Fall early action deadline: Nov. 1
Fall regular deadline: Feb. 1
Radford University will release decisions for Fall 2025 applicants beginning November 15.
Successful Radford University freshman applicants have:
A strong academic record leading to a standard diploma.
Predominantly A/B grades with minimal C/D level grades
3 units of College Prep Math (including Algebra II)
4 units of English
4 units of Social Studies
3-4 of Laboratory Sciences
2 units of Foreign Language, Fine Arts and/or Career and Technical Education
Students may choose to submit additional information about their coursework and grades for consideration through their personal statement.
Freshmen applicants who meet the following criteria will receive direct admission to Radford University*:
* To be admitted directly to the nursing program, applicants must have a 3.5 GPA and a passing grade in either Biology and Chemistry OR Anatomy & Physiology. Nursing applicants with a GPA between 3.0 and 3.49 are eligible for admission to Radford University as a pre-nursing student.
*Music and dance majors must have a successful audition in their respective program to be admitted to their major.
1. Complete Radford's application or list Radford on the Common App.
Information to keep in mind as you complete your application:
2. Submit a copy of your high school transcript (or transcripts if you have attended multiple high schools).
You may choose to submit an unofficial copy through the Highlander Portal; however, an official copy is required when you enroll. We accept official electronic transcripts sent directly from the issuing institution through Parchment, Clearinghouse, CommonApp, Scribbles and Scoir. Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Dual Enrollment information is evaluated for enrolling students and not needed at time of application.
3. Check the status of your application using your Highlander Portal to ensure all materials are received. Once a decision is made, you'll see it here first!
85% acceptance rate in 2023
85% acceptance rate in 2023
Rolling Admission starts in November
Rolling Admission starts in November
The Admissions staff automatically reviews freshman applicants who apply by our February 1 regular deadline for merit-based scholarships up to $10,000 through our Highlander Distinction Program. Awards are renewable up to four years as long as renewal criteria is met. Admitted freshman may choose to apply for Foundation Scholarships as well.
We strongly encourage all students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at studentaid.gov. This is how we determine federal and state grants, loans and work study programs for which you may be eligible. Students who are planning to participate in the Radford Tuition Promise must submit a FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline.
We release decisions for fall applicants beginning November 15. After this date, decisions will be reviewed on a rolling basis and applicants can expect a decision typically 2-3 weeks after their application is complete.
Admission notifications are posted in our Highlander Portal and sent through postal mail. If your address has changed since you applied or you need us to resend instructions on how to activate your applicant portal, please contact us at admissions@radford.edu to update your information.
Fall entry
We recommend freshmen applicants complete our free application during the fall semester of their senior year. This will ensure the student is the most competitive for admission, scholarships and financial aid.
We will continue to accept and review Freshmen applications through July 1 as space allows. Domestic students who are considering admission after the posted deadlines should email Sarah Tate, Interim Director of Admissions, at sjtate1@radford.edu. International students who are considering admission after the posted deadlines should email Ismael Betancourt Velez, Chief Global Officer, at ibetancourtvelez@radford.edu.
Spring entry
Freshmen and Transfer applications are reviewed for Spring entry through December 1 as space allows. Domestic students who are considering admission after the posted deadlines should email Sarah Tate, Interim Director of Admissions, at sjtate1@radford.edu. International students who are considering admission after the posted deadlines should email Ismael Betancourt Velez, Chief Global Officer, at ibetancourtvelez@radford.edu.
Yes! Radford University offers an Honors College that students are invited to apply for based upon meeting certain criteria. You are automatically reviewed upon applying to Radford University. If you meet the admissions criteria, you will receive a follow-up email with application instructions. Learn more about the Honors College.
In addition to the Honors College, we offer several other optional academic programs that students can apply for such as Research Rookies and Living-Learning Programs.
An audition is required for both the music and dance program.
To be admitted directly to the nursing program, applicants must have a 3.5 GPA and a passing grade in either Biology and Chemistry OR Anatomy & Physiology. Nursing applicants with a GPA between 3.0 and 3.49 are eligible for admission as a Pre-Nursing student.
The medical laboratory science program requires faculty review of admission materials in addition to review by the admissions committee. Any additional documents required will be added to the application checklist in your Highlander Portal.
Other academic programs do not require an additional application before enrolling but do require certain prerequisite classes and an application later on in your education at Radford.
After submitting your application to Radford University, you will receive an email within three business days that includes instructions on how to activate your Highlander Portal in order to check your application status, update your information, or submit documents.
If it has been more than three business days and you have not received this email, please contact us at admissions@radford.edu or 540-831-5371
In addition to the application, freshman applicants should submit:
Radford University does not require test scores for admission or merit-based scholarship consideration. You do not need an SAT or ACT to be considered for admission and will not be at a disadvantage if you choose not to submit test scores.
Freshman applicants who apply by our February 1 regular deadline are automatically reviewed for merit-based scholarships through our Highlander Distinction Program. Students do not need to submit any additional information beyond what is required for their admissions application. Notification of a Highlander Distinction scholarship will be included in your admissions acceptance letter.
Additionally, students are eligible to apply for Foundation Scholarships following admission to Radford University.
Learn more about what is waiting for you at Radford University! Our admitted student page is the perfect place to get started. Here, you can find more info about how to confirm your enrollment as well as opportunities to connect with campus and other incoming students.
Confirm your enrollment by completing the Enrollment Confirmation Form and paying a $200 deposit in your Highlander Portal..
New freshmen and transfer students who are unable to pay the enrollment deposit may request to waive the required enrollment deposit by completing a Waiver Request form. The Office of Admissions will review each waiver request and respond within three business days.