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Hollins University

Roanoke, VA·Private nonprofit·673 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

71%
Accept
673
Students
$22,263
Net Price
70%
Grad Rate
$37,900
Earnings
10 yr
$22,925
Debt

About This School

Hollins University is a private nonprofit institution located in Roanoke, Virginia with approximately 673 undergraduate students enrolled. Hollins University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 71%. The average net price after financial aid is $22,263 per year. The graduation rate is 70%, and the typical graduate earns $37,900 within 10 years of enrollment.

Hollins University is a private university in Hollins, Virginia, United States. Founded in 1842 as Valley Union Seminary in the historical settlement of Botetourt Springs, it is one of the oldest institutions of higher education for women in the US.

One of the oldest women's universities in the country, this small Roanoke liberal arts school offers a genuinely intimate academic environment with a reasonable average net price of $22,263/year — but the numbers tell a mixed story. A 74% freshman retention rate and 70% graduation rate suggest a meaningful portion of students don't finish, which is worth pressing the school on before committing. Median earnings of $37,900 a decade out are modest, so this is a stronger fit for students drawn to specific strengths like its well-regarded creative writing program than for those prioritizing financial return on investment.

Founded
1842
Setting
Midsize suburb

Popular Programs

Visual & Performing Arts15%
Social Sciences13%
Psychology12%
English12%
Biological Sciences9%
Physical Sciences5%
Mathematics5%
Communications4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Annie DillardMary K. Gaillard

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1256
Reading 75th %ile710
Math 75th %ile620

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$42,260
Out-of-State Tuition
$42,260
Avg Net Price
$22,263
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants33%
Median debt at graduation$22,925

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
70%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
74%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$37,900
after enrollment
Median Debt
$22,925
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$22,925
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$27,600
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$37,900
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.7x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White60%
Black15%
Hispanic/Latino10%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (673 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Hollins University

7916 Williamson Rd NW

Roanoke, VA 24020

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Virginia

Browse all Virginia schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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