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U.S. News #116 Private nonprofit, 4-year

Roanoke College

Salem, Virginia · www.roanoke.edu

中文

U.S. News Liberal Arts 2027

#116

Acceptance rate

83.1%

2025

Peer median 69.4%

Tuition per year

$38,068

$53,434 with room and board

Peer median $33,770

Undergraduates

1,793

Student-faculty ratio 11:1

Peer median 11 : 1

Graduation rate

68.8%

4-year; 6-year rate 71.3%

Peer median 45.1%

“Peers” are all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Roanoke College, located in Salem, Virginia, is a private liberal arts institution known for its strong commitment to undergraduate education and a vibrant campus culture. Founded in 1842, the college has a rich history and a picturesque campus that blends modern facilities with traditional architecture. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, Roanoke College emphasizes personalized education, allowing students to build close relationships with their professors and engage in hands-on learning experiences. The college offers over 40 majors and numerous minors, with popular fields including business, psychology, and the sciences.

A key aspect of Roanoke College's identity is its commitment to fostering a sense of community and inclusivity. The college's motto, "Enter to Grow in Wisdom," reflects its dedication to intellectual growth and personal development. In addition to strong academic programs, students can participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including over 100 student organizations, athletics, and community service initiatives. The college also boasts impressive facilities, such as the Cregger Center for athletics and recreation, which enhances student life and promotes physical well-being. Roanoke College prepares its graduates for successful careers, with many alumni excelling in diverse fields and contributing positively to society.

Analysis of Key Metrics at Roanoke College

Roanoke College has shown significant trends in several key metrics over the years, particularly in tuition, graduation rates, retention rates, and gender ratios among undergraduate students.

Firstly, tuition costs have steadily increased from 36,472 USD in 2014 to 48,180 USD in 2022, reflecting a general trend in higher education where institutions are raising tuition to cover rising operational costs. Interestingly, there was a drop in tuition to 35,200 USD in 2023, which could indicate a strategic move to make the college more accessible amid growing concerns about student debt and financial burdens on families.

Graduation rates have exhibited a positive trajectory. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates rose from approximately 65% in 2013 to about 64% in 2023. This stability suggests that the college is effectively supporting students through to graduation, which is crucial for maintaining its reputation and attracting new students. The 150% graduation rate also reflects a commitment to ensuring that students complete their degrees, with a noted increase to nearly 70% in 2023.

Retention rates, however, reveal a concerning decline. From a high of approximately 81% in 2013, the retention rate has dropped to about 73.5% in 2023. This decline may raise questions about student satisfaction and the overall college experience, especially given the increasing financial pressures students face.

Lastly, the gender ratio among undergraduates has shown a slight shift, with female students making up approximately 54% of the undergraduate population in 2023, up from around 41.8% in 2013. This increase may reflect broader societal trends towards gender parity in higher education, but it also points to a need for colleges to ensure that both male and female students feel equally supported and engaged.

Overall, while Roanoke College has made strides in certain areas, particularly graduation rates, the decline in retention coupled with the fluctuations in tuition requires ongoing attention and strategic planning to enhance the student experience and maintain enrollment levels.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a midsize city
Nearest major city
Winston-Salem, about 80 mi
Nearest international airport
Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO), about 80 mi
Salem, Virginia
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Evangelical Lutheran Church
President
Frank Shushok (President)
Phone
5403752500
City
Salem, Virginia
Address
221 College Lane, Salem, VA 24153-3794

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 69.4% · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
82.6%
Women
83.5%

In 2020: men 72.7%, women 76.1%.

U.S. News Liberal Arts Colleges · last 10 years
#116Ranked #116 every year from 2027 to 2027

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Trends at Roanoke College

The admission data for Roanoke College over the years reveals significant trends in both acceptance rates and enrollment figures. Observing the acceptance rates, there is a noticeable fluctuation. In 2009, the acceptance rate for males was approximately 66.39%, whereas in 2023, it climbed to about 79.31%. This upward trend suggests that the college has become more accessible over the years for male students. Conversely, the acceptance rate for females has also shown a general increase, moving from around 72.47% in 2009 to 80.05% in 2023.
Enrollment figures have remained relatively stable, with a peak in 2010 at 560 enrolled students and a gradual decline to 465 in 2021 before slightly recovering to 502 in 2023. This could indicate a competitive landscape for prospective students, as the college may be balancing quality and quantity in its admissions strategy.
Additionally, the number of students denied admission has generally increased, peaking at 1,679 in 2018, which may reflect an increase in applicant numbers or a strategic decision to maintain a certain academic standard. Overall, while acceptance rates have improved, the overall dynamics suggest that Roanoke College is striving to attract a diverse and qualified student body, keeping pace with the national trend of increasing selectivity in college admissions. This ongoing evolution will be crucial for the college’s reputation and appeal in the increasingly competitive higher education landscape.

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition

Social Sciences and Humanities1 programs—

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Test Scores

2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 25% submitted SAT, 6% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted

SAT total1090–1300Peer median 1220
ACT composite24–31
SAT Reading
560–660
600700800
SAT Math
530–640
600700800
ACT composite
24–31
253036

Data insights

Trends in Admissions Data at Roanoke College

The admissions data from Roanoke College over the years reveals interesting trends in standardized test scores and submission rates. Notably, the percentage of students submitting SAT scores has fluctuated significantly, with a peak of 88% in 2012 and a concerning drop to just 37% in 2022 and 2023. This sharp decline raises questions about the increasing optionality of standardized tests in college admissions and the shifting perceptions of their importance among prospective students.

In terms of test scores, there has been a noticeable increase in the range of SAT reading and math scores over the years. The 25th percentile scores have generally remained steady, while the 75th percentile scores have shown an upward trajectory, suggesting that while the overall applicant pool may be diversifying, the higher-achieving candidates are performing better. This trend may reflect the growing emphasis on academic preparedness and the increasing competition among colleges and universities.

The data also indicates a trend towards higher ACT composite scores, with the range for the 75th percentile rising over the years. This could be indicative of Roanoke College's efforts to attract stronger candidates, as well as the overall improvement in test preparation resources available to students.

Overall, the data presents a complex picture of the changing landscape of college admissions at Roanoke College. As the reliance on standardized testing continues to evolve, it will be crucial for institutions to adapt their admission strategies to remain relevant and accessible to a broader range of applicants.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 8 in 10

5,785 applicants in 2025, 83.1% admitted

4,805 admitted 980 not admitted Yield 9.7%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's3666 international (1.6%)
Master's120 international (0.0%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Business Administration and Management, General
71
Psychology, General
41
Exercise Science and Kinesiology
31
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management
22
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
22
Environmental Studies
18
Communication, General
17
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
14
History, General
14
Elementary Education and Teaching
9

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Business Administration and Management, General · Master's12 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduates from Roanoke College in 2023

The graduation data from Roanoke College in 2023 presents a diverse range of academic disciplines, with Business Administration and Management leading in the number of graduates at 71. This reflects the ongoing demand for business-related skills in today's job market, where employers increasingly seek individuals equipped with knowledge in management and finance.

Interestingly, the data highlights the relatively low number of international students graduating in various programs. For instance, only two international students graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, while most disciplines, including Psychology and Exercise Science, had no international graduates at all. This could indicate a potential area for growth in attracting international talent to Roanoke College, especially as universities globally seek to enhance their diversity and global perspective.

The Sciences, represented by Biology and Natural Sciences, also show promising numbers of graduates, with 37 and 19 respectively. These fields are crucial for addressing contemporary issues such as public health and environmental challenges. However, it is notable that there were no graduates at the master's or doctorate levels in these disciplines, suggesting a possible gap in advanced studies that could be addressed in future academic planning.

Overall, the data underscores the importance of adapting educational offerings to meet evolving workforce demands while exploring opportunities to increase international student enrollment and support advanced studies in critical fields. The trends seen here can inform the college's strategic decisions moving forward, particularly in the context of a rapidly changing global landscape.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Businesshas 92 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Business Administration and Management, General.$51,561
Actuarial Science.-
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.-
Parks, recreation, leisure has 53 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.$38,860
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.$38,860
Psychology has 41 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Psychology, General.$34,012
Educationhas 30 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Elementary Education and Teaching.$39,870
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, Other.$39,870
Art Teacher Education.-
English/Language Arts Teacher Education.-
Mathematics Teacher Education.-
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching.-
Social Studies Teacher Education.-
Biology Teacher Education.-
Spanish Language Teacher Education.-
Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor.-
Social sciencehas 26 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Economics, General.-
International Relations and Affairs.-
Political Science and Government, General.$40,427
Sociology, General.-
Homeland security has 22 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.$31,255
Biologyhas 20 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.$37,360
Biochemistry.-
Natural resources has 18 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Environmental Studies.$33,098
Communication has 17 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Communication, General.$39,652
History has 14 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
History, General.$28,423
English has 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
English Language and Literature, General.-
Creative Writing.-
Physical scienceshas 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Chemistry, General.-
Physics, General.-
Visual and Performing artshas 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.-
Film/Cinema/Media Studies.-
Art/Art Studies, General.-
Art History, Criticism and Conservation.-
Engineeringhas 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Engineering Science.-
Health professionshas 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Public Health, General.$34,928
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Data Science, General.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Mathematics, General.-
Computer and information sciencehas 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Computer Science.-
Philosophy has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Philosophy.-
Religion/Religious Studies.-
Foreign languages has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Spanish Language and Literature.-

Students

1,804 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 48:52 · Freshman retention 75.7%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,793)

White
1,350 · 75.3%
Black
131 · 7.3%
Hispanic
123 · 6.9%
Two or more races
81 · 4.5%
International
68 · 3.8%
Asian
29 · 1.6%
Unknown
4 · 0.2%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Roanoke College in 2023

The data from Roanoke College for the year 2023 reveals intriguing insights into the composition of its student body. With a total of 502 first-year students, 1243 continuing undergraduates, and 56 transfer students, the college maintains a vibrant community. Notably, the gender distribution highlights a slight female majority among first-year and transfer students, with female students representing 57.6% and 57.1%, respectively. This contrasts with the continuing undergraduate cohort, which shows a more balanced gender ratio, with males at 47.5% and females at 52.5%.

Examining the ethnic diversity among first-year students, a significant 76.7% are identified as white, suggesting that while the college is attracting a diverse range of students, there might be room for improvement in inclusivity for underrepresented groups. The data also indicates that while there is a healthy representation of female students, the college could benefit from initiatives aimed at increasing male enrollment, particularly in the first-year and transfer categories where the male percentages are lower.

In light of recent trends in higher education, including the ongoing discussions around diversity and inclusion, Roanoke College’s data reflects the broader challenges faced by institutions in fostering an inclusive environment that represents a wider array of backgrounds. As colleges continue to evolve, focusing on enhancing diversity among both the student body and faculty could prove essential in enriching the educational experience for all students.

Age Composition of Roanoke College Students in 2023

The age distribution of students at Roanoke College in 2023 reveals some interesting trends regarding the demographics of both undergraduate and graduate populations. A significant portion of the student body is in the 18-19 and 20-21 age brackets, which collectively account for approximately 63% of the total male and female student population. This aligns with the typical college experience where most students enroll immediately after high school.

The data shows a stark decline in enrollment for students aged 22 and above, with only a small number of students in the 25-29 age range (around 3%) and even fewer in older age groups. This may reflect a trend seen in many colleges where traditional-age students dominate the enrollment figures, possibly due to the increasing pressures of career and family that can postpone higher education for many adults.

Moreover, the gender distribution indicates a larger number of females in the younger age categories, particularly in the 18-19 and 20-21 ranges, where female enrollment surpasses that of males significantly. This trend raises questions about the factors influencing female participation in higher education, especially in light of recent discussions on gender equity in academia.

The data also highlights the minimal representation of older students, suggesting that Roanoke College, like many institutions, may need to consider strategies to attract and support non-traditional students who could benefit from further education later in life. Overall, the age composition reflects both the challenges and opportunities that colleges face in fostering a diverse learning environment.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates3.8%

68 in 2025 · 3.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 3.0%2017: 3.0%2018: 3.9%2019: 2.7%2020: 2.8%2021: 1.7%2022: 2.1%2023: 2.7%2024: 4.0%2025: 3.8%
2016Peer median 3.6%2025
Graduate students0.0%

0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2024

0% 5% 10% 2024: 0.0%2025: 0.0%
2024Peer median 1.0%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Roanoke College

The data regarding international students at Roanoke College from 2004 to 2023 reveals notable trends in enrollment. Initially, the percentage of international undergraduates was relatively low, hovering around 1.7% to 2.1% in the early years. However, there has been a gradual increase over the years, peaking at 3.93% in 2018 before experiencing slight fluctuations and settling at 2.68% in 2023.

This growth in the international student population is significant, reflecting broader trends in higher education where institutions are increasingly recognizing the value of diversity. The peaks in enrollment, particularly in 2018, may correlate with Roanoke College's efforts to enhance its global presence and attract students from various backgrounds. The increase in international students can also be attributed to a growing global interest in U.S. education, as well as the college's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.

However, the slight downturn in 2021, with only 1.72% of undergraduates being international, could be reflective of external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted international travel and education. As institutions worldwide adapt to the post-pandemic landscape, it will be crucial for Roanoke College to continue its outreach and support for international students to maintain and potentially increase this positive trend.

Overall, the statistics indicate a promising trajectory for Roanoke College's international student enrollment, showcasing the institution's ability to adapt and grow in a competitive educational landscape.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$53,434

Undergraduate tuition
$38,068
Room and board
$15,366
Graduate tuition
$26,705
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $46,780 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose -4% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 24%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$90.6M

Tuition and fees
$31.0M34.2%
Auxiliary enterprises
$22.6M24.9%
Investment return
$21.1M23.3%
Gifts and private grants
$10.7M11.8%
Government grants and contracts
$2.3M2.5%
Other
$3.0M3.3%

Expenses$72.5M

Instruction
$23.7M32.6%
Student services
$16.4M22.6%
Institutional support
$14.9M20.5%
Auxiliary enterprises
$12.6M17.4%
Academic support
$3.6M5.0%
Public service
$357K0.5%
Research
$148K0.2%
Other
$780K1.1%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$67,979peers $65,931
Professor
$82,160peers $77,501
Associate professor
$72,778peers $68,234
Assistant professor
$67,881peers $61,725

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · Old Dominion Athletic Conference

Old Dominion Athletic Conference: football, basketball, baseball, cross country

2025
NCAA Division III without footballMENWOMEN
Lacrosse5533
Track and Field (Indoor)4235
Track and Field (Outdoor)4235
Soccer3227
Wrestling55-
Swimming2419
Volleyball1923
Baseball39-
Basketball2016
Cross Country1815
Softball-28
Field Hockey-26
Tennis1312
Golf18-
2024
NCAA Division III without footballMENWOMEN
Track and Field (Indoor)4939
Track and Field (Outdoor)4939
Lacrosse4932
Soccer3533
Wrestling53-
Swimming2418
Baseball41-
Volleyball1721
Basketball1819
Softball-37
Cross Country2213
Field Hockey-27
Tennis1311
Golf12-
2023
NCAA Division III without footballMENWOMEN
Track and Field (Indoor)4444
Track and Field (Outdoor)4444
Lacrosse4523
Soccer3425
Wrestling55-
Baseball50-
Swimming2323
Volleyball1920
Cross Country2115
Basketball1718
Softball-34
Field Hockey-25
Tennis89
Golf15-

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near Roanoke College:

  1. Duke University - Ranked 7th in the 2024 US News rankings, Duke University is a prestigious private research university located in Durham, North Carolina. It is known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life.

  2. University of Virginia-Main Campus - With a rank of 24, the University of Virginia is a public research university in Charlottesville, Virginia. It is renowned for its historic foundations, outstanding faculty, and commitment to public service.

  3. Washington and Lee University - This liberal arts university ranks 21st and is located in Lexington, Virginia. It is known for its rigorous academic programs and strong emphasis on character and leadership.

  4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Ranking 22nd, this public research university is famous for its strong programs in business, law, and public health, as well as its vibrant student life.

  5. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University - Also known as Virginia Tech, this university is ranked 47th. It is recognized for its engineering and technology programs, as well as its commitment to research and innovation.

  6. Wake Forest University - With a ranking of 47, this private university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is known for its small class sizes and strong liberal arts education.

These institutions offer a variety of programs and experiences, making the region around Roanoke College a hub of academic excellence.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 8.9 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Liquor referrals
91
Drug referrals
72
Rape
10
Fondling
9
Liquor arrests
5
Residence hall fires
3

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at Roanoke College

The crime statistics at Roanoke College over the past decade reveal a fluctuating trend in the overall safety of the campus environment. Beginning in 2013 with a recorded rate of 32.33 incidents per 1000 students, the crime rate peaked in 2014 at 48.20 before experiencing a decline in subsequent years. Notably, the years 2015 through 2018 showed some variation, with 2018 seeing a resurgence to 35.97.

However, a significant drop occurred in 2021, where the crime rate fell to its lowest point at 13.96, indicating a possible improvement in campus safety measures or student behavior. The subsequent year, 2022, maintained a low rate of 12.99, suggesting this trend of decreased crime may be sustained. Yet, a slight increase to 16.76 in 2023 raises questions about potential factors leading to this uptick.

Within the breakdown of specific crimes, there have been no recorded incidents of armed arrests on campus, which is a positive aspect regarding safety. Drug-related arrests and alcohol-related incidents also appear to be minimal, reflecting a potentially responsible student community. Nevertheless, the presence of other crimes, including assault and theft, highlights ongoing areas of concern that may need to be addressed further.

Overall, while recent years show a promising trend of decreasing crime rates, continuous efforts are essential to maintain and improve campus safety for the Roanoke College community. For a deeper understanding of how these rates are calculated, one can refer to the methodology described here: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.

Notable Alumni

All 24

Notable alumni of Roanoke College include John McAfee (Founder of McAfee antivirus software), Kim Kyu-sik (Korean independence leader and provisional government official) and John Payne (Film actor, starred in Miracle on 34th Street).

See all 24 notable alumni of Roanoke College →

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.