Radford University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re the first in your family to navigate it. At Radford University, families will find clear pathways—automatic merit scholarships, donor-funded awards, and hidden opportunities—that can make a big difference in the final bill. This guide walks through what Virginia families can expect and how out-of-state students can save, including the Virginia state aid guide and CRP’s full College Scholarships Hub.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Radford University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $12,529 | $26,734 |
| Housing & Meals | $12,623 | $12,623 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,260 | $1,260 |
| Personal & Transportation | $3,050 | $3,050 |
| Total (before aid) | ≈ $29,462 | ≈ $43,667 |
- Eligible students from certain Southern states can pay Virginia in-state tuition if their major isn’t offered at home.
- That’s a savings of about $14,200/year (OOS $26,734 vs. IS $12,529).
- Application required through your state coordinator; deadlines vary, so apply early.
Who qualifies? Residents of participating Southern states admitted to approved Radford majors not available at home.
How much can you save? Roughly $14,000 per year off tuition by paying the Virginia in-state rate instead of the out-of-state rate.
Is it automatic? No. You must apply through your state’s ACM coordinator and get program approval.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander Distinction Scholarship | In-state: $2,500–$4,000/yr Out-of-state: $6,000–$10,000/yr |
First-time freshmen; automatic consideration based on high school GPA, course rigor, and optional test scores | No | Yes — renewable up to 4 years with 2.50 GPA & good judicial standing | Students with ~3.3–3.7 GPA tend to land lower tiers; ~3.8+ with strong rigor and ACT 25+/SAT 1210+ often see higher tiers (*estimates) |
*GPA/test score bands are estimates based on Radford’s award ranges and recent trends; actual thresholds shift each year with the applicant pool and funding.
Do I need a separate application? No. You’re automatically considered when you apply for admission.
Does Radford superscore? Yes. If you submit scores, Radford superscores both ACT and SAT. The university is also test-optional, so scores aren’t required.
Can this scholarship stack with other awards? Yes, but with limits. You can combine it with Foundation and outside scholarships, but your total aid can’t exceed the full cost of attendance. If you qualify for tuition-specific awards like the Academic Common Market, your Highlander Distinction award may be reduced.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Some universities offer a handful of named, highly selective scholarships for incoming freshmen (think full-ride or full-tuition cohorts with interviews or essays). Radford University does not advertise any central, university-wide competitive freshman awards of this type.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | What Makes It Competitive | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No university-wide competitive freshman scholarships are currently listed. | ||||||
Does Radford offer a Presidential or Stamps Scholarship? No. Radford does not currently list any central, full-ride competitive awards for freshmen.
So where do the selective opportunities live? Through Radford’s donor-funded Foundation Scholarships, departmental awards, or Honors College programs — these are covered in later sections.
Can freshmen still get extra aid beyond automatic merit? Yes. Applying for the Foundation Scholarship portal (opens Nov 1, priority deadline early February) is the main way to compete for additional donor-funded support.
⭐ College Specialty
Radford may not have the name recognition of Virginia’s big flagships, but it has carved out a reputation for hands-on professional programs and close faculty mentoring. For many first-gen families, this means your student can access nationally respected degrees in health, business, and the arts without getting lost in a giant campus. Radford is classified as an R2 research university, emphasizing applied research and teaching.
- Business (Davis College of Business & Economics): AACSB-accredited since 1992 (top 5% worldwide), reaffirmed in 2023.
- Interior Design: CIDA-accredited BFA concentration; prepares students for NCIDQ licensure exams — one of only a handful of accredited programs in Virginia.
- Army ROTC — New River Battalion: Ranked #1 nationally in 2025 among 274 Army ROTC programs, highlighting leadership development opportunities.
🎖️ Honors College
The Radford University Honors College is designed for students who want smaller classes, close faculty mentorship, and a chance to push themselves through research, leadership, and creative projects. Admission is selective, but it’s a supportive community where first-gen and high-achieving students alike can thrive.
- Priority registration and access to small, seminar-style classes
- Special Honors housing options for community and support
- Funding for undergraduate research, conference travel, and study abroad
- Capstone projects and faculty mentorship that help with grad school or career placement
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No named Honors-specific scholarships for incoming freshmen are currently listed. | |||||
- Atlantic Union Bank Honors Academy Scholarship: Awarded to juniors and seniors in the Honors Academy who show strong academic standing and active participation. Application is through the main Foundation portal.
Is admission automatic? No. Students must apply to the Honors College, though some may also be invited based on their admission file.
Does Honors add time to a degree? No. The Honors curriculum is designed to complement — not extend — your major requirements.
When should students apply? The Honors application is available after admission; applying early in the senior year gives the best chance of securing a spot and access to funding opportunities.
Does Honors come with extra scholarships? Honors students often have access to unique research and travel awards, but there are no separate full-ride scholarships tied directly to Honors at Radford. (Those are covered in the Hidden Gems section.)
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
For families considering Radford University, the picture is encouraging: clear automatic scholarships, a robust pool of donor-funded awards, and plenty of hidden opportunities in research, ROTC, and study abroad. Add in respected programs in nursing, business, and the arts, and Radford offers strong value—especially for first-gen parents who want a place where their student can get personalized attention. The key is applying early, watching deadlines, and stacking every scholarship opportunity available.
✅ Last updated: September 15, 2025