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Radford University outperforms national retention trends for Pell-eligible students, strengthened by SCHEV's Pell Initiative for Virginia grant

Radford, VA (03/16/2026) — Radford University reports major improvements in fall-to-spring retention among Pell-eligible, full-time undergraduate students, significantly exceeding national benchmarks, according to newly released data.

These achievements were supported by the Pell Initiative for Virginia, a grant funded by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) that helps institutions expand evidence-based strategies that advance access and success for Pell-eligible students.

Nationally, first-spring retention for full-time first-year students reached 83.7%, the highest level recorded in nearly a decade, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center's 2025 Persistence and Retention Report. At Radford, however, retention among Pell-eligible students is significantly higher across all groups.

Among new freshmen, 93.2% returned for the spring semester, compared with the national rate of 83.7%. Retention among Pell-eligible sophomores, juniors and seniors ranged between 95% and 96%, producing an overall Pell retention rate of 93.8%.

"A result of 93.8% is truly amazing. I am very encouraged by the enrollment news coming out of Radford recently," said Lee Andes, director of finance policy and innovation at SCHEV.

The gains are especially notable among new freshmen. Retention for Pell-eligible freshmen rose from 83.6% for the 2023 cohort to 93.2% for the 2025 cohort, an increase of nearly 10 percentage points in two years. Retention among continuing freshmen also improved, climbing from 77.9% in 2022 to 86.6% in 2025.

University officials say the first academic year remains the most critical period for intervention. To address the issue, Radford has engaged Student Success Advocates, a team of professionals who work with students in a case-management model to provide academic, financial and personal support.

Nationally, 69.5% of students from the 2023 cohort persisted into their second year, according to national retention metrics. Radford's numbers again exceed the national average, with Pell-eligible sophomores, juniors and seniors maintaining retention rates in the mid-90% range, a sign of strong academic pathways, advising and student engagement, university officials said.

Radford leaders credit much of this momentum to the Pell Initiative for Virginia, funded by SCHEV. This grant has enabled the university to scale and enhance supports that have proven especially effective for first-year, full-time Pell-eligible students, including enhanced first-semester advising, early-alert outreach for students showing academic risk indicators, expanded first-year experience programs, emergency financial assistance and peer mentoring through structured learning communities.

Enrollment among Pell-eligible students has also grown significantly, from 2,060 students in 2022 to 2,631 in 2025, while retention improved simultaneously. This pattern suggests Radford's gains are systemic, not driven by changes in student profile, and demonstrate the scalability of its student success model.

"For the first time in Radford University's history, our Pell-eligible students are not just succeeding - they're leading the way, with retention rates that now equal our non-Pell students," said President Bret Danilowicz. "This isn't just a statistic; it's proof that when we intentionally dismantle barriers, every student can thrive. I'm incredibly proud of our students' resilience and grateful to SCHEV and the Pell Initiative for Virginia for partnering with us to make this transformation possible."

The Pell Initiative for Virginia, funded by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), supports institutions across the commonwealth in creating innovative, scalable enrollment and student success programs for Pell-eligible learners.

Radford University is a comprehensive public university of 7,837 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 211-acre American classical campus, Radford University offers students many opportunities to get involved and succeed in and out of the classroom. The University offers 75 bachelor's degree programs in 47 disciplines and six certificates at the undergraduate level; 27 master's programs in 23 disciplines and five doctoral programs at the graduate level; and 21 post-baccalaureate certificates and one post-master's certificate. A Division I member of the NCAA and Big South Conference, Radford University competes in 16 men's and women's varsity athletics. With over 200 clubs and organizations, Radford University offers many opportunities for student engagement, leadership development and community service. In addition to robust academic offerings and engaging student experiences on the main campus located in Radford, Virginia, Radford University also offers a clinical-based educational experience for more than 1,100 students living and learning in Roanoke, Virginia as part of Radford University Carilion, a public-private partnership focused on the cutting-edge delivery of health sciences programming, outreach and service.

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