Hollins University

Lead with purpose. Learn with heart.

📍 Roanoke, United States 🇺🇸

🏆 #102 in United States

Quick Facts about Hollins University

  • Founded: 1842
  • Type: Private
  • Students: 783
  • International: 7%
  • Campus: Suburban
  • Tuition: $43,650 – $44,710/year
  • Language: English
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
  • Intakes: September, January

About Hollins University

Hollins University, located in Roanoke, Virginia, is a private women's liberal arts university with a rich history dating back to 1842. It offers a unique educational experience with a focus on academic excellence, personal growth, and a strong sense of community. Hollins is dedicated to fostering an environment where students are encouraged to explore diverse ideas and develop into confident leaders.

Academics

Hollins University provides a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing a strong liberal arts foundation. Popular undergraduate majors include English, psychology, studio art, business, and biology. The university maintains a low student-to-teacher ratio of 9:1, promoting intimate classroom settings and personalized attention. Graduate programs, which are coeducational, include creative writing, dance, children's literature, and liberal studies. Hollins encourages hands-on learning, internships, and study abroad opportunities, with approximately half of its students engaging in international learning experiences.

International Students

Hollins University actively welcomes international students, who comprise 7% of its student body, contributing to a globally diverse campus community. The university provides support services such as the International Student Orientation Program (ISOP) and assistance with the visa application process. International students have access to career workshops tailored to their needs and opportunities for on-campus jobs, internships, and post-graduation employment. Student organizations like the Association of Countries, Cultures, Events, and National Traditions (A.C.C.E.N.T.) promote cultural awareness and integration.

Campus & Location

Hollins University's picturesque campus, with its historic buildings and natural beauty, is located less than 10 miles from downtown Roanoke, Virginia. Roanoke offers a vibrant city life with art, culture, shopping, and dining. The campus features an athletic complex, a riding center, and several residence halls, some of which are themed around specialized interests. Transportation to and from the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport is provided with advance notice, and a shuttle service operates during semesters for local travel.

Career Outcomes

Hollins University demonstrates strong career outcomes, with almost two-thirds of its 2023 graduates (68%) employed within six months of graduation. Additionally, 21% of graduates pursued further education at various graduate schools. The university's Career and Life Design office offers comprehensive career development services, including personalized coaching, workshops, and networking opportunities with alumnae. Internships are a key component of the Hollins experience, often leading to employment, and the university connects students with alumnae and employers through its Career Advising Network.

Information for International Students at Hollins University

Hollins University in Roanoke, United States welcomes international students, with 7% of the student body coming from abroad.

  • 7% of students are international
  • Visa support available
  • On-campus work allowed
  • Student housing available (~$9350/month)
  • Work placement / internship opportunities available
  • Teaching languages: English

Admissions Requirements for Hollins University

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Hollins University:

  • IELTS minimum: 6.5
  • TOEFL minimum: 80
  • Duolingo minimum: 110
  • GPA minimum: 3.66
  • Selectivity: Open (60%+)
  • Application deadline: July 1

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Programs at Hollins University (36 programs)

Hollins University offers 36 programs across Bachelor, Master levels.

Bachelor Programs (33)

  • Africana Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $42,000/yr
    This program explores the histories, cultures, and social experiences of people of African descent across the globe, fostering critical understanding of race, power, and identity.
    Field: Humanities
    Career outcomes: Educator, Community Organizer, Policy Analyst
  • Business (BA) — 48 months · English · $42,000/yr
    Students gain foundational knowledge in business principles, including management, marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship, preparing them for diverse professional roles.
    Field: Business
    Career outcomes: Business Analyst, Marketing Manager, Entrepreneur
  • Dance (BA) — 48 months · English · $42,000/yr
    Students engage in rigorous training in various dance techniques, choreography, performance, and dance history, preparing them for careers in the performing arts.
    Field: Performing Arts
    Career outcomes: Dancer, Choreographer, Dance Educator
  • International Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $41,700/yr
    This interdisciplinary program examines global issues, cultures, and political systems, preparing students for careers in international relations and diplomacy.
    Field: International Relations
    Career outcomes: Diplomat, International Aid Worker, Journalist
  • History (BA) — 48 months · English · $42,000/yr
    Students investigate past societies, cultures, and events, developing critical thinking, research, and analytical skills essential for understanding the present.
    Field: Humanities
    Career outcomes: Archivist, Historian, Educator
  • Sociology (BA) — 48 months · English · $42,000/yr
    This program examines human society, social behavior, and social institutions, fostering an understanding of social structures, inequalities, and change.
    Field: Social Sciences
    Career outcomes: Social Worker, Urban Planner, Market Researcher
  • Studio Art (BA) — 48 months · English · $41,700/yr
    Students develop their artistic practice in various media, including painting, sculpture, drawing, and photography, emphasizing creative expression and technical proficiency.
    Field: Studio Art
    Career outcomes: Artist, Art Educator, Graphic Designer
  • Mathematics (BA) — 48 months · English · $42,000/yr · STEM
    This program provides a rigorous foundation in mathematical theory, problem-solving, and quantitative reasoning, preparing students for diverse analytical careers.
    Field: Natural Sciences
    Career outcomes: Mathematician, Data Scientist, Actuary
  • Psychology (BA) — 48 months · English · $42,000/yr
    Students explore the scientific study of mind and behavior, covering topics such as cognitive processes, social psychology, developmental psychology, and abnormal psychology.
    Field: Social Sciences
    Career outcomes: Counselor, Researcher, Human Resources Specialist
  • Physics (BA) — 48 months · English · $41,700/yr · STEM
    Students explore the fundamental laws governing the universe, from classical mechanics to quantum physics, through theoretical study and experimental investigation.
    Field: Physics
    Career outcomes: Physicist, Engineer, Researcher
  • Film (BA) — 48 months · English · $42,000/yr
    Students explore the art and industry of filmmaking, covering areas such as screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, and film theory.
    Field: Visual Arts
    Career outcomes: Filmmaker, Editor, Film Critic
  • Gender and Women's Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $42,000/yr
    This program critically analyzes gender as a social construct, exploring its intersections with race, class, and sexuality, and its impact on power dynamics and social justice.
    Field: Social Sciences
    Career outcomes: Advocate, Social Worker, Policy Analyst
  • Philosophy (BA) — 48 months · English · $41,700/yr
    Students engage with fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language, developing critical thinking and analytical skills.
    Field: Philosophy
    Career outcomes: Lawyer, Ethicist, Educator
  • Classical Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $41,700/yr
    This program delves into the languages, literature, history, and cultures of ancient Greece and Rome, providing a foundation for understanding Western civilization.
    Field: Classical Studies
    Career outcomes: Archivist, Educator, Researcher
  • Economics (BA) — 48 months · English · $42,000/yr
    This program provides a strong foundation in economic theory, quantitative methods, and policy analysis, enabling students to understand and address complex economic issues.
    Field: Social Sciences
    Career outcomes: Economist, Financial Analyst, Policy Advisor
  • Visual Arts (BA) — 48 months · English · $42,000/yr
    This program offers intensive study in various artistic mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and digital art, fostering creative expression and critical artistic practice.
    Field: Visual Arts
    Career outcomes: Artist, Graphic Designer, Art Educator
  • International Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $41,700/yr
    This interdisciplinary program examines global issues, cultures, and political systems, preparing students for careers in international relations and diplomacy.
    Field: International Relations
    Career outcomes: Diplomat, International Aid Worker, Journalist
  • History (BA) — 48 months · English · $42,000/yr
    Students investigate past societies, cultures, and events, developing critical thinking, research, and analytical skills essential for understanding the present.
    Field: Humanities
    Career outcomes: Archivist, Historian, Educator
  • Sociology (BA) — 48 months · English · $42,000/yr
    This program examines human society, social behavior, and social institutions, fostering an understanding of social structures, inequalities, and change.
    Field: Social Sciences
    Career outcomes: Social Worker, Urban Planner, Market Researcher
  • Studio Art (BA) — 48 months · English · $41,700/yr
    Students develop their artistic practice in various media, including painting, sculpture, drawing, and photography, emphasizing creative expression and technical proficiency.
    Field: Studio Art
    Career outcomes: Artist, Art Educator, Graphic Designer
  • Mathematics (BA) — 48 months · English · $42,000/yr · STEM
    This program provides a rigorous foundation in mathematical theory, problem-solving, and quantitative reasoning, preparing students for diverse analytical careers.
    Field: Natural Sciences
    Career outcomes: Mathematician, Data Scientist, Actuary
  • Psychology (BA) — 48 months · English · $42,000/yr
    Students explore the scientific study of mind and behavior, covering topics such as cognitive processes, social psychology, developmental psychology, and abnormal psychology.
    Field: Social Sciences
    Career outcomes: Counselor, Researcher, Human Resources Specialist
  • Physics (BA) — 48 months · English · $41,700/yr · STEM
    Students explore the fundamental laws governing the universe, from classical mechanics to quantum physics, through theoretical study and experimental investigation.
    Field: Physics
    Career outcomes: Physicist, Engineer, Researcher
  • Film (BA) — 48 months · English · $42,000/yr
    Students explore the art and industry of filmmaking, covering areas such as screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, and film theory.
    Field: Visual Arts
    Career outcomes: Filmmaker, Editor, Film Critic
  • Gender and Women's Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $42,000/yr
    This program critically analyzes gender as a social construct, exploring its intersections with race, class, and sexuality, and its impact on power dynamics and social justice.
    Field: Social Sciences
    Career outcomes: Advocate, Social Worker, Policy Analyst
  • Philosophy (BA) — 48 months · English · $41,700/yr
    Students engage with fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language, developing critical thinking and analytical skills.
    Field: Philosophy
    Career outcomes: Lawyer, Ethicist, Educator
  • Classical Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $41,700/yr
    This program delves into the languages, literature, history, and cultures of ancient Greece and Rome, providing a foundation for understanding Western civilization.
    Field: Classical Studies
    Career outcomes: Archivist, Educator, Researcher
  • Chemistry (BA) — 48 months · English · $42,000/yr · STEM
    This program explores the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter, with a strong emphasis on laboratory skills and scientific inquiry.
    Field: Natural Sciences
    Career outcomes: Chemist, Pharmacist, Materials Scientist
  • English (BA) — 48 months · English · $42,000/yr
    Students engage with diverse literary traditions, critical theory, and advanced writing practices, developing strong analytical and communication skills.
    Field: Humanities
    Career outcomes: Writer, Editor, Journalist
  • Art History (BA) — 48 months · English · $42,000/yr
    Students delve into the history of art from ancient to contemporary periods, analyzing visual culture, artistic movements, and their societal contexts.
    Field: Humanities
    Career outcomes: Museum Curator, Art Critic, Gallery Manager
  • Biology (BA) — 48 months · English · $42,000/yr · STEM
    This program provides a comprehensive understanding of living organisms, from molecular to ecosystem levels, with opportunities for hands-on research and fieldwork.
    Field: Natural Sciences
    Career outcomes: Research Scientist, Biotechnologist, Environmental Consultant
  • Theatre (BA) — 48 months · English · $42,000/yr
    Students engage in all aspects of theatrical production, including acting, directing, design, technical theatre, and dramatic literature, preparing for careers in the performing arts.
    Field: Performing Arts
    Career outcomes: Actor, Director, Stage Manager
  • Communication Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $42,000/yr
    Students develop strong analytical and practical communication skills, examining various forms of human communication in interpersonal, organizational, and public contexts.
    Field: Humanities
    Career outcomes: Public Relations Specialist, Journalist, Marketing Professional

Master Programs (3)

  • Creative Writing (MA) — 24 months · English · $25,000/yr
    This graduate program offers intensive workshops and seminars in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, fostering the development of original literary works.
    Field: Humanities
    Career outcomes: Author, Editor, Creative Writing Instructor
  • Education (MEd) — 24 months · English · $20,000/yr
    This graduate program prepares educators for leadership roles and advanced teaching practices, focusing on curriculum development, educational psychology, and instructional strategies.
    Field: Education
    Career outcomes: Teacher, School Administrator, Curriculum Specialist
  • Creative Writing (MA) — 24 months · English · $25,000/yr
    This graduate program offers intensive workshops and seminars in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, fostering the development of original literary works.
    Field: Humanities
    Career outcomes: Author, Editor, Creative Writing Instructor

Scholarships & Tuition at Hollins University

Annual tuition for international students: $43,650 – $44,710/year

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

Rankings of Hollins University

  • National Ranking: #102 in United States
  • Ranking tier: Research University
  • Research output: Medium

Campus & Facilities at Hollins University

  • Student housing available
  • Sports facilities available
  • Disability support available
  • Campus type: Suburban
  • Average class size: 12
  • Housing cost: ~$9350/month

Key Highlights

  • Historic women's liberal arts university
  • Intimate learning, 9:1 ratio
  • Diverse international student community
  • Roanoke Valley campus, vibrant city
  • Strong focus on creative writing

Accreditation

  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

Notable Alumni

  • Margaret Wise Brown
  • Annie Dillard
  • Natasha Trethewey
  • Ann Compton
  • Kiran Desai

Frequently Asked Questions about Hollins University

What is Hollins University?

Hollins University is a private university located in Roanoke, United States, founded in 1842. It has approximately 783 students, with 7% being international students.

How much does it cost to study at Hollins University?

Tuition fees at Hollins University for international students range from $43,650 – $44,710/year. Student housing costs approximately $9350/month. Scholarships are available for international students.

What are the admission requirements for Hollins University?

IELTS minimum: 6.5. TOEFL minimum: 80. Duolingo minimum: 110. GPA minimum: 3.66. Selectivity: Open (60%+). Application deadline: July 1.

What language are courses taught in at Hollins University?

Courses at Hollins University are taught in English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.

How many programs does Hollins University offer?

Hollins University offers 36 programs: 33 Bachelor's, 3 Master's, and 0 PhD programs across various fields of study.

What is Hollins University ranked?

#102 in United States.

Does Hollins University offer scholarships?

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

Does Hollins University provide visa support?

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

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