About University
Randolph College is a private liberal arts college in Lynchburg, Virginia, historically women-founded and now coeducational, known for small seminars, the TAKE4 free fifth course model and strong merit aid for international students through programmes such as WildCat scholarships.
For students planning the September 2026 intake, Randolph offers personalised advising, NCAA Division III athletics and transparent direct-cost tables that help families compare tuition, fees, housing and meals in one view.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Institution type | Private nonprofit liberal arts college |
| Location | Lynchburg, Virginia (central Virginia; near Blue Ridge foothills) |
| Popular intake | September 2026 |
| U.S. News 2026 | #156 National Liberal Arts Colleges (tie); #101 Social Mobility (tie) |
| Signature academic feature | TAKE4—four paid courses, fifth course tuition-free when requirements met |
| International admissions | WildCat merit awards USD 14,000+ for eligible international students (verify tiers on site) |
| Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
Why Randolph Can Be A Good Fit
Randolph fits students who want discussion-driven classes, mentor relationships and merit scholarships that can bring a private liberal arts net price closer to public out-of-state totals. The campus blends historic red brick with modern science facilities.
2026 Tuition Snapshot
Use Randolph’s cost of attendance page for the authoritative year. Illustrative 2026–27 direct charges pattern from published materials:
| Item | Direct cost (illustrative annual) |
|---|---|
| Tuition | About USD 29,000–30,000 depending on published table revision |
| Fees, housing and meals bundle | Combined in “direct total” marketing figures |
| Total direct charges (2026–27 press pattern) | About USD 46,700 before travel and personal estimates |
Add books, travel and personal lines from the official student budget for I-20 planning. Merit awards reduce tuition on a published schedule.
Admission Snapshot
| Area | What students should check |
|---|---|
| English proficiency | TOEFL / IELTS / Duolingo thresholds on international page |
| WildCat scholarships | Minimum award levels for international students; stack rules |
| TAKE4 eligibility | Course-load and GPA conditions for the free fifth class |
| Deadlines | March 1 fall priority; November 1 spring (confirm on admissions site) |
| Performing arts | Portfolio or audition expectations for majors |
Campus And Student Life
Lynchburg offers outdoor recreation, historic districts and rail access toward D.C. Randolph’s Maier Museum of Art and student research conferences anchor intellectual life outside the classroom.
Who Should Consider Randolph?
Randolph can suit students who want:
- A September 2026 intake at a National Liberal Arts college with social mobility recognition
- Merit aid that rewards strong secondary school records
- Graduate school or first-job preparation with heavy writing load
Things To Check Before Applying
Before finalising Randolph, students should confirm:
- Net price after WildCat and any talent awards
- TAKE4 rules for their intended major sequence
- Housing requirement years and room styles
- Internship transport if targeting Richmond or D.C. metros
Popular For
Randolph College is especially popular with students who want National Liberal Arts academics, #101 U.S. News social mobility placement, WildCat international merit awards and the TAKE4 tuition innovation that adds a fifth course at no extra tuition when requirements are met.
Key Highlights
| Popular for | Why students choose it |
|---|---|
| Liberal arts depth | Seminars across humanities, sciences and arts |
| Merit aid | WildCat awards USD 14,000+ for qualifying international students |
| TAKE4 model | Explore majors or graduate early without paying a fifth course |
| Social mobility | #101 Top Performers on Social Mobility (2026) |
| National rank | #156 National Liberal Arts Colleges (2026) |
| Location | Blue Ridge access with manageable city amenities |
| DIII athletics | Competitive sports without athletic scholarships |
Why Students Choose Randolph
Students choose Randolph when they want professors who read their drafts twice and classmates who debate ideas at dinner. The Maier Museum and undergraduate research day signal intellectual seriousness.
Best Fit For September 2026
Randolph is a good match for students planning the September 2026 intake if they want:
- Writing-heavy preparation for law, policy, STEM graduate school or nonprofit careers
- Merit-based private college pricing with clear deadlines (March 1 fall pattern)
Useful To Know
Track March 1 versus November 1 deadlines—missing them can change scholarship tiers even if rolling admission continues.
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