Radford University vs Virginia Commonwealth University
Radford University is a public university in Radford, VA. Virginia Commonwealth University is a public university in Richmond, VA. Radford University admits about 90% of applicants and Virginia Commonwealth University about 93%, making Radford University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $14,578 a year at Radford University after aid, and about $23,433 at Virginia Commonwealth University. About 64% of students graduate at Virginia Commonwealth University, compared with 49% at Radford University. Ten years after enrolling, Virginia Commonwealth University alumni earn a median of about $58,128, against $53,739 for Radford University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Radford, VA
Richmond, VA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
6,038
20,753
Acceptance rate
90%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.23–3.73
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
940–1160
1010–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
19–26
22–30
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,578
$23,433
Full cost / yr
$28,405
$38,954
In-state tuition
$12,548
$16,945
Out-of-state tuition
$25,633
$40,109
Application fee
$0
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$8,965
$17,512
$30k - $48k
$8,724
$17,777
$48k - $75k
$12,069
$20,925
$75k - $110k
$17,092
$24,691
Over $110k
$23,533
$32,739
Outcomes
Graduation rate
49%
64%
Freshman retention
76%
85%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,830
$47,161
Median earnings (10 yr)
$53,739
$58,128
Median debt at graduation
$24,000
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
37%
31%
First-generation students
31%
28%
International students
1%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Jan 15
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Radford University or Virginia Commonwealth University harder to get into?
- Radford University is harder to get into. It admits about 90% of applicants, compared with 93% at Virginia Commonwealth University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Radford University or Virginia Commonwealth University?
- Radford University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,578 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,433 at Virginia Commonwealth University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Radford University and Virginia Commonwealth University?
- Before aid, Radford University costs about $28,405 a year and Virginia Commonwealth University about $38,954. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Radford University or Virginia Commonwealth University?
- Radford University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,965 there, against about $17,512 at Virginia Commonwealth University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Radford University or Virginia Commonwealth University?
- Virginia Commonwealth University is the larger of the two, with about 20,753 undergraduates against 6,038 at Radford University.
- Does Radford University or Virginia Commonwealth University have a better graduation rate?
- Virginia Commonwealth University has the higher graduation rate, at about 64% against 49% at Radford University.
- Do graduates of Radford University or Virginia Commonwealth University earn more?
- Virginia Commonwealth University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,128 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,739 for Radford University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Radford University and Virginia Commonwealth University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Radford University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Virginia Commonwealth University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Radford University and Virginia Commonwealth University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 940–1160 at Radford University and 1010–1270 at Virginia Commonwealth University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Radford University vs William & MaryRadford University vs Norfolk State UniversityRadford University vs Virginia State UniversityVirginia Commonwealth University vs University of Virginia-Main CampusVirginia Commonwealth University vs Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityVirginia Commonwealth University vs James Madison University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.
1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school