Hollins University

Hollins University is working to make education accessible, especially with the new HOPE Scholarship. Beginning in Fall 2025, this scholarship will cover tuition, fees, room, and board for eligible first-year students with a family household income of $65,000 or less, who also qualify for the Pell Grant. All admitted students receive academic merit scholarships of at least $24,000 annually, and the average incoming undergraduate receives over $34,000 in scholarships and grants.

Hollins has a selective admission policy with an acceptance rate around 71%. The university looks for students who are hungry to learn, determined to lead, and ready to act. Hollins accepts the Common App and does not require SAT/ACT scores, and once an application is submitted, an admission counselor will review the materials and connect with the applicant quickly.

Hollins offers a challenging and supportive academic environment with a focus on individualized learning. Classes are lively and collaborative, with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio and an average class size of 12. The university emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration, and professors are known for their accessibility and support.

Hollins prepares students for success after graduation, with over 90% of graduates employed, in graduate school, in military service, or in a volunteer organization within six months of graduating. Experiential learning is a hallmark of the university, with 80% of students completing at least one internship and over half participating in two or more. The university also offers resources like the Rutherfoord Center for Experiential Learning, the Batten Leadership Institute, and the Entrepreneurial Learning Institute.

Campus life at Hollins is vibrant and steeped in traditions, with a multitude of clubs, organizations, and programs. The university fosters a diverse and inclusive community where students can grow in ways they've never imagined. While there is no traditional Greek life, students find social connections through clubs, athletic teams, and campus events.

Hollins University prioritizes campus safety with 24-hour security patrols, campus emergency phones, and a mobile campus emergency alert system. The university also offers 24-hour escort safety rides. Niche.com gives Hollins a safety grade of A.

Hollins offers undergraduate research opportunities that allow students to delve deeply into areas of interest with faculty guidance. Programs include Summer Research Fellows, collaborative research with Virginia Tech's Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, and participation in the Student Performance and Academic Research Conference (SPARC). Hollins is also a member of the Council on Undergraduate Research.

Hollins welcomes international students from around the world, with students hailing from 14 countries. The university offers over 20 field study and affiliated programs, and 44% of 2024 graduates participated in at least one global learning opportunity. Hollins also provides various scholarships for international students.