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Randolph-Macon College

Ashland, VA

private nonprofitbachelors

Quick Facts

Building Extraordinary Futures

Wikipedia
1830
Founded
Private liberal arts college
Type
1,489
Total Students
1,543
Undergrad
$223M
Endowment
(2025)
$48K
Tuition (In-State)
$48K
Tuition (Out-State)
$28K
Avg Net Price
83%
Acceptance Rate
75%
Graduation Rate
6-year
81%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: Michael E. Hill

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Randolph-Macon College

Randolph-Macon: A Southern Pioneer in Liberal Arts Education.

Randolph-Macon College, nestled in Ashland, Virginia, stands as a beacon of liberal arts education with a rich history of pioneering academic pursuits. Established in 1830, it boasts the motto "Building Extraordinary Futures," and has consistently pushed the boundaries of what a Southern college could achieve. From its early days, Randolph-Macon has fostered an environment of intellectual curiosity and rigorous study, making it an ideal choice for students eager to explore diverse academic fields.

The college holds a significant place in educational history, being the first institution south of the Mason-Dixon line to mandate physical education coursework for graduation, housing the South's first dedicated physical education building. Beyond physical rigor, Randolph-Macon championed academic innovation, becoming the first in the South to fully establish English and Biology as distinct disciplines. Its foresight extended to the digital age, boasting one of the nation's oldest computer science departments associated with a liberal arts school, a testament to its forward-thinking approach even when the field was new.

Today, Randolph-Macon continues its legacy as a private, co-educational liberal arts college, welcoming students since 1971. With a robust endowment and a commitment to academic excellence, evidenced by its long-standing Phi Beta Kappa chapter and as the founding site of Chi Beta Phi, students are empowered to engage deeply with their studies. Under President Michael E. Hill's leadership, the college remains dedicated to providing an engaging, comprehensive education that prepares graduates for extraordinary futures.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1830, making it one of the oldest colleges in Virginia.
  • First college south of the Mason-Dixon line to require physical education for graduation.
  • Pioneered English and Biology as full academic disciplines in the Southern United States.
  • Home to one of the oldest Computer Science departments in a liberal arts college nationwide.
  • Hosts the Zeta of Virginia chapter of Phi Beta Kappa since 1923, and founded Chi Beta Phi in 1916.
  • Operates as a private liberal arts college with an endowment of $0.2 billion.
  • Became co-educational in 1971, welcoming its first 50 women and female faculty member.

Timeline

1830
Founded by Methodists Hekeziah G. Leigh and John Early in Boydton, Virginia.
1847
Established a relationship with Hampden-Sydney College, leading to the formation of a medical school.
1851
Randolph–Macon Medical School closed.
1868
Relocated to its current Ashland campus after the Civil War.
1887
The 'old gym,' the first structure in the South built solely for physical education, was constructed.
1893
Randolph College (then Randolph-Macon Woman's College) was founded under Randolph-Macon's original charter.
1916
Chi Beta Phi, the national science honorary society, was founded at Randolph-Macon.
1923
Became home to the Zeta of Virginia chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's oldest academic honor society.
1971
Became a co-educational institution, enrolling its first 50 women and full-time female faculty member.
🏛️
196 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Randolph-Macon College

🏥

Randolph–Macon Medical School

Established in relationship with Hampden-Sydney College, but closed in 1851.

Leadership

via Wikipedia

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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