
221 College Lane, Salem, VA 24153-3794, USA


Roanoke College holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which authorizes it to award bachelor's and master's degrees. This accreditation ensures that the institution meets established standards for quality and rigor in higher education, which is a critical consideration for prospective students seeking recognized and reputable academic programs. Additionally, specific programs within the college, such as teacher education, may possess further specialized accreditation that validates their adherence to professional standards.
Prospective students aiming to enroll at Roanoke College must have completed a General Educational Development (GED) credential or equivalent secondary education. A satisfactory secondary school academic record is necessary, including a required grade point average. While the college does not require standardized admission test scores for all applicants, it does mandate the submission of TOEFL scores for those for whom it is applicable. Roanoke College does not follow an open admission policy, indicating selective entry criteria.
Applicants cannot earn dual credit or college credit through the admission process, though the college accepts Advanced Placement (AP) credits. The use of personal computers is not mandatory for admission, but there is an option for computer leasing if needed.
Regarding standardized testing performance, the average SAT score for admitted students is approximately 1155, placing them below the 50th percentile nationally, with stronger results in the writing section compared to math. The mean ACT score is 25, which ranks around the 55th percentile, slightly above average. The acceptance rate at Roanoke College stands at about 80%, indicating moderate selectivity.
Roanoke College requires an application fee from prospective students, which is customary for processing admission materials. However, the college recognizes that such fees can be a financial barrier for some applicants and therefore offers fee waivers in specific circumstances. Eligible students may request a waiver based on financial need or participation in certain programs. These waivers are intended to make the application process more accessible to a diverse range of candidates and relieve undue financial pressure during college selection.
Roanoke College does not host its own Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs on campus. However, students interested in pursuing ROTC opportunities typically participate through cross-enrollment arrangements with nearby institutions that offer these military training programs. This allows Roanoke College students to combine their academic studies with military leadership development without needing a separate ROTC unit on their home campus.
Roanoke College permits transfer students to enroll in the fall, spring, and summer terms, offering flexibility for those planning their academic transition. The institution demonstrates an openness to accepting various credit types, including credits earned through CLEP General, CLEP Subject, and DANTES examinations, which can facilitate smoother credit transfer and potentially reduce time to degree completion.
The admissions process is considered moderately difficult, reflecting a selective but accessible approach to transfer applicants. Prospective students can also submit recommendations as part of their application, which suggests that personal endorsements may play a role in the decision-making process.
Roanoke College offers a diverse range of study abroad programs designed to enhance students' global understanding and academic experience. These programs vary in length and structure, enabling students to choose options that best fit their academic goals and personal interests. Participants can engage in summer, semester, or year-long abroad opportunities across multiple countries, allowing for flexible scheduling alongside their degree plans.
The college provides both faculty-led trips and programs in partnership with international universities and organizations. These partnerships enable students to immerse themselves in different cultures while earning credits transferable to their Roanoke College degrees. Disciplines across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and business fields are supported through study abroad programs, ensuring wide-ranging accessibility for students regardless of their major.
Additionally, Roanoke College encourages involvement in international internships and service-learning projects abroad. Such experiences integrate academic study with practical application, promoting cross-cultural competencies and professional development. Throughout these programs, students receive preparatory support and advising to maximize the educational benefits of their time overseas.
Median composite SAT score
1155Median composite ACT score
25Percent of students submitting ACT scores
7%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
29%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
Data not availableOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer