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You are here: Home / Schools / Hollins University

Hollins University

Roanoke, VA
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Hollins University

Photo: Hollins University. Retrieved from: www.wikipedia.org

Hollins University is a private, women’s college that focuses on helping students develop their skills and abilities for their professional journeys. This school offers women a wide variety of majors, organizations and group involvement opportunities that will add irreplaceable life experiences to their academic college resume. Providing students with a solid education is only one part of the mission at Hollins – this school is also dedicated to helping students grow individually with a strong foundation and support system. Staff and faculty assistance students in their life journey by proving them with leadership training, a well rounded education and the freedom to explore the endless other possibilities both on campus and outside in the world.

The student body at Hollins University represents 46 states and 13 countries, making campus life a melting pot of opportunity and value. Students are encouraged to explore the world through different cultures, perspectives and political views while learning how to respect their differences and similarities alike. Students are also inspired to participate in community service programs and activities that embed core values that will set them aside in the work place.

School History

Hollins University has been dedicated to educating and empowering women for over 100 years. Founded in 1842 as the coeducational college known as Valley Union Seminary – it was not until late 1852 that it became a women’s institute. However, it was not long after the coed separation that the school was renamed to the Hollins Institute, in honor of the schools benefactors, John and Ann Hollins. As the times progressed, so did the school and accordingly, the school’s name. In 1911 it became Hollins College and most recently in 1998, became what is now known as Hollins University, a four year undergraduate school for women. Although the graduate program began in 1958 and has since upheld the tradition to offer some programs to both men and women – Hollins University has evolved to offer a variety of modern science, law and business programs as well as the liberal arts programs.

The history of Hollins University runs deep honoring and promoting the higher education of women, just as the first principal of Hollins College – Charles Lewis Cocke, more commonly known as the Founder of Hollins. His beliefs in the importance of equality and the education of women in the South have carried through, even a century later.

Campus Life

Hollins University takes pride in the fact that women from all over the world show interest in attending the school to experience the irreplaceable experience of college life. Living on campus, students can experience a wide array of entertaining and enriching activities to participate in. Whether you are looking to take part in special interests groups or political organizations such as student government – there are plenty of things to do at Hollins University. Students work together to put together all organizations, groups and activities – creating close knit bonds and lifelong friendships.

The college experience is not truly complete without living on campus! Hollins University provides students with full accommodations in one of the many residence halls and apartment dorms. The faculty and staff understand that it can be overwhelming to conduct daily life, work and classes around so many people each day, which is why the encourage students to interact and get involved as much as possible to alleviate the stress and stimulate the mind intellectually.

Hollins University designates members of the Residence Life Staff that work to help students transition into college life and their professional goals. Students can appreciated the consistent and reliable guidance and support they need to develop their learning skills both in and out of the classroom.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is an important factor of the college experience. However students should not have to stress over how to pay for school. At Hollins, students are provided direct assistance in finding the correct financial aid and scholarship information. Counselors are always available to help students file paperwork, research options and utilize untapped resources that could possibly be available to them. The faculty understands how difficult it can be to pay for tuition on your own, which is why they remain dedicated to helping students relieve some of the stress.

Hollins University provides students with the opportunity to apply for various merit based scholarships as well as athletic awards. This school does accept government insured loans and grants, including the NYS TAP loan and FAFSA loans. Work study programs are available for students both on and off campus. These programs can sometimes be incorporated into the students field of study or involve paid internship opportunities.

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  • Overview
  • Community & Safety
  • Academics
  • Social Life

Overview

Despite college rankings and countless beautiful college websites, most students and families know very little about the actual student experience at particular schools. College websites, campus tours and conversations with high school guidance counselors provide very limited information.

The Voice of the Student Survey compares the responses of over 7,500 liberal arts college undergraduates on more than 40 questions about college life. As a result, we learned what “real life” looks like at individual schools.

Some of the best (and worst) performers in our research are surprising. Some are among the U.S. News & World Report’s top ranked liberal arts colleges in the country, while others are ranked much lower but provide a successful student experience.

Our Liberal Arts Insider members know exactly how these colleges compare.

We surveyed thousands of liberal arts students to help you get the real scoop about the student experience… the good, the bad and the ugly.

Campus Community Coach & Safety Sherpa

How safe, accepted, and comfortable students feel on their college campus is one of the largest influencing factors as to how satisfied they feel with their college experience. Having a tight-knit college community is the cornerstone of a successful college experience, as proven by our Voice of the Students survey.

We can compare what the college brochures advertise to what students are actually experiencing; sometimes the admissions representatives have no idea how students on their campus really feel. This “Community” section is a way to find out exactly what students think about their campus, in their own words. Here, we have data about student satisfaction, housing, social cliques, and student’s sense of safety.

Get Our In Depth Analysis of Liberal Arts Colleges

The smartest way to cut through the college marketing hype and pick a college that is a perfect fit for your child is to become a Liberal Arts Insider member. Our research reveals inside information that colleges will never tell you.
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Academics Advisor

Without a doubt, academics are a major focus, if not the top priority, for many college students. Schools will often advertise their classrooms as collaborative, but we’ve found that students sometimes describe the academic environment as highly competitive. Are students helping each other with academic work or trying to get ahead? Do students spend every waking moment with their nose in a book?

We asked students both qualitative and quantitative questions to find out how the academics at this school challenge them, and contribute to their college experience. Find out directly from the students how they feel about academics, challenging or otherwise, at their school.

Get Our In Depth Analysis of Liberal Arts Colleges

The smartest way to cut through the college marketing hype and pick a college that is a perfect fit for your child is to become a Liberal Arts Insider member. Our research reveals inside information that colleges will never tell you.
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Social Life Navigator

In addition to academics, social life is integral to the campus experience, and it’s dictated by a few different elements. Do students feel discriminated against based on their identities? Where do students spend most of their time socializing? Do drugs and alcohol dominate the social scene? This is the kind of information that schools will NOT advertise.

So, to find truthful answers these to questions, we asked students for their perspectives. We looked into social aspects such as extracurricular involvement, opportunities in the local community, and alcohol/drug culture on this campus.

Get Our In Depth Analysis of Liberal Arts Colleges

The smartest way to cut through the college marketing hype and pick a college that is a perfect fit for your child is to become a Liberal Arts Insider member. Our research reveals inside information that colleges will never tell you.
Learn More

Fast Facts

Location:Roanoke, VA
Year Founded:1842
Number of Students:1000 or less
Avg Net Price:$ 18,000
Retention Rate (%):81
Reported Test Type:SAT
Test Scores (75% percentile):1280
Test Scores (25% percentile):1070
Freshman in Top 10% of HS Class (%):23
Admit Rate (%):61
School Selectivity:Non Selective
4 Year Graduation Rate (%):55

Note: Facts compiled from school website as well as other data sources including: US Department of Education, IPEDS, College Board and NCES.

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