Radford University
Radford University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Radford University at a Glance
Radford University is a public university in Radford, Virginia, United States. It is one of the state's eight doctorate-granting public universities. Founded in 1910, Radford offers curricula for undergraduates in more than 100 fields, graduate programs including the M.F.A., M.B.A., M.A., M.S., Ed.S., Psy.D., M.S.W., and specialized doctoral programs in health-related professions. It is classified among "Doctoral/Professional Universities".
1910
116 years old
$78M
$77.6 million (2025)
7,812
6,161 undergrad · 1,651 grad
433
211 acres
Identity
Is Radford University Worth It?
Radford University offers moderate value at $14,578/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $53,739, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.1 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 49% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How Radford University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #65 of 170 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | California State University-Bakersfield | 100 | $5,652 | $59,009 |
| #2 | California State University-Stanislaus | 100 | $6,067 | $63,188 |
| #3 | Skyline College | 100 | $1,738 | $55,702 |
| #4 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #5 | University of California-Merced | 93 | $11,983 | $64,368 |
| #6 | Solano Community College | 83 | $4,669 | $44,170 |
| #65 | Radford University | 45 | $14,578 | $53,739 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Radford University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in VA.
Best Programs at Radford University
The highest-earning program at Radford University is Computer Science at $56,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at $19,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer Science graduate from Radford University earns $56,700, while a Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduate earns $19,500. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $14,578/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $56,700 | $56,700 | $20,145 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $56,000 | $56,000 | $23,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $49,100 | $49,100 | $23,250 |
| Information Science/Studies | $47,200 | $47,200 | $23,027 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $43,300 | $43,300 | $24,743 |
| Marketing | $38,900 | $38,900 | $22,450 |
| Political Science and Government | $38,600 | $38,600 | $21,500 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $36,200 | $36,200 | $25,303 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $35,600 | $35,600 | $21,939 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $33,800 | $33,800 | $25,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $31,600 | $31,600 | $23,000 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $31,500 | $31,500 | $26,632 |
| Social Work | $30,300 | $30,300 | $22,245 |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies | $29,100 | $29,100 | $25,250 |
| Sociology | $28,200 | $28,200 | $25,599 |
| Biology, General | $27,700 | $27,700 | $25,350 |
| Psychology, General | $27,600 | $27,600 | $23,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $26,200 | $26,200 | $24,250 |
| History | $26,200 | $26,200 | $23,250 |
| Journalism | $25,900 | $25,900 | $23,354 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $24,700 | $24,700 | $21,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $22,500 | $22,500 | $26,434 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $19,500 | $19,500 | N/A |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Radford, VA
- Student Body
- 6,038 students
- Admission Rate
- 90%
- Graduation Rate
- 49%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $14,578
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $53,739
- Median Student Debt
- $24,000