Undergraduate Admissions

Admission to Radford is selective and based on a review of each applicant’s academic qualifications. Applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance of the term in which they wish to attend.

Admission of Freshmen

To receive an admissions offer to attend Radford University as a first time in college student (or freshman), students must show a strong academic record leading to a standard diploma with predominantly A/B grades with minimal C/D level grades.

To be considered for admission, an incoming freshman should complete a broad selection of course work in high school. Most successful applicants have taken: four units of English; four units in college preparatory mathematics (minimum math requirement for consideration includes the successful completion of Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II); three to four units in laboratory science, two units of Foreign Language, Fine Arts and/or Career and Technical Education; and four units of Social Studies. Virginia residents are encouraged to complete the Advanced Studies Diploma. It is strongly recommended that pre-nursing students complete units in both biology and chemistry.

Students who, for reasons beyond their control, have not graduated from an accredited high school may be considered for admission provided they pass the High School Equivalency Test administered by the State Board of Education and earn the General Education Development Certificate (GED). Additional material may be requested by the Admissions Office.

See the Direct Admissions Program information below.

College Board Test

The Scholastic Assessment Test I (SATI) given by the College Entrance Examination Board or the American College Testing (ACT) exam is optional for all freshman applicants for admission to Radford. This test should be taken in the spring of the junior year in high school and not later than December of the senior year. Students who score 700 or higher on the writing section of the Scholastic Assessment Test I (SATI) will be exempt from ENGL 111 - Principles of College Composition (GE) . They will receive three hours of credit for this course and will begin core curriculum course work in ENGL 112 - Critical Reading and Writing in the Digital Age (WI) (GE) .

Application for Freshman Admission

A student desiring to enter Radford University should apply online at www.radford.edu or submit a Common Application via www.commonapp.org. A student will be notified of action taken on their application after all material is received. A complete application includes:

• An official application form completed and submitted electronically to Radford University Undergraduate Admissions Office.
• Submit a copy of your high school transcript (or transcripts if attended multiple high schools).

Students wishing to reside within a Radford University residence hall must submit a resident contract and an enrollment deposit. Students who are admitted and wish to commute to campus must submit an exemption request and an enrollment deposit. This deposit will be credited toward university expenses for students who enroll or may be refunded if a written request for withdrawal is received in the Admissions Office by May 1. After this date, the deposit is forfeited.

All full time students must submit health immunization records and Disclosure of Criminal History form prior to the first semester of enrollment.  Students missing documents at the end of their first semester will have a hold placed on their account preventing them from enrollment in a future semester.

Direct Admission Program

Freshmen applicants who meet the following criteria will receive direct admission to Radford University*:

• Submission of high school transcript. An unofficial copy may be used for admission review; however, an official copy is required prior to enrollment.
• 3.3 cumulative GPA
• Passing grade in Algebra II

*Music and Dance majors must have a successful audition in their respective program to be admitted to their major.

Enrollment and Matriculation

Students who have (1) been admitted, (2) paid the required fees, and (3) registered for classes are considered enrolled unless the student submits an “Authorization to Cancel Registration” form through Academic Advising in the Highlander Success Center, prior to the first day of classes or a University Withdrawal before the census date. A student’s matriculation term is the first term the student enrolls as an undergraduate or as a graduate student. Students must meet the minimum degree requirements in effect in their matriculation term or any term thereafter in which the student is enrolled unless they have been away for two or more consecutive semesters (see the section on readmission). Students continuously enrolled will be permitted to continue with the requirements in effect in their matriculation term whenever possible (i.e., using the same catalog); however, course offering changes may require students to complete alternative courses.  Transfer students may refer to the Transfer Catalog Year Policy.

Admissions Rescind Policy

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions reserves the right to rescind an offer of admission at any time. 

Authority to revoke admission rests with the Office of Admissions.  Admission may be
rescinded for fraud, misrepresentation, unresolved criminal charges, material omission of fact, failure to meet a condition of admission (including but not limited to satisfactorily completing any schoolwork in progress at the time an offer of admission is extended and upholding high standards of character in all activities within and outside of the classroom), or any other pre-attendance misconduct.

A committee reviews reported and discovered misconduct for all applicants and decides on admission in collaboration with the Director of Admissions. 

Admissions conditions must be upheld throughout the enrollment process – for example, failing to earn a specific GPA or failure to graduation – the Director of Admissions may rescind admission. 

The Office of Admissions reserves the right to request additional application material if needed to resolve the conditions needed to be considered for admission.  The Director of Admissions will typically notify the admitted student of the alleged misconduct, request a prompt written response to the allegation, and gather additional information as needed. Following this inquiry, the Director of Admissions may either dismiss the matter, resolve it without revocation, or refer to other university offices for final determination on revocation.

Applicants whose admission is rescinded after they have commenced attendance at the university will be administratively withdrawn and unable to reenroll that semester. The student may also be responsible for returning any scholarship, grant or fellowship funds previously awarded.  Students can apply for a future term once admissions conditions are satisfied. 

Undergraduate Application Term Change (Deferral)

Students who previously applied to Radford University but chose not to enroll may request that their application be reactivated up to one academic year after the original application.  There is no fee to change terms; however, the new application is subject to established deadline dates and admission policies. 

No decision regarding admission status can be made until updated transcripts have been provided and any required supporting documents have been received. Admission and merit scholarship are not guaranteed for a future term.  Term change applications will be reviewed by admissions and a new admission decision will be made based on admissions requirements.  Freshman applicants who have enrolled at another institution are not eligible for term change and must reapply as a transfer student and submit college transcripts.

Students can submit a Term Change request by visiting https://www.radford.edu/admissions/readmission.html and selecting “Submit a Term Change Request”. 

Enrollment deposits may not be moved from term to term.  Students requesting a deposit refund for the Fall semester must submit their request before May 1 (Freshman)/June 1 (Transfer).  Spring deposits are not refundable.

For additional questions call Undergraduate Admissions at 540-831-6681 or email admissions@radford.edu. 

International Baccalaureate Policy

Radford University recognizes the advanced level of academic preparation demonstrated by the International Baccalaureate. Students entering Radford University with an IB Certificate will be awarded three to eight (3-8) semester hours of credit (up to 12 for Foreign Language) for each course completed at the Higher Level with a score of four through seven (4-7).

In addition to the higher level, standard level courses with scores of five (5) or higher will be considered in the awarding of credit for those students who have completed the IB diploma. Students who complete the IB Diploma have the opportunity to earn up to 30 semester credits. Credits granted for individual IB courses or completion of the IB Diploma are shown as transfer hours on the official Radford University transcript and are included in the hours completed toward a degree. IB final course scores are evaluated for transfer credits in the same manner as for college transfer credits. See the section for Transfer Students for additional information.

Advanced Placement and College Level Exam Program

Radford uses the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) subject exams and College Board Advanced Placement Tests to award graduation credits. The Advanced Placement Tests are given in May of the student’s junior or senior year in high school.

Radford University will allow credit for scores on the CLEP subject examinations and Advanced Placement Tests as shown in the table below. Advanced Placement and CLEP scores are evaluated for transfer credits in the same manner as for college transfer credits. See the section for Transfer Students for additional information regarding transfer credits.

Radford University will allow credit for scores on the Advanced Placement Tests as follows:

Cambridge International Examination Policy

Radford University awards academic credit for Cambridge International Examinations on selected A-level and AS-level examinations in which a grade of A to E (or a to e for AS-levels) is earned. The pre-approved departmental equivalencies for qualifying examinations are listed below. This list is reviewed annually by the individual schools and departments, and each school or department may approve transfer credit for examinations that are not listed below at its discretion.  

Dual-Enrollment Credit

Students may receive credit for college courses that they complete while in high school, which may be applied toward a Radford University degree program. An official college transcript, sent directly from the college that awarded the credit, must be provided for credit to be awarded. Credits listed on a high school transcript will not be used for evaluation purposes. All dual-enrollment credit is treated as transfer credit, and will be subject to the same evaluation policies. A grade of “C” or better is required for any course to be considered for transfer credit. See the section for Transfer Students for additional information regarding transfer credits.

Application of Special Non-Degree Students

Special students are those students not matriculated in a degree program at Radford University. Special students may attempt up to 24 semester hours of credit in this classification. A minimum grade point average of 2.0 is required to be admitted and continue as a Special Student.

Students meeting one of the following conditions will be considered special students and must submit a “Permission to Register” form through the Registrar’s Office. Registration opportunities for all special student populations begins after degree-seeking students have registered. Special population students may register for summer classes during the same time frame as standard degree seeking students.

Transient Student: A degree candidate student at another college may enroll in courses at Radford University without submitting official transcripts, but must provide a letter of permission from the “home” institution.

High School Student: A high school student who wishes to take a college level course may take a class at Radford University upon written approval from the high school and permission by the Admissions Office. Students must submit an official high school transcript to the admissions office.

Non-degree Student: A student who wishes to register for undergraduate courses without pursuing a degree may register as a non-degree student. Non-degree seeking students begin registration at the start of the second “Phase” of registration. A student desiring to switch to a degree candidacy status must apply through the Office of Admissions. Students desiring to switch to degree-candidacy are cautioned that hours earned while in the special non-degree student status may or may not apply to a major program, depending on the degree requirements. Students who have been in a degree-seeking status and have been  suspended from the university may not apply for readmission as a special non-degree student.

Senior Citizens: Under the terms of the Senior Citizens Higher Education Act of 1974  as amended, eligible Virginia residents over 60 years of age with a taxable income of less than $23,850 are entitled to enroll in courses offered for academic credit on a space available basis without payment of tuition and fees. Tuition, however, may be charged for courses designed exclusively for senior citizen groups.

Application for Transfer Admission

Students wishing to transfer to Radford University from an accredited college or university* should complete an online application via www.radford.edu/apply or www.commonapp.org. Transcripts from all previous colleges attended must be sent whether or not transfer credit was earned. Unofficial transcripts can be used in the admission process, but if admitted, official transcripts are required to enroll. Concealment of previous attendance at a college or university is justification for cancellation of admission. If the student has been out of school for any extended period of time, other than for school breaks, a lapse of time statement may be required. In addition, if fewer than 24 semester hours have been completed, a high school transcript may be required to complete the review process.  The high school performance may be considered as part of the admission process.  

A transfer student must have at least an cumulative 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade point average on all previously attempted college-level work to be considered for admission.  Only courses passed with a grade of “C” or higher will be considered for transfer credit. Consequently, grades of “C-” or lower are not accepted for transfer credit. Radford University does not give transfer credit for courses taken as pass/fail. No fewer than 30 semester hours must be taken at Radford University to be eligible for graduation. As a minimum, 120 semester hours are required for graduation.

Students wishing to transfer into the Nursing Program must indicate this major preference on the application for admission. To be considered for upper division nursing, transfer students must also submit a nursing application to the College of Nursing before October 10 for spring entry and before March 6 for fall entry.

*Music and Dance majors must have a successful audition in their respective program to be admitted to their major.

Transfer credits do not affect Radford University Grade Point Averages (GPA). Transfer credits may be used in determining eligibility or limitations for awards, scholarships, grants, financial aid, admission to academic programs, organization membership, or other uses. When transcripts are provided to agencies outside Radford University, these credits may be used for matters not controlled by Radford University, e.g., scholarships, awards, recognitions, insurance discounts, employment, internships or program eligibilities.

* Radford University will consider for transfer credit only those credits earned from a regionally accredited college or university as recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council of Higher Education (CHEA), as well as the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation (COPA/CORPA) or the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), as well as military service at levels consistent with the American Council on Education (ACE) Guide to the Evaluation of Education Experiences in the Armed Services.

State Policy on Transfer

To encourage the transfer of students from the Virginia Community College System to Radford University, the State Policy on Transfer has been embraced by Radford University, effective fall 1993. A student who transfers to Radford University from a Virginia Community College will be considered to have satisfied Radford’s General Education Curriculum requirements if the transfer GPA requirement (2.8) and any of the following is met:

• the student has by the time of transfer earned an transfer-oriented associate degree from a Virginia community college as identified by the State Council of Higher Education (SCHEV). These degrees include: Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of Arts & Sciences (AA&S). Only those AS or AA&S in General Studies degrees identified by SCHEV as transfer degrees qualify for the agreement benefits.; or

• the student is able to earn such a degree by successfully completing the remaining requirements before completing a bachelor’s degree at Radford University.

Transfer credit evaluations are performed by the Office of  Registrar.  Questions about transfer evaluation may be directed to to transcripts@radford.edu.

Duplicate credit for equivalent courses is only awarded in cases where course repeat credit is explicitly allowed. Radford University does not otherwise award duplicate credit for equivalent courses, including transfer courses that would add duplicate credit for courses already earned or in-progress at Radford University. Similarly, transfer courses that would add duplicate credit earned through other transferred courses, Advanced Placement, IB, CLEP, Cambridge International, or other credit-earning methods, will not be awarded credit. Equivalency is determined through established articulation agreements, departmental evaluations, or by identifying courses with the same subject and course prefix, even when prefixes have changed over time. Students may view transfer equivalencies using the Transfer Virginia Portal or Radford’s Transfer Equivalency Self Service page. 

Transfer Catalog Year Policy

Transfer students will be subject to the catalog in effect at the time of their first Radford University enrollment unless otherwise requested. Upon student request to an advisor in the Highlander Success Center, Radford University will honor the degree requirements of the Radford University academic catalog in effect at the time of the student’s first post-high school enrollment into an appropriate associate degree at the two-year Virginia Community College System (VCCS) institution.

Students who maintain continuous enrollment at the two-year VCCS institution have a maximum of four years from their first enrollment at the institution for this designation. Students who are offered transfer admission through the Tartan Transfer program are automatically assigned to the catalog in effect at the time of declaration.

Students must enroll at Radford University within one year of completing their associate degree. Some programs may have their own application process, so students should contact those programs directly for more information.

Second Bachelor’s Degree Student (First Degree Earned from an Institution Other Than Radford University)

A student who holds a baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. institution and who wishes to take undergraduate work toward a second baccalaureate degree in another major must have official transcripts of work completed from all colleges attended sent to the Admissions Office and apply for Undergraduate Admission via www.radford.edu/apply or www.commonapp.org. Second bachelor’s degree students must complete all requirements for the second degree. Students must complete no fewer than 30 semester hours at Radford University. Students may earn two B.S. degrees, two B.A. degrees, or a B.S. and a B.A. degree simultaneously or separately. The term “degree” refers only to official state-approved degree authorizations and not to programs offered as options under these degrees.

Second Bachelor’s Degree Student (First Degree Earned at Radford University)

A student who holds a baccalaureate degree from Radford University and who wishes to take undergraduate courses toward a second baccalaureate degree in another major must complete the readmission application via www.radford.edu/readmission. Students wishing to complete another major must complete all requirements for the second degree. Students must complete at least 30 additional credits at Radford University and must meet all requirements of the second degree and major. These hours must be beyond the minimum number of hours required for the first degree.

The GPA from the first degree is frozen and the GPA will start over for the second degree. Courses taken in the second degree cannot affect the GPA of the first degree, and a student cannot earn credit in the second degree for any course credits earned in the first degree. The number of repeats will start over for second-degree students. The student must earn 60 credits beyond the first degree to qualify for graduation with Latin honors.

Completing an Additional Major or Minor After Earning an RU Bachelor’s Degree

Students who have already earned a degree from Radford University and who are not enrolled in a graduate program may return and fulfill the requirements for another major and/or minor. These students must apply for readmission via www.radford.edu/readmission and declare the appropriate major/minor on the application form. Students who return to Radford University to complete another major or minor (not a degree) must successfully complete only the requirements for that major/minor. However, students must meet the 2.00 minimum grade point average requirement in courses in which they enroll after their return. Once a student graduates from Radford University with a bachelor’s degree, the GPA is frozen and the student’s academic record starts over.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Office of the Registrar of the completion of additional requirements by filling out a Declaration of Completion of Additional Major/Minor form. Once this form has been received, the Office of the Registrar Office will confirm completion and add the additional major and/or minor notation on the student’s permanent record (transcript). Students who have completed an additional major/minor are not eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony, nor will they receive a second diploma. Students who hold a bachelor’s degree from another college or university are not eligible to complete only an additional major/minor at Radford University.

Application for Readmission Students

Students who were previously enrolled at Radford University and terminated their enrollment but wish to re-enroll must submit a new admissions application to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. When prompted, please select Readmit as your student type.

A Readmission Committee comprised of members from different offices across campus reviews all applications for readmission for students who were academically suspended, left the University while on academic probation, and students whose enrollment ended while on disciplinary suspension. 

The Readmission Committee will review the application and determine eligibility to return based upon the following criteria:

• Students written statement
• Quality point deficit
• Number of “Repeats” available that can be used to improve GPA
• Prior academic history
• Requested readmit major
• Requested readmission semester
• Total credit hours attempted and/or earned
• Improved academic performance, evidenced by a transcript from any institution attended while absent from Radford University. 

If a student has attended another institution while absent from Radford University, they must have maintained at least a 2.0 GPA to be eligible for readmission. Official transcripts from all institutions attended after attendance at Radford University are required as part of the application process. The application will not be reviewed until official transcripts are received.

Academic Renewal

Please see the Academic Renewal Policy .

Satisfactory Progress

All students that have returned to Radford University will be required to maintain satisfactory progress by making up their quality points deficit by at least half.

Satisfactory progress is an official University policy as well as a federal requirement for any student receiving financial aid. Students are required to maintain satisfactory progress regardless of their financial aid status. Students who have not made reasonable progress toward good academic standing will not be permitted to enroll for the semester following their readmission term.