Radford University announced on Thursday that it has experienced its highest number of new freshmen and transfer student applications for the prospective new class entering in fall 2017.

As of Feb. 10, 13,291 new freshmen applications have been received, representing a 78.5 percent increase compared to last year’s total applications (7,447) and 62.2 percent more than the previous record of 8,192 total applications for the fall 2012 entering freshmen class.

The academic profile, as measured by high school GPA average, of the new freshmen applicants to-date increased by 1.9 percent compared to the average GPA of total applicants for last fall’s new freshmen class.

The University’s Office of Enrollment Management attributes the significant application increases to a combination of factors, including additional outreach to prospective students and their families, increased communications about the many diverse and exciting opportunities that Radford University offers students, and earlier financial aid notifications for prospective students.

“We’re excited to engage with even more prospective students and share the Radford story with them,” said Kitty McCarthy, vice president for Enrollment Management. “The breadth and depth of Radford University’s academic programs, combined with the opportunity to work with outstanding faculty in a student-centered environment is attractive to many students and families. More prospective students are hearing about Radford University and are applying to be a part of the energy we experience on campus,” added McCarthy.

Radford University also is experiencing a 28 percent increase in transfer student applications to-date for the fall 2017 entering class, as compared to the number of fall 2016 class received at the same point in time, with a total of 936 applicants as of Feb. 10th. The transfer application process is ongoing and continues through the summer.

“Radford University has an excellent history in recruiting transfer students and providing a supportive environment where they can be successful,” said McCarthy. “We are an excellent opportunity for transfer students to continue that next stage of their academic careers.”

In addition to the student-centeredness and sense of community that Radford University offers prospective students, Radford is also known for providing a quality, affordable education for its students. Of the 15 public four-year institutions in Virginia, Radford University provides the second lowest total cost of education (tuition, fees and room and board) and is 14 percent below the state average in total cost for in-state undergraduate students.

“We also hear from students that size, affordability and location are important considerations in the college search process,” McCarthy explained. “Radford delivers on all of these.”

Radford University is a comprehensive public university of 9,400 students that has received national recognition for many of its undergraduate and graduate academic programs, as well as its sustainability initiatives. Radford University serves the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation through a wide range of academic, cultural, human service and research programs. Well known for its strong faculty/student bonds, innovative use of technology in the learning environment and vibrant student life on a beautiful 204-acre American classical campus, Radford University offers students many opportunities to get involved and succeed in and out of the classroom.

The university offers 67 degree programs in 38 disciplines and three certificates at the undergraduate level; 22 master’s programs in 17 disciplines and three doctoral programs at the graduate level; 13 post-baccalaureate certificates and one post-master’s certificate.

With over 270 clubs and organizations, Radford University offers many opportunities for student engagement, leadership development and community service. A Division I member of the NCAA and Big South Athletic Conference, Radford University competes in 16 men’s and women’s varsity athletics.

— Submitted by

Sherry Wallace

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