• Skip to Content

Radford University

  • Sign in to your Merit page
« Back to Recent News

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.

Media Attachments


BD
Bret
Danilowicz
  • President
  • President, Office of the
  • Radford

Radford University

Justin Ward (540) 831-1953, jward53@radford.edu

Share this Story

  • Print
  • Email

Recent News

  • Radford University builds Virginia's largest public transfer network, redefining access to four-year degrees
  • Radford University earns top 20 ranking in U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges
  • Radford University opens doors to future nurses with expanded direct admission
  • Radford University experts available: Data Centers, AI and Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
  • Media Advisory: Radford University to dedicate Virginia Credit Union Financial Success Center
  • Central Virginia Community College joins Radford University's Tartan Transfer, opening new pathways for students in its 60th anniversary year
  • Radford University marks third consecutive year of enrollment growth
  • Radford University brings regional economic and business leaders together to advance growth in the New River and Roanoke valleys
  • Outdoor recreation takes center stage as Radford University summit explores its economic impact
  • Appalachian Power Foundation invests $100,000 to advance rural health at Radford University
… View all recent news
Copyright © 2026 Merit Pages, Inc. • All Rights Reserved. • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Opt Out