Radford University has earned a place among the top 20 regional universities in the
South in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, along with high
marks for its value, support for veterans and standing among public universities.
In the 2027 rankings, Radford is ranked No. 18 among Regional Universities in the South and No. 8 among Top Public Schools in the South.
The university also earned several other notable distinctions, including:
- No. 7 in Best Colleges for Veterans among Regional Universities in the South
- No. 12 in Best Value Schools for In-State Students among Regional Universities in the South
- No. 23 in Best Value Schools among Regional Universities in the South
The rankings reflect Radford’s continued focus on providing students with an accessible,
high-quality education that prepares them for success beyond graduation.
“These rankings reflect Radford University’s commitment to serving the Commonwealth
and providing students with an accessible, high-quality education,” President Bret
Danilowicz said. “We are proud to be recognized for the value of a Radford education
and for the support we provide veterans, military-connected students and their families.
Our focus remains on creating opportunities for students while fulfilling our responsibility
as a public university to the people and communities of Virginia.”
Radford also received national recognition for several undergraduate academic programs.
The latest recognition comes as Radford continues to see momentum in enrollment, student
retention and academic programs. Fall 2026 enrollment reached 7,917 students, marking
continued enrollment growth, while the university also recently reported its highest
freshman-to-sophomore retention rate on record.
Radford’s College of Nursing has also reached its largest total enrollment in university
history as the university continues expanding pathways for students interested in
careers in healthcare.
U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings evaluate colleges and universities
using measures related to student outcomes, graduation and retention, faculty resources,
social mobility and other indicators of academic quality.
The complete rankings are available through U.S. News & World Report.