Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Lynchburg, Virginia
94.9% Acceptance Rate
Randolph College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
94.9%Acceptance Rate
3.35Avg GPA
1109Avg SAT
22Avg ACT
$43,838Annual Cost
$53,409Grad Salary
40.6%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
94.9%
Avg GPA
3.35
Avg SAT
1109
Avg ACT
22
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
960–1210
ACT Middle 50%
20–24
Need-Based Aid
40.6% receive Pell
Randolph College is a private, liberal arts college in Virginia known for its small, intimate setting, academic rigor, and supportive community. Admissions are holistic, evaluating students on their intellectual potential, character, and their readiness to thrive in an environment that prioritizes mentorship. The college seeks individuals who are ready to engage in deep, discussion-based inquiry and prepare for successful futures through a broad, liberal arts foundation.
Prospective students should highlight their participation in extracurricular activities that foster leadership, introspection, or community impact. Demonstrating a proactive approach to learning such as pursuing independent research or engaging in relevant volunteer work can significantly strengthen an application. A successful personal statement reflects a clear understanding of how the college's unique, student-centered academic environment will prepare the student for their specific career and personal aspirations, showcasing a desire for both intellectual and personal growth.
Randolph College Acceptance Rate
Admission at Randolph College is inclusive by design. 94.9% of applicants who meet basic eligibility are accepted.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 94.9% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.35 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.15 – 3.34
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.90
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Randolph College Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Mark November 15 for Randolph College (Early Decision I — other plans are listed below), with decisions typically out by December 15.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 97 days left — Early Decision I
Early Decision I
November 15
Decision by: December 15
Early Decision II
January 15
Decision by: February 15
Regular Decision
February 1
Decision by: March 15
💡 The scholarship deadline (2025/12/01 (Merit scholarship priority)) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
RMWC GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at RMWC is 3.35. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 3.05–3.35 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.55–3.75.RMWC GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Admission here leans heavily on holistic review.
Recommended Strategy: Leans on context, such as leadership, personal circumstances, or a standout talent.
This range is a rough map. Where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application.:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.35 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.15 – 3.34
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.95 – 3.14
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.94
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Museum and Heritage Studies major is built directly on the school's own Maier Museum of Art collection and natural history/archaeology collections - a rare undergraduate offering of its kind
- TAKE2 curriculum has students take two courses per half-mester with no Wednesday classes - a distinctly different pacing model from a standard semester
- Cooperative dual-degree engineering program allows a second degree from Washington University in St. Louis or the University of Virginia in a compressed timeframe, subject to separately qualifying for the partner school
- Test-optional admission with a Virtual On-Site Admission option for an immediate decision
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself. A 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average. The trajectory tells its own story.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at RMWC
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from Randolph College's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Randolph College (RMWC) Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at RMWC. Landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into RMWC Without SAT or ACT?
RMWC considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Randolph College Average SAT Score: 1109
Admitted students at Randolph College average a 1109 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1109 — Less Competitive
A 1109 average leaves meaningful room above it for a competitive application.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1210 SAT or 24 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Randolph College allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 960? A retake is worth it at RMWC. Two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 535 | 440 | 630 |
| SAT Reading | 550 | 520 | 580 |
| SAT Composite | 1109 | 960 | 1210 |
A score under 960 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1210+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into Randolph College (RMWC) with a 1200 SAT?
At 1200, your SAT is squarely in RMWC's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file. GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
Randolph College (RMWC) ACT Requirements
RMWC's admitted students average an ACT of 22.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 22 — Slightly Competitive
An average of 22 tracks near the middle of the national distribution.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 20 | 16 | 24 |
| ACT English | 20 | 15 | 25 |
| ACT Composite | 22 | 20 | 24 |
Can I get into Randolph College with a 24 ACT?
At 24, you're in the top quarter of RMWC's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.
The ACT's four sections, English, Math, Reading, and Science, are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.
Beyond the number itself, RMWC weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily. The ACT opens the door, and the rest of your file decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for RMWC
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
RMWC provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about using available resources well and planning your longer-term academic or career path.
Name the Museum and Heritage Studies Major Directly for Museum/Arts Career Interest
Randolph's Museum and Heritage Studies major is built directly on the college's own Maier Museum of Art collection (American art collected since 1907) plus its natural history and archaeology collections - a genuinely rare undergraduate offering combining art history, archaeology, and hands-on museum work, with required internships at places like the Preservation Institute Nantucket, the Archaeological Conservation Institute in Italy, and the National Gallery in London. A student interested in museum or heritage careers should name this program specifically rather than defaulting to a generic art history major.
Understand the TAKE2 Pacing Before Committing
Randolph's TAKE2 curriculum has students take two courses per half-mester with no Wednesday classes - a structurally different pacing model from a standard semester course load. A prospective student should talk directly to current students or faculty about how this intensive, focused format suits different learning styles before enrolling, since it's a genuine differentiator that works very well for some students and poorly for others.
Confirm Partner-School Admission Requirements for the Dual-Degree Engineering Track
Randolph's cooperative dual-degree engineering program lets a student earn a Randolph degree plus a second engineering degree from Washington University in St. Louis or the University of Virginia in a compressed timeframe. A student interested in this path should ask specifically about the GPA and coursework requirements needed to qualify for the partner institution - acceptance to Randolph does not automatically guarantee admission into the partner school's engineering program.
Use Virtual On-Site Admission for an Immediate Decision When Timing Matters
Randolph is test-optional and offers Virtual On-Site Admission, which can produce an admission decision on the spot rather than through a standard review cycle. A student trying to finalize a decision quickly - for example, to compare against another school's deposit deadline - should ask specifically about scheduling this option rather than assuming they must wait through the standard timeline.
Expert Insight:
Randolph underwent a significant institutional transition in 2007 (from the single-sex Randolph-Macon Woman's College to the coeducational Randolph College), a period that involved real financial strain and a 2006 warning from its regional accreditor (SACS) tied to insufficient financial resources. This is resolved historical context, not a current concern, but a thorough family should know it exists and independently confirm the college's current, full accreditation status directly rather than relying only on name recognition from the women's-college era.
RMWC Profile
Full Name
Randolph College (RMWC)
City
Lynchburg
State
Virginia
ZIP Code
24503-1555
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a RMWC Degree Worth It?
Whether RMWC is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals. Here's the data to weigh it against.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $68,800, and graduates see a 2.97% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from RMWC Cost?
Listed tuition runs $43,838/year at RMWC. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land typically much lower.
At RMWC, 40.6% receive a Pell Grant and 56.3% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming RMWC on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a RMWC Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, RMWC graduates report a median income of $53,409, about 32% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Randolph College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
| Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO | 1084 | 20 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | 1091 | 24 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Randolph College. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | Denver, CO | 1119 | 24 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Randolph College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
Degree Programs at RMWC
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About RMWC Admissions
Randolph College graduates earn a moderate median salary of $53,409/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at Randolph College is moderate, around $43,838/year; many students supplement with aid.
40.6% of Randolph College students get a Pell Grant. Your odds depend mostly on household income, and filing FAFSA early still helps maximize what you're offered.
Randolph College's acceptance rate is 94.9%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted Randolph College students is 3.35, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.05 puts you in the standard applicant pool at Randolph College. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 2.95 or below makes admission tougher at Randolph College, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
Randolph College weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1109, and within the 960–1210 range, keeps you competitive.
Randolph College's deadline is November 15 (Early Decision I), with decisions out by December 15.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before 2025/12/01 (Merit scholarship priority). That's Randolph College's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out, plus a solid test score where the school considers one.
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