Criminal Law & Justice

Showing 10 of 12.

How to apply to Radford University

Practical steps to apply to Radford University, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.

  1. 1
    Find a programme that fits your goals

    Use the programme finder to browse Radford University's 95 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.

  2. 2
    Confirm you meet the requirements

    Programme-level requirements at Radford University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.

  3. 3
    Assemble your application package

    Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.

  4. 4
    Submit your application

    Radford University processes applications through www.radford.edu. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.

  5. 5
    Contact admissions and follow up

    Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (540) 831 5000. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.

Frequently Asked Questions about Radford University

A short Q&A covering Radford University's essentials — founding, location, scale, ranking, and academic structure.

How old is Radford University?

The institution opened in 1910 (approximately 116 years ago).

What city is Radford University in?

Radford University operates from Radford, United States.

Is Radford University a public or private institution?

Radford University operates as a public institution.

How big is Radford University's student body?

Radford University serves approximately 7,000-7,999 students.

What is Radford University's ranking?

Radford University holds rank #4860 globally and #499 in United States.

How is Radford University organised academically?

The institution comprises 8 academic units.

Is Radford University accredited?

The institution holds recognition from Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Where can I learn more about Radford University?

The institution's website is www.radford.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

The institutions topping the United States's rankings give national context for Radford University. Context matters because employer perception in the United States often correlates with national rankings.

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Network reputation can differ from individual institutional reputation. National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) membership may enhance or moderate the perceived standing of Radford University depending on how the network is regarded.

Faculties at nearby universities

If Radford University's location appeals to you, these nearby universities offer comparable environments and academic breadth. Local clusters tend to share cultural, linguistic, and employment context, which can matter as much as institutional choice itself.

Where Else to Study Health Sciences

Choosing the right Health Sciences programme is rarely about one university alone. Institutions across the United States cover the same discipline as Radford University from different academic angles, and the right fit depends on what kind of teaching environment suits you.

Universities Compared with Radford University

Peer cohort post-graduation outcomes — employment rates, graduate-school placement, salary data — often track closely across institutions at Radford University's level. Comparable cohorts tend to land in comparable places.

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