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Radford University Announces Fall Semester 2023 Enrollment Census Data

by Patrick Reed

Radford, VA (09/05/2023) — Radford University's total enrollment for the 2023 fall semester is 7,418 students, including 5,638 undergraduates and 1,780 graduate students, according to census data collected on Sept. 4. Enrollment at Radford University Carilion (RUC) in Roanoke is 1,069 students, including 677 undergraduates and 392 graduate students.

Data collected on Sept. 4 represents preliminary census numbers. Numbers from a final census will be available after Oct. 20.

A highlight of the enrollment findings is a 4.3 percent increase in the number of freshmen retained from Radford's fall semester 2022 cohort, the university's best freshman retention growth since fall 1999, over 20 years ago.

In addition, the retention rate of new transfers saw 3.9 percent growth, the second highest rate in university history and highest rate increase since fall 1999.

"When setting a vision for the university's future, I pointed to how a 1 percent growth in retention, year-over-year, would make a positive impact on our long-term goals," President Bret Danilowicz said. "By exceeding the retention goal with our fall 2022 new student cohort, it shows that our efforts to attract college-ready students and provide them with the resources to succeed is making a difference."

Overall enrollment figures are boosted by a gain in total graduate student enrollment (up 4 percent from fall 2022), competency-based education enrollment (up 24 percent from 329 to 408) and fast-track degree enrollment (up 34 percent from 271 to 364). Fast-track programs include accelerated RN to BSN nursing programs at the main campus and RUC, and the accelerated MBA program. Additionally, the total number of transfer students on the main campus increased to 377.

The quality of Radford University's incoming class is of note, as this year's average high school GPA rose to 3.47 on a 4.0 scale, the best mark for an incoming freshman class in the university's history.

Fall 2023 enrollment figures reflect the overall efforts made by the university to enhance the student experience, provide a holistic approach to success for students from all backgrounds, and demonstrate the quality and value of a Radford University degree.

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