Roanoke College

Roanoke: Liberal Arts for a Life of Purpose.

📍 Salem, United States 🇺🇸

🏆 #130 in United States

Quick Facts about Roanoke College

  • Type: Private
  • Students: 1,759
  • Campus: Suburban
  • Tuition: $39,208 – $39,208/year
  • Language: English
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
  • Intakes: January, September

About Roanoke College

Roanoke College, located in Salem, Virginia, is a private liberal arts college established in 1842. With approximately 2,000 students representing around 40 states and 30 countries, it offers a diverse and engaging educational environment. The college emphasizes a strong liberal arts foundation, preparing students for meaningful careers and lives of purpose.

Academics

Roanoke College offers 35 majors, 57 minors and concentrations, and various pre-professional programs, leading to bachelor's degrees in arts, science, and business administration. The college maintains an impressive 11:1 student to instructor ratio, ensuring personalized attention and a supportive learning environment. Popular majors include Business Administration, Biology, and Psychology, with a curriculum that encourages real-world experiences such as field trips and interactions with guest speakers.

International Students

The Global Engagement and International Student Services office provides comprehensive support for international students, including visa advising, social and cultural programming, and academic success assistance. While international students constitute a smaller percentage of the student body (around 1.7% to 4%), the college is actively working towards increased diversity and offers resources for cultural integration. Roanoke College also has exchange programs with numerous countries through the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), facilitating global learning opportunities.

Campus & Location

Roanoke College is situated on an 80-acre suburban campus in Salem, Virginia, offering a blend of small-town charm and accessibility to amenities. Main Street, with its nightlife, dining, and shopping options, is within walking distance of the campus. The surrounding Roanoke Valley is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor adventure opportunities, nestled in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains.

Career Outcomes

Roanoke College boasts a strong career services department, PLACE (Purpose, Life And Career Exploration), which assists students with internships, job searching, and graduate school applications. Within six months of graduation, 90% of Roanoke graduates are either employed or pursuing graduate studies. The college emphasizes practical experience, with nearly half of its students completing one or more internships during their studies. Graduates from programs like Political Science and Government, and Business Administration, Management and Operations, report strong average earnings.

Information for International Students at Roanoke College

Roanoke College in Salem, United States welcomes international students.

  • Visa support available
  • On-campus work allowed
  • Student housing available (~$1250/month)
  • Work placement / internship opportunities available
  • Teaching languages: English

Admissions Requirements for Roanoke College

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Roanoke College:

  • IELTS minimum: 6
  • TOEFL minimum: 68
  • Duolingo minimum: 100
  • GPA minimum: 2.8
  • Selectivity: Open (60%+)
  • Application deadline: March 15

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Programs at Roanoke College (29 programs)

Roanoke College offers 29 programs across Bachelor, Master levels.

Bachelor Programs (27)

  • African and African Diaspora Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
    This program explores the history, cultures, and experiences of people of African descent across the globe, fostering critical understanding of social and cultural issues.
    Field: Humanities, Social Sciences
  • Health and Exercise Science (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
    This program focuses on the science of human movement, health, and fitness, preparing students for careers in health promotion, exercise physiology, or related fields.
    Field: Health Professions
  • International Relations (BA) — 48 months · English · $49,600/yr
    This program examines global politics, economics, and cultural interactions. Students analyze international conflicts, cooperation, and global challenges.
    Field: Social Sciences
    Career outcomes: Diplomat, International Aid Worker, Policy Analyst
  • Communication Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
    This program examines human communication in various contexts, developing skills in public speaking, interpersonal communication, and media analysis.
    Field: Humanities, Social Sciences
  • Data Science (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
    This program focuses on extracting insights from data using statistical methods, computer science, and domain knowledge, preparing students for data-driven careers.
    Field: Science, Technology, and Math
  • French (BA) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
    This program develops proficiency in the French language and explores French and Francophone cultures, literature, and history.
    Field: Humanities, Modern Languages
  • Sport Management (BSc) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
    This program combines business principles with the sports industry, preparing students for management, marketing, and administrative roles in sports organizations.
    Field: Business, Health Professions
  • Philosophy (BA) — 48 months · English · $49,600/yr
    Students engage with fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. The program develops critical thinking and ethical reasoning skills.
    Field: Humanities
    Career outcomes: Ethicist, Lawyer, Writer, Educator
  • Creative Writing (BA) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
    This program fosters the development of original literary works across various genres, enhancing writing skills and critical analysis of literature.
    Field: Humanities, English
  • Physics (BS) — 48 months · English · $49,600/yr · STEM
    This program explores the fundamental laws of the universe, covering mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics. Students conduct experiments and analyze data.
    Field: Science
    Career outcomes: Physicist, Engineer, Researcher, Data Scientist
  • Applied Computer Science (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
    This program provides practical skills in computer science, focusing on real-world applications and problem-solving in various industries.
    Field: Computer Science
  • Athletic Training (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
    This program prepares students to become certified athletic trainers, focusing on injury prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation for active individuals.
    Field: Health Professions
  • Christian Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
    This program explores the history, theology, and practices of Christianity, fostering critical engagement with religious traditions and their impact on society.
    Field: Humanities, Religious Studies
  • Health and Physical Education (BSc) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
    This program prepares students to teach health and physical education in K-12 settings, promoting healthy lifestyles and physical activity.
    Field: Education, Health Professions
  • Literary Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
    This program involves the critical analysis of literature from various periods and cultures, enhancing interpretive skills and understanding of human expression.
    Field: Humanities, English
  • Spanish (BA) — 48 months · English · $49,600/yr
    Students develop proficiency in the Spanish language and gain a deep understanding of Hispanic cultures and literatures. The program emphasizes communication and cultural competence.
    Field: Humanities
    Career outcomes: Translator, Interpreter, Educator, International Business
  • Art (BA) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
    This program cultivates artistic expression and critical thinking through various art forms, preparing students for creative careers or further study in the arts.
    Field: Fine Arts
  • Theatre Arts (BA) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
    This program offers training in acting, directing, design, and technical theatre, fostering creative expression and critical understanding of performance.
    Field: Fine Arts
  • Computer Science (BS) — 48 months · English · $49,600/yr · STEM
    This program focuses on the theoretical foundations of information and computation and their practical implementation. Students learn programming, algorithms, and software development.
    Field: Computer Science
    Career outcomes: Software Engineer, Data Analyst, Web Developer
  • Environmental Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $49,600/yr
    This interdisciplinary program examines environmental issues from scientific, social, and policy perspectives. Students learn about sustainability, conservation, and environmental justice.
    Field: Environmental Science
    Career outcomes: Environmental Consultant, Conservationist, Policy Analyst
  • Music (BA) — 48 months · English · $49,600/yr
    This program offers a comprehensive study of music theory, history, and performance. Students develop their musical talents through practice, composition, and ensemble participation.
    Field: Arts
    Career outcomes: Musician, Music Educator, Composer
  • Religious Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
    This program examines diverse religious traditions, beliefs, and practices across cultures and history, fostering interdisciplinary understanding.
    Field: Humanities
  • Public Health (BS) — 48 months · English · $49,600/yr · STEM
    Students learn to identify, prevent, and solve health problems in communities. The program covers epidemiology, health policy, and health promotion.
    Field: Health Sciences
    Career outcomes: Public Health Educator, Epidemiologist, Health Administrator
  • Neuroscience (BS) — 48 months · English · $49,600/yr · STEM
    An interdisciplinary program exploring the structure and function of the nervous system. Students study biology, psychology, and chemistry to understand the brain and behavior.
    Field: Science
    Career outcomes: Neuroscientist, Research Assistant, Healthcare Professional
  • Theatre (BA) — 48 months · English · $49,600/yr
    This program offers training in acting, directing, design, and technical theatre, alongside studies in theatre history and dramatic literature. Students participate in productions.
    Field: Arts
    Career outcomes: Actor, Director, Stage Manager, Arts Administrator
  • Health and Human Performance (BS) — 48 months · English · $49,600/yr · STEM
    This program focuses on the science of human movement, health, and wellness. Students learn about exercise physiology, nutrition, and public health.
    Field: Health Sciences
    Career outcomes: Fitness Trainer, Health Educator, Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Biology (BS) — 48 months · English · $49,600/yr · STEM
    This program provides a comprehensive understanding of living systems, from molecular to ecological levels. Students engage in hands-on research and fieldwork.
    Field: Science
    Career outcomes: Biologist, Environmental Scientist, Healthcare Professional

Master Programs (2)

  • Master of Science in Psychology (M.S.) (MSc) — 24 months · English · $26,705/yr · Scholarship available
    This is a two-year, terminal master's degree offered for small cohorts, providing advanced study in psychological theory and research.
    Field: Psychology
  • Master of Education (M.Ed.) (M.Ed.) — 12 months · English · $26,705/yr · Scholarship available
    This program integrates theory, empirical research, community outreach, and innovative practices, preparing students for careers in K-12 teaching, non-profit organizations, workplace training, law, and public policy.
    Field: Education
    Career outcomes: K-12 teaching, nonprofit jobs, workplace training and microcredentialing, law and public policy, private schooling
    Deadline: Rolling basis

Scholarships & Tuition at Roanoke College

Annual tuition for international students: $39,208 – $39,208/year

✅ Roanoke College offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of Roanoke College

  • National Ranking: #130 in United States
  • Ranking tier: Research University
  • Research output: Low

Campus & Facilities at Roanoke College

  • Student housing available
  • Sports facilities available
  • Disability support available
  • Campus type: Suburban
  • Average class size: 18
  • Housing cost: ~$1250/month

Key Highlights

  • Private liberal arts college
  • Founded 1842, Salem, Virginia
  • Strong liberal arts foundation
  • Low student-to-faculty ratio
  • Diverse student body
  • Beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains setting

Accreditation

  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
  • American Chemical Society
  • American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

Notable Alumni

  • Kristen Wiig
  • John Payne
  • John McAfee
  • Tom T. Hall
  • Alice White

Frequently Asked Questions about Roanoke College

What is Roanoke College?

Roanoke College is a private university located in Salem, United States. It has approximately 1,759 students.

How much does it cost to study at Roanoke College?

Tuition fees at Roanoke College for international students range from $39,208 – $39,208/year. Student housing costs approximately $1250/month. Scholarships are available for international students.

What are the admission requirements for Roanoke College?

IELTS minimum: 6. TOEFL minimum: 68. Duolingo minimum: 100. GPA minimum: 2.8. Selectivity: Open (60%+). Application deadline: March 15.

What language are courses taught in at Roanoke College?

Courses at Roanoke College are taught in English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.

How many programs does Roanoke College offer?

Roanoke College offers 29 programs: 27 Bachelor's, 2 Master's, and 0 PhD programs across various fields of study.

What is Roanoke College ranked?

#130 in United States.

Does Roanoke College offer scholarships?

Yes, Roanoke College offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.

Does Roanoke College provide visa support?

Yes, Roanoke College provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.

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