Roanoke College

Statistics

Scholarships & Financial Aid

School Says - General Information
Roanoke College, a classic liberal arts college in Salem, Virginia, combines firsthand learning with valuable personal connections in a beautiful undergraduate setting. Roanoke is one of just 280 colleges nationwide with a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's oldest and most prestigious honor society. The Princeton Review names Roanoke as one of the "best in the Southeast" and U.S. News & World Report includes Roanoke on its "Up-and-coming National Liberal Arts Colleges" list.

School Says - Student Body
Roanoke College was honored as "Campus of the Year" by Campus Activities Magazine in 2009 for exceptional student activity programming. More than 100 clubs provide a warm and welcoming campus atmosphere that helps ease the transition of life at Roanoke. They range from leadership and governance, multicultural organizations, publications and media, performing arts, religious organizations, club sports, spirit teams, service clubs, social fraternal organizations and special interest. Weekend activities range from attending a concert on campus from groups like Plain White T's, John Mayer or Kellie Pickler to showings of hit movies, live game shows, talent shows, comedians, coffeehouse artists and more. No matter your interests or background, Roanoke has something you will find worthwhile.

School Says - Academics
Roanoke College is set apart due to its nationally recognized core curriculum. Unlike most colleges that require a series of introductory courses in various disciplines, all of Roanoke's core courses are topic based. For example, instead of taking "Introduction to Statistics," you might choose "Statistics and the Weather," where you will apply statistical analysis to weather forecasts. Instead of "Introduction to Chemistry," you might choose "Chemistry and Crime," and discover the role chemistry plays in analyzing crime scene evidence. In all of these challenging courses, you will see firsthand how these important concepts are applied to modern issues. At Roanoke, we believe that to really understand something, we must see its application firsthand and see how these important concepts are applied to modern issues. Firsthand learning is a cornerstone of academics at Roanoke College. Over 70 percent of Roanoke students study abroad, conduct internships, participate in undergraduate research and develop independent studies. Additionally, RoanokeÂ's Honors Program is designed for students who excel in academics, have strong leadership skills and pursue numerous extracurricular activities. The Honors Program is a wonderful way to receive a distinct education and classroom experience while meeting new friends and forming strong bonds with faculty. Research opportunities exist in many academic areas at Roanoke and serious students who would enjoy the challenge of working one-on-one with a faculty mentor on research can participate in the Undergraduate Research Assistants Program (URAP). This unique program enables students to obtain distinctive preparation for graduate school or jobs while participating in undergraduate research. As a Phi Beta Kappa institution, Roanoke is recognized in the higher education community for a strong academic presence. Only about ten percent of colleges and universities in the U.S. have the academic credentials to host a Phi Beta Kappa chapter.

School Says - Admissions
Our admissions process is like the education we offer: highly individualized. We look at your application, academic grades and courses, class rank and standardized test scores. But, we may also look at extracurricular activities, recommendations and other personal contacts beyond the application.

Successful candidates will complete a minimum of 18 academic courses in high school, including four in English, two in social studies, two in lab sciences and at least two recommended foreign language courses. Additionally, there are three required courses in math including, geometry and algebra I and II.

Visit www.roanoke.edu for the most current information and application dates. Roanoke operates on a rolling admission basis.

School Says - Campus Life
If you think you might enjoy a college campus set in a welcoming college town just minutes from a lively city, then take a close look at Roanoke College. Brick paved walkways lead through tree-lined quads to capture the beautiful, historic setting surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Roanoke Valley is one of Virginia's largest metro areas. There are many cultural and entertainment options for students on-campus, in Salem (just a quick walk from campus) and in the greater community. Roanoke's campus looks like a college campus should look: simply classic.

School Says - Cost Aid
You can estimate your potential scholarships, student grants and financial aid by visiting www.roanoke.edu/calculator.More than 85 percent of our students receive some type of assistance: federal and state grants, loans, scholarships, work programs and private scholarship funds. The average aid package for students who file the FAFSA is $23,400. Students eligible for the Scholars Program can receive as much as full tuition, room and board for all four years. Our Financial Aid Calculator will help you estimate the approximate amount of both need- and merit-based assistance for which your may be eligible. Visit www.roanoke.edu/calculator.

Students Say - Academics
""Roanoke College is beautiful, preppy, small, and lovable," enthuses a happy senior at this Lutheran liberal arts school in "relatively rural" Salem, Virginia. Course selection is limited but "the small class sizes are a definite plus" and there is a wide-ranging required core curriculum. The May Intensive Learning Term offers the chance to travel to a host of far-flung destinations as well. "Classes are challenging." "The general theory is that Roanoke College is easy to get into, but hard to stay in." Though a few faculty members are "a bit of a bummer," most "challenge students to consider unfamiliar ideas or perspectives and to apply their ideas to real-world situations." These "excruciatingly accessible" professors know students "on a first-name basis." "You will really get to know your professors, and probably their kids," promises a junior. The "personable" and fairly beloved administration "really goes out its way to get to know every single student" as well and is "very involved in campus activities.""

Students Say - Campus Life
"This "cozy, comfortable" campus "nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Mountains in southwest Virginia" is definitely "beautiful," though parking is "generally a hassle." The surrounding town is close to a lot of outdoorsy activities and has a "small main street with cute shops," but little else. "The best thing in Salem, Virginia is a Wal-Mart." These complaints notwithstanding, students here enjoy their "tight-knit community." There are more than 100 clubs and organizations. "If you are bored at Roanoke, it would be completely your fault," admonishes a first-year student. Athletics are "huge," particularly lacrosse and soccer. "Religious organizations are also very strong." However, fraternities and sororities are the most visible factors in social life. The administration "tries to put together activities but generally they are ignored" in favor of "a large party scene." "Division III athletes; Division I drinkers," claims a senior. "That's our motto." "An average weekend is usually party-hopping from one house to another." "Day parties are pretty popular," too, weather permitting. For more hardcore fun, "a lot of students go to nearby Virginia Tech" for its big school atmosphere."

Students Say - Student Body
""Preppy" and "athletic" pretty much sums up this place. "There are two extremes of students." One contingent "comes from families with loads of money." "We all look like we walked out of a Lilly Pulitzer or Ralph Lauren Magazine," admits a well heeled junior. Many of the richer students attended toney private schools above the Mason-Dixon Line. At the other extreme are students who "are blessed to be at a place like Roanoke and are only here because of scholarship offers" and generous financial aid packages. "You just don't see them because they're not out sunbathing on the quad." Politically, "there are enough people who hail from traditionally blue states and traditionally red states to balance everything out." While students agree that "Roanoke needs to increase its diversity," one self-professed member of a minority assures us that ethnic and other minorities "fit in well with everyone.""

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