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Radford University's deposits and applications signal strong enrollment growth, increases in transfer and nontraditional students

Radford, VA (06/10/2024) — At the Radford University Board of Visitors meetings held June 6-7, 2024, university officials reported strong indicators of enrollment growth for the upcoming 2024-25 academic year.

In addition to significant increases in deposits from new freshmen and transfer students and a surge in graduate applications, the university reported notable rises in deposits from students aged 25 and older as well as military-affiliated students, including veterans, active military and reserve members, spouses and military dependents. The steady growth of Pell-eligible and first-generation students further demonstrates the university's commitment to serving the higher education needs of all Virginians.

"Radford University is a distinctive institution that provides transformative learning experiences to our students at an affordable price," said Radford University President Bret Danilowicz. "This commitment is resonating with a wide variety of individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond."

Highlights of the university's strong performance include a 27% increase in new freshman deposits (up from 1,199 in 2023-24 to 1,552 in 2024-25) with a strong average high school GPA of 3.41; a 52% increase in new transfer deposits (up from 533 in 2023-24 to 812 in 2024-25); and a 15% increase in graduate student applications (up from 1,560 in 2023-24 to 1,798 in 2024-25).

Meanwhile, military-affiliated student deposits jumped by 101% over 2023-24, and the university received more than triple the deposits from students aged 25 and older. This incoming class will also feature more Pell-eligible and first-generation students than last year's entering class, thanks to the continued appeal of the Radford Tuition Promise, which the board voted to continue offering to qualified applicants for the 2025-26 academic year.

Over the past year, Radford has significantly enhanced its commitment to providing affordable education to Virginians with the introduction of the Radford Tuition Promise, effective for current and prospective students in 2024-25. The Radford Tuition Promise guarantees full coverage of tuition costs for in-state undergraduate students (in-person) whose Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is $100,000 or less.

"We have students enrolling this fall from various backgrounds who are utilizing the Radford Tuition Promise to realize their dream of becoming a college graduate and pursuing rewarding careers," said Dannette Gomez Beane, vice president of Enrollment Management and Strategic Communications.

Additionally, Radford University automatically considers both new freshmen and transfer students for merit-based scholarships, such as the Highlander Distinction Program and the Transfer Excellence Scholarship. Along with direct institutional support, the Radford University Foundation awards over 600 unique scholarships totaling over $3 million annually.

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At the Radford University Board of Visitors meetings held June 6-7, 2024, university officials reported strong indicators of enrollment growth for the upcoming 2024-25 academic year.

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