Scholarships

Scholarships are gift that that does not require repayment and are generally based on merit.  Scholarships can be awarded by various organizations and agencies.  

Radford University is committed to supporting students through a variety of scholarship programs.  We encourage you to review the programs below to learn more about scholarship opportunities as a Radford University student.

Radford University is excited to announce the Radford Tuition Promise, a commitment to students and families who have an adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less with a student aid index (SAI) of $15,000 or less, as determined by the FAFSA.  Learn more about the Radford Tuition Promise and eligibility requirements.

Institutional Scholarships


New freshman and transfer applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships.  No additional application is required to be considered.

NEW FRESHMAN SCHOLARSHIPS

The Highlander Distinction Program
The Highlander Distinction Program is a four-year renewable scholarship program for all incoming new freshmen and is designed to make your Radford University education more affordable.  The program launched in the 2020-2021 award year and provides more than $7 million dollars in support  to Radford University students.  Beginning with the 2024-2025 academic year all incoming new freshmen, regardless of learning location, will be considered for the Highlander Distinction program.  Award amounts for Virginia residents and students who qualify for in-state tuition range from $2,500 - $4,000.  Award amounts for out-of-state students range from $7,000 - $10,000.  This scholarship can be renewed for up to eight consecutive semesters if the student continues to meet the renewal criteria.

The Highlander Heroes Scholarship
The Highlander Heroes Scholarship is a four-year renewable scholarship program designed to make your Radford University education more affordable.  The program was awarded to new freshmen students who started at Radford University Carilion in the Fall 2021 - Fall 2023.   These scholarships can be renewed for up to eight consecutive semesters if the student continues to meet the renewal criteria.

TRANSFER STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS

Transfer Excellence Scholarship
Transfer students that maintained excellent academic standards on all attempted college courses will be considered for the Transfer Excellence Scholarship.  To be considered for the Transfer Excellence Scholarship, all completed application materials must be received by the Admissions Office by March 1.  Award amounts for Virginia residents and students who qualify for in-state tuition range from $1,000 - $2,000 per academic year.  Amounts for out-of-state-students range from $7,000 - $10,000 per academic year.

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
Transfer students who are members of Phi Theta Kappa and maintained high academic success during their college work will be considered for this scholarship.  To be considered for the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, all completed application materials must be received by the Admissions Office by March 1.  Award for Virginia residents and students who qualify for in-state tuition is $3,000 per academic year.  

Foundation Scholarships


The Radford University Foundation has numerous partial scholarships that are awarded each academic year.  These scholarships are based on factors such as hometown location, major, and merit. 

Upperclass students are invited to apply for these scholarships after November 1 and will be notified of awards in April for the upcoming academic year.  Students applying to Radford University must be admitted in order to apply.

Foundation Scholarship application opens on November 1 with a priority application date of February 5th of the following year. For example for the 2024 - 2025 academic year the Foundation Scholarship application opens Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

If you have questions, contact Cherie Durbin at 540-831-7171 or email cdurbin2@radford.edu.

Outside Scholarships


Many organizations provide scholarships for students such as The Lion's Club, Kiwana's Club, Rotary Clubs, Fraternal Organizations, etc. Students should inquire directly with those individual places for scholarship information.

Students applying to Radford University should talk with school and career counselors to learn more about scholarship opportunities offered at their high school.

In addition, review scholarship opportunities that other Radford University students have received from outside organizations to help fund their education.