Radford University announces enrollment, academic profile and residence occupancy increases for fall 2017

Radford University leadership announced its fall 2017 enrollment statistics in an update to the Board of Visitors on Sept. 14.

As of the fall 2017 census date, Radford University’s total enrollment is 9,430 students. Fall new freshman enrollment is 1,848, up nearly 100 students from the previous fall semester. The College of Graduate Studies and Research reported during census 1,000 graduate students for the fall semester, its highest number since fall 2013.

With its fall 2017 entering class, Radford University registered the highest number of out-of-state freshmen in a decade: 156 students, registering a 22 percent growth in out-of-state students over fall 2016.

“We’re pleased to see growth in the enrolled freshmen class with an increase of five and a half percent in the fall 2017 class,” said Kitty McCarthy, vice president for Enrollment Management. “Given the growth of the freshman class, we’re especially excited to see growth in the academic profile of our new students.”

The academic profile, as measured by high school GPA, is 3.24, the highest on record at Radford University since 1996 when that statistic began to be measured. The average combined SAT score is two points higher, and the average ACT score is 0.3 points higher than the fall 2016 freshman class.

"We have new activities in place, such as the recent agreement signed with Northern Virginia Community College," McCarthy said. "Through those activities, combined with our strategic planning efforts, we continue to build pipelines, scholarships and other initiatives."

In another sign of progress toward student success, the retention rate for first-to-second year students increased 1.4 percent over the previous year, the highest since fall 2013. The increase in the retention rate is attributed to ongoing efforts of faculty and staff who engage with students every day to ensure their success, as well as revised business practices to better accommodate the needs of students.

In addition, a new retention plan, a direct result of conversations across campus, the region and with alumni across the state and beyond, is grounded in the belief that all students admitted to Radford University can be successful and graduate. The University will continue to implement High Impact Practices (HIP), student-centered and engaged learning practices both inside and outside of the classroom, to keep students engaged and involved.

In conjunction with increases in new freshman enrollment and improved retention rates, university operated housing increased by 15.6 percent year-over-year, from 2,951 students in fall 2016 to 3,497 students in fall 2017.

Board members were also briefed on efforts and initiatives underway to attract fall 2018 new freshman applicants, which to-date are outpacing fall 2016 and fall 2017 applications.

Learn more about Radford University at www.radford.edu.