Radford University (RU) Academics and Admissions

Academics

Radford University was established in 1910 in an effort to increase the number of teachers in Virginia’s public schools. Originally called the State Normal and Industrial School for Women, the school went through a series of changes in educational programs, curriculum and leadership until finally being founded as a coeducational institution called Radford University.

The university is testament to old world Scottish and Irish architectural buildings. The College of Business and Economics is housed in the erstwhile McGuffey Hall, built in 1928.

In totality, the university offers more than 100 different educational programs at the undergraduate, graduate and post graduate level. As of the May 2011, the university has sixty majors, fifteen master programs, and four doctoral programs.

The university is a public university with six colleges under its head. These include the College of Business and Economics, College of Education and Human Development, Waldron College of Health and Human Services, College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences, College of Science and Technology, College of Visual and Performing Arts, and College of Graduate and Professional Studies

The College of Business and Economics is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). With courses in subjects like accounting, marketing, and management, the college provides a platform for budding entrepreneurs and managers to interact with industry professionals from around the world.

Radford University has five special programs which includes the Study Abroad Program, where students can take a semester or a whole year at globally affiliated colleges. The Experiential Learning program provides students with internship and part time work opportunities, enriching their academic qualifications with hands on real life work experience.

As of May 2011, the university does not offer any online programs and all courses are available via classroom lessons only.

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Information Summary

Ranks 25th in Virginia and 829th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	82.5
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$24,088
Admission Success rate	N/A
SAT 75%ile scores	1080
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	17 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	71% / 33%
Enrollment Total (all students)	9,335

Admissions

Prospective students can apply at Radford University online or by submitting a paper application after paying a nominal application fee. Early admission applications are requested in December from freshmen students although the university offers both spring and fall sessions.

Freshmen and home schooling students must submit high school or GED transcripts with the application form. SAT I or ACT scores are required. SAT II scores are also mandatory for home schooled students.

International students are required to submit TOEFL scores and must have a minimum score of 440 in the verbal section of SAT I. They are also required to provide an I 20 visa. The university also accepts international transfer students.

The MBA program at the College of Business and Economics also requires GMAT scores while GRE or MAT scores are required for courses offered by the College of Graduate and Professional studies. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is recommended for all graduate courses.

Nursing and healthcare programs at the Waldron College of Health and Human Services also have different admission requirements which can be read on the college website.

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Financial Aid

Only two merit based scholarships are awarded by the university – the Robert C. Byrd Scholarship, and the Radford University Foundation Scholarships. Instead, students are encouraged to apply for federal and state funded grants and scholarship programs through the FAFSA.

Support is available in the form of a Financial Aid Help Center, which will answer student questions and help them with loan assistance, writing federal scholarship applications and finding financial assistance through employment opportunities within the college and outside. The Help Center also helps students find scholarships and financial aids provided by local and national bodies such as the Gates Millennium Scholarship, the Lee-Jackson Scholarship Program, and the John Gayles Education Awards.

The student employment scholarships are the most sought after since they combine essential work experience with much needed financial assistance.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 2357th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Virginia.

Students

Radford University was among the first public universities in Virginia to provide free wireless internet in the campus. More than 80% of its students live on campus in the fifteen residence halls. All residence halls have Resident Assistants (RA) to help fellow residents with administrative needs and resources. Residence hall configurations range from suite style apartments to coeducational living.

The Dalton and Muse Halls serve as traditional dining halls but the campus is replete with dining choices like Ben & Jerry’s, Starbucks, and Wendy’s.

Peters Hall and the Bonnie Hurlburt Student Center provide recreational facilities such as a gym, an eight lane bowling alley, and a fitness center.

At Radford University, students from different walks of life can find clubs and organizations to find new friends and communicate better with their peers. Be it reading, martial arts, or student rights, prospective students can always find a club that resonates with their choices.

The university has an active Greek life with 22 different fraternities and sororities on campus. Recruitments to Greek organizations are not open to freshmen students. Sophomore students must have a minimum GPA of 2.3 to join. Students at Radford have a chance to be a part of the LEAD Scholar Program – an extracurricular program which combines experiential learning, leadership courses, and practice through student leadership programs like being an RA or a new student assistant.

On weekends, campus students come together for community outreach events and are also encouraged to volunteer with community organizations. Among the major highlights of the university is the Highlander’s Festival, which celebrates Radford’s Scottish and Irish heritage. The event is famous for Highland dancing and Appalachian music.

Outside the campus, students have access to outdoor recreational activities like canoeing, mountain biking and fishing at the 320 mile long New River.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

Athletic teams at the university are known as the Highlanders. The university is home to some of the best athletic facilities in the mid Atlantic region such as those at the Dedmon Center. The Center features a 5000 square feet weight room, a 1/6 mile jogging track, a 3200 seat basketball arena and a 1000 seat volleyball arena. Adjoining the Dedmon Center are the university’s intermural soccer and softball fields.

Phil Leftvich, California Angels top selection in the major league holds a place in the Highlander’s Hall of Fame. The Highlanders play in the school colors of red and white.

The Highlanders have won several events year on year in the Big South Conference, the most recent being the Basketball and Rugby tournaments of 2009.

Alumni

Nelson Harris; Roanoke mayor from 2004 to 2008.

Randal J. Kirk; among the richest residents of Virginia, Randal J. Kirk completed his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Radford University in 1976. He owns New River Pharmaceuticals and has a net worth of $1.5 billion.

Martin Christopher Sayer; completed both graduate studies and his MBA at the Radford University. While studying at the university, he competed in NCAA tournaments and is now officially a member of the Hong Kong Davis Cup team.

Bibliography

Radford University. Radford University. Web. 17 May 2011

Visit Radford. Visit Radford. Web. 17 May 2011

Radford University