About

See what students say:

Academics

Founded in 1842, Roanoke College is a private Lutheran school that wants students to leverage all of the academic, cultural, and practical resources the school has to offer. Real-world experiences such as "field trips, service components, [and interacting with guest] speakers" are encouraged, and there are also study abroad opportunities available in 50 different countries. The school's unique core curriculum allows students to pick classes from a portfolio of interesting topics, such as Statistics and the Sports Industry or Chemistry and Crime. The curriculum includes project-based capstone courses as well as courses that ensure that students truly understand the topics by the end of the course. There is a three-week Intensive Learning Program (also called May Term) that is a focused learning experience in which students participate in activities surrounding a single topic, ranging from debates to travel to student reenactments. Students value the flexibility of an academic format that allows them "to find their purpose on campus and explore several different fields of interest at once."

On the whole, professors strive to engage their students and focus on critical thinking. "Some [professors] even encourage respectful arguments to show different views to get students thinking about [what] they are learning." Many students relate that the professors are what they like most about the college. As one student puts it, "I always feel welcomed and listened to by my professors." Another says, "I think it's rare to have this many professors that truly care about your success and well-being." At Roanoke, "many classes are discussion-based and there are a lot of opportunities for students to ask questions and work together." As one student explains, "professors want students involved because it helps us learn better."

Student Body

This "smaller, community-like college" has nearly 1,900 undergraduates, which "allows for relationships between students and faculty," but it's still large enough that "you can walk across campus and say hi to five people you know and still see five people you don't." Though most here are "white and come from [an] affluent background," the school is "steadily working toward a reflection of the diverse population of Virginia," and students themselves strive "toward building a diverse, welcoming community for fellow peers on campus." And as another student says, "Everybody is unique in their own way and makes you feel welcome." Roanoke attracts "smart, kind people who are genuine and excited to get to know each other," and even in class, students "are very open in sharing their opinion and personal life when it is relevant to the lecture." The overall sentiment is that "the students are caring, determined, and outgoing."

Campus Life

There is a "strong community both within and outside of the campus," and the school does "an amazing job of emphasizing the 'family' aspect of what it means to be a Maroon." Typical days involve some combination of the following: going to class, working out, eating with friends, doing homework, and hanging out on the Quad. Many students remark that they would like more on-campus dining options but note that there is a coffee shop just off campus that many students frequent. Students can also participate in campus activities such as Friday on the Quad, which includes "live music, food trucks, and fun events such as ax throwing and fire juggling." Athletic games (especially basketball) are highly attended, and students enjoy spending time outside playing games like spikeball or relaxing in hammocks. On Mondays, "most students go to Theology on Tap, which provides free food and is hosted by the chaplain." Roanoke is located "in a beautiful area filled with hiking and kayaking nearby," and "there are lots of hiking trips on the weekends." In any time not spent studying, there "are always people hosting hangouts from Greek life" and people going into the towns of Salem and Roanoke to "take advantage of the things like outdoor gear rentals and movie ticket discounts." A lot of people "like to participate in many clubs whether it is the Beekeeping Society or the Cheese Club," or "Toy Like Me, which is a club that modifies toys for children with disabilities and gifts [them] to children and the local hospital system."

Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Contact
Chris Reynolds
Campus Visit Coordinator

Address
Admissions Office
221 College Lane
Salem, VA 24153

Phone
540/375-2270

Email
admissions@roanoke.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
Cregger Center & Belk Fitness Center
Kerr Stadium
Fintel Library (& coffee shop)
Colket Center
New Hall (new residence hall)
Cregger Center includes a competition gymnasium, a fieldhouse with indoor track, a modern fitness center, and academic space.

Most Popular Places Off Campus
Blue Ridge Parkway & Appalachian Trail
Carvins Cove Natural Reserve, with 60 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails.
Mac 'n' Bob's Restaurant (near campus)
Roanoke City market area & Center in the Square
Taubman Museum of Art
Salem Farmer's Market Valley View Mall and nearby shopping

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center
Varies by season - call to confirm current hours.

540/375-2270

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
Yes

Information Sessions
Available

Times
Call 540/375-2270 for current schedule

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available
Year-round

Arrangements
Contact Coach Directly

Advance Notice
1 week

Contact Email Address for Visit
allison@roanoke.edu

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Available

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Limitations
May not be available during COVID-19 pandemic. Must be applicants; only done Sunday-Thursday; must attend a class; for one night only

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Taxis and buses. Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) is about 10 minutes away. Amtrak trains serve Roanoke to Washington, DC and points further north.

Driving Instructions to Campus
From I-81, take Exit 140 at Route 311 South (Thompson Memorial Drive). Turn right onto Thompson Memorial Drive from the exit ramp. Drive approximately one mile on Route 311 South, then turn right onto Peery Drive to enter campus. To reach Admissions, bear to the left at the top of the hill. The Admissions building, Roselawn, is on the left, between the library and the chapel. Admissions visitor parking is available on High Street, in front of Roselawn.

Local Accommodations
Baymont Inn & Suites, Salem Comfort Inn Suites, Salem (Wildwood Rd) Comfort Inn Suites, Salem (Ridgewood Farms) Days Inn by Wyndham (E. Main St., Salem) Hampton Inn, Roanoke/Salem-East Hampton Inn, Salem Inn at Burwell Place

Admissions

Applicants: 4,953
Acceptance Rate: 80%
Average HS GPA: 3.56







Academics








Careers



Tuition & Aid






Student Body



Campus Life













Articles & Advice