Radford University's published cost of attendance is $26,681 per year, including $12,286 in-state tuition, $11,973 for room and board, and $1,260 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $25,185.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $28,405 |
| Tuition and Fees | $25,633 |
| Room and Board | $12,504 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,260 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$13,827 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $14,578 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $8,965 |
| $30–48k | $8,724 |
| $48–75k | $12,069 |
| $75–110k | $17,092 |
| $110k+ | $23,533 |
Radford University's published cost of attendance is $26,681 per year, including $12,286 in-state tuition, $11,973 for room and board, and $1,260 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $25,185. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid.
The average net price after aid is $16,640, representing savings of $10,041 from the sticker price through various forms of financial assistance. This net price sits $2,547 below the peer median of $14,093, making Radford more expensive than similar institutions. Net costs vary substantially by family income, ranging from $11,289 for families earning under $30,000 to $22,537 for families earning over $110,000.
Radford University's financial aid system demonstrates commitment to access, with 35.4% of students receiving Pell grants indicating substantial enrollment of lower-income students. The $10,041 average reduction from sticker price to net cost shows meaningful aid distribution across the student body.
Net prices by income tier reveal progressive aid targeting, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $11,289 compared to $22,537 for families earning over $110,000. This aid concentration enables the university to serve diverse economic backgrounds while maintaining revenue from higher-income families.
The aid profile aligns with the university's mission as a public institution serving Virginia residents, though net costs exceed peer medians by $2,547, suggesting aid programs may be less generous than comparable institutions. The financial aid structure supports the university's role as an Opportunity Builder, providing pathways for students from various economic circumstances while requiring families to contribute based on their ability to pay.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Radford University graduates carry a median debt load of $24,000, around the national average at the 41st percentile but $2,895 higher than the peer median of $21,105. Student debt ranges from $6,979 at the 25th percentile to $26,296 at the 75th percentile, indicating most students borrow moderate amounts with few carrying excessive debt loads.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 falls within manageable territory, meaning annual debt payments represent less than half of first-year earnings for typical graduates. Parent PLUS debt reaches a median of $18,576 with monthly payments of $245, adding to family financial obligations but remaining at moderate levels.
Despite debt levels slightly above peers, the combination with earnings that exceed expectations by $5,984 creates favorable long-term financial conditions. The controlled debt distribution and positive earnings uplift suggest most graduates will manage their debt obligations successfully while achieving economic advancement beyond what their entering characteristics would predict.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Radford University represents solid return on investment through the combination of earnings that exceed expectations and controlled debt levels. Graduates earn $5,984 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing the university in the 77th percentile for value-added performance.
Median earnings of $53,739 rank around the national average, but the positive earnings uplift indicates the university adds meaningful value to student outcomes regardless of entering characteristics. With median debt of $24,000 creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45, graduates face manageable repayment obligations relative to their income potential.
Compared to peer institutions, Radford graduates earn $3,623 more annually while carrying $2,895 more debt, creating a net positive financial position over time. The university ranks in the top 25% nationally for earnings beyond expectations, indicating consistent ability to help students achieve better outcomes than predicted by their demographics and academic preparation.
