Radford University grows new enrollment by 31% as schools across the country struggle to attract students

More than 6,000 undergraduate students are enrolled at Radford University's main campus and Radford University Carilion in Roanoke this fall, highlighted by significant growth among new, in-person students.

Year-over-year growth from fall 2023 includes a 28% increase in new freshmen and a 39% increase in new transfer students. Overall new student growth is boosted by 47% growth among students from Southwest Virginia.

"We had ambitious goals to stabilize enrollment and initially expected to meet those goals by the fall of 2025," President Bret Danilowicz said during Friday's Board of Visitors quarterly meeting. "That we are ahead of schedule and exceeded our new student enrollment target by 20% is a remarkable testament to the work that was done across all divisions, and by all our faculty and staff, to continuously raise the profile of Radford University."

The Radford Tuition Promise helped many new students find their way to Radford. The program, launched in October of 2023, covers tuition costs for in-person Virginia students whose family adjusted gross incomes are $100,000 or less. It resulted in a jump in enrollment by adults over the age of 25 either starting or completing their college journey at Radford University, increasing this group by 40% from previous years.

"I offer my congratulations to Radford University on the successful launch of the Radford Tuition Promise. This groundbreaking initiative not only makes higher education more accessible but also strengthens our region's economy by laying the groundwork for a skilled workforce. Radford's commitment to educational excellence and community impact is commendable, and its positive influence on our local economy is undeniable. I look forward to seeing continued success and growth for both the university and our vibrant region." - Del. Jason Ballard (Giles)

Several key strategies and targeted demographics helped the university recruit.

More visitors: Radford University emerged as a destination for students who were preparing to make their college decisions, as well as for younger learners. During the 2023-24 academic year, 4,856 student visitors - 60% more than last year - attended admissions events, competitions, performances and academic camps. Heightened awareness and participation from across the university community, including increased faculty involvement, helped Radford be a welcoming host for initiatives such as Junior Achievement of Southwest Virginia, Upward Bound, Virginia History Day, the Scripps Regional Spelling Bee and high school performing arts groups, driving additional visitors to campus.

"At a moment when colleges and universities across Virginia and the country are struggling to maintain enrollment, Radford is hitting its stride as a regional university eager to serve the community and the Commonwealth. It's not surprising a growing number of students from southwest, southside and beyond are finding their place here as they seek a world-class education in a uniquely beautiful part of the world." - Jennifer Wishon Gilbert, Radford University Board of Visitors.

Increased nursing focus: Radford University celebrated 50 years of nursing in 2023-24 by reclassifying its curriculum from a school to a standalone college. Radford's tradition of excellence in preparing nurses and commitment to enhanced resources, including the March dedication of the JoAnn Bingham Clinical Simulation at the Roanoke Higher Education Center, helped the university experience 30% growth in its new nursing students. According to the Virginia Board of Nursing, 229 Radford University graduates sat for the NCLEX-RN exam in 2023, the most among any public or private university in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

"Congratulations to Radford University and to the new students who have discovered the incredible opportunities available to them, both in Radford and Radford University at Carilion in Roanoke. I am a champion for increased investment in education at all levels throughout the commonwealth. It is rewarding to see how Radford University has used state support to create new opportunities for students across different economic backgrounds and from all stages of life while making sure that they have access to internships and hands-on educational experiences that will make upward mobility possible." - Del. Sam Rasoul (Roanoke)

Transfer outreach: Eight area community colleges joined in collaboration to draft a Tartan Transfer agreement that simplifies enrollment by lowering barriers for students to move from a two-year college to Radford. Enrollment of new transfer students grew by 153, with most of that growth from applicants in the region.

Effective local targeting: A focus on local recruitment efforts has yielded impressive results, with substantial increases from school districts within a 100-mile radius of the campus. City and county districts closest to the main campus in Radford have seen the most growth: a 233% increase in students from Giles County High School, 166% growth from Radford High School and 128% growth from Floyd County High School. Roanoke Valley schools have also been a factor, including a 357% increase in students from Northside High School in Roanoke County and 212% growth from William Fleming High School in Roanoke city.

A growing Honors College: The Honors College at Radford University is an academic community defined by intellectual curiosity and active engagement in the educational process. Honors programming includes special diploma distinctions and access to a robust living-learning community. The Honors College has more than doubled its population during the last five years, growing from 67 students in 2020 to 149 students this fall - a 122% increase. Since 2023, the program has experienced a 26% increase.

"I am extremely proud of Radford University and congratulate them on their significant enrollment growth. Thanks to the entire Highlander team for all of their efforts to make Radford University both one of the most affordable and one of the most cutting-edge higher education institutions in the commonwealth. We stand ready to welcome even more students and their families in the years to come!" - Sen. Travis Hackworth (Tazewell)

Official university census numbers will be reported on Monday, Sept. 9. Numbers and percentages cited are current as of the week of Sept. 3.