Radford University admits 90.6% of applicants, meaning roughly 9 in 10 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Radford in the Open Access category, where admission is available to most qualified students who meet basic requirements. The peer median admission rate of 84.6% shows that Radford is more accessible than typical institutions in its comparison group, admitting 6 percentage points more applicants. This level of accessibility means that most students who apply with standard academic preparation should expect admission, making Radford a reliable option for students building balanced college lists. The high acceptance rate reflects the university's mission to serve Virginia residents and provide educational opportunities to diverse student populations. Students should focus on academic preparation for success rather than admission strategy, as getting in is generally straightforward for students meeting basic qualifications. The university's open access approach creates opportunities for students who might face barriers at more selective institutions while maintaining academic standards through other measures. For prospective students, this means Radford can serve as a strong foundation choice while they also consider reach options, offering confidence in admission alongside quality academic programs and outcomes that exceed expectations.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at Radford University typically score 950-1170 on the SAT, with a median of 1061. The middle 50% of enrolled students fall within this range, though students outside this range are regularly admitted. SAT Math scores typically range from 460-560, while SAT Verbal scores span 490-610, indicating relatively balanced academic preparation across subjects. ACT scores for admitted students typically fall between 19-26, with a median of 21. These test score ranges place Radford well above average nationally, ranking at the 88th percentile for both SAT and ACT performance. Compared to peer institutions, Radford's median SAT score of 1061 falls 29 points below the peer median of 1090, while ACT scores align closely with peer expectations. Students scoring below 950 on the SAT or 19 on the ACT should expect to be at some competitive disadvantage but are not automatically excluded from consideration. If your scores fall within the 950-1170 SAT range or 19-26 ACT range, you are academically competitive for admission. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with this range when building their college list, though Radford's high acceptance rate means test scores are evaluated within the broader context of academic preparation and potential for success.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Radford University enrolls a diverse student body that reflects its commitment to educational access and opportunity. The university serves 35.4% Pell-eligible students, indicating more than one-third of enrolled students come from lower-income families. First-generation students comprise 31.4% of enrollment, demonstrating significant representation of students whose parents did not complete college degrees. Transfer students account for 34.5% of enrollment, reflecting Radford's role in providing pathways for students from community colleges and other institutions. This composition indicates the university prioritizes access and opportunity for students from diverse educational and economic backgrounds rather than focusing primarily on traditional high-achieving high school graduates. The substantial Pell and first-generation shares suggest institutional commitment to social mobility and economic advancement for underrepresented populations. First-generation students should know that nearly one-third of enrolled students share their background, creating a supportive environment with relevant resources and peer networks. Students from lower-income families should consider the 35.4% Pell share when assessing fit, as this indicates substantial experience supporting students with financial need. Transfer applicants should note that more than one-third of students arrive through transfer pathways, suggesting strong institutional infrastructure for supporting students transitioning from other colleges.
Given Radford's 90.6% acceptance rate, most qualified applicants should expect admission. However, students seeking different options may consider these alternatives.
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72.7% of Radford University freshmen return for sophomore year, slightly below the peer median of 73.2% but indicating most students successfully navigate the first-year transition. The six-year graduation rate reaches 49.6%, closely matching the peer median of 49.3% and reflecting typical completion patterns for institutions serving diverse student populations. Pell-eligible students graduate at 60.8%, significantly higher than the overall completion rate and creating a positive 11.2 percentage point gap favoring lower-income students. This reverse completion gap is noteworthy and indicates exceptionally strong institutional support for students from disadvantaged economic backgrounds. The higher completion rate among Pell recipients suggests that lower-income students who enroll at Radford receive effective academic and financial support systems that enhance their likelihood of degree completion. Students who gain admission can expect institutional commitment to their success, particularly if they come from lower-income backgrounds where the university has demonstrated particular effectiveness. Lower-income students should weigh this positive 11.2 point Pell advantage when considering this institution, as it indicates superior support systems and outcomes for students facing financial challenges. Prospective students should view these retention and completion patterns as indicators of the academic environment and support infrastructure they will experience, with particular confidence for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
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