Radford University

Yes, RU is an online college in Virginia, with online programs that include more than 30 professional advancement opportunities that are available 100% remotely. These opportunities include online bachelor's degree completion programs, MBA programs, graduate certificates, credentialing programs, graduate degrees, and doctoral degrees. Majors span industries from healthcare and education to business and technology.

Employers respect RU's online degrees because they come from an accredited university. RU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master'smaster's and doctorate degrees, and certificates. 

Accreditation is important because it means a school routinely goes through an intensive review process that evaluates its financial practices and the quality of its academic programming. For this reason, OnlineU only includes accredited institutions on its site. 

Yes, RU is an LGBT-friendly school. Students can participate in the school's Safe Zone program and agree to be an ally for students in the LGBT community. Additionally, RU's Center for Diversity and Inclusion promotes a forward-thinking and progressive approach to social justice and equality. It offers resources for all faculty, staff, and students, including activities, programs, and services focusing on the concerns of underrepresented populations and the LGBTQ+ community.

RU is known for its strong student/faculty bonds due in part to its small 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. It's also known for its innovative use of technology for learning, sustainability initiatives, and offering many opportunities for students to engage in and outside the classroom. It considers itself student-focused while promoting a caring and engaging environment in the RU community, where all university members are encouraged to interact. 

RU's online degrees in computer science, such as secure software development and nursing, provide the highest earnings for graduates, according to College Scorecard data. Each has a median annual salary of approximately $71,000 and $62,100, respectively. 

Another metric to consider is OnlineU's proprietary Salary Score, which ranks colleges by how much their alumni earn compared to graduates with the same degree nationwide. RU has a salary score of 39 for bachelor's degrees, 43 for master's degrees, and 45 for its doctoral degrees.

Getting into RU is not very difficult, as it accepts 79% of applicants and doesn't require entrance exams. While students can still submit SAT and ACT scores, it's not necessary. In other words, those who don’t submit these scores won’t be at a disadvantage in the admissions review process or even when it comes to consideration for a merit-based scholarship.

RU's first-year student admissions requirements for its online programs are comparable to other colleges and generally include the following:

• A completed online application
• A $50 application fee 
• Official high school transcripts or their equivalent 
• Official college transcripts, if transferring credits
• Military transcripts, if applicable
• Optional SAT/ACT scores

It's also recommended that students complete English, laboratory science, college prep math, social studies, and a foreign language as prerequisites while in high school.

Applying to college always requires planning to ensure you have enough time to get what you need to submit together. An RU enrollment advisor can help you through the process.

If you're still deciding what's right for you, our list of the most popular online colleges offers additional options to explore.