Rapid Maroons
Get a head start on your transfer plans and enjoy the perks of being a Maroon while earning an associate’s degree at your community college!
The Rapid Maroons program was designed for students at partner community colleges who are interested in continuing their education and earning a bachelor’s degree at Roanoke College. With access to joint advising and student activities, along with a streamlined application process, Rapid Maroons can save time and confidently take the next step in their journey toward a well-rounded and successful future.
The Rapid Maroons program is currently available to students at the following partner schools: Virginia Western Community College
Why join Rapid Maroons?
Make the most of your time and resources
As a Rapid Maroon, you'll declare a curricular program at your partner community college, then receive academic advising from both Roanoke College and the community college to help you pursue your interests and stay on track for your dream major at Roanoke.
Transfer with ease
In this program, when you earn a transfer-oriented associate’s degree from your partner community college and obtain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0, you’re eligible to directly enroll in Roanoke College courses without needing to reapply.
Learn and play with us
Rapid Maroons have access to privileges and opportunities available to Roanoke College students. That includes clubs, intramural sports, facilities such as the game room or Belk Fitness Center, and community events such as art exhibitions, theater performances, athletic matchups and guest speakers. This is in addition to the support services, activities and events afforded to you at your community college.
Make friends early
As a Rapid Maroon, you’ll establish early relationships with students, faculty and staff on the Roanoke College campus, making the transfer process smoother and more successful.
“We expect the joint advising will help to keep these students on a four-year path to graduation, and we want Rapid Maroons to have a sense of belonging on our campus long before they begin the transfer process.”
Frank Shushok Jr., Roanoke College president
Course Transfers
Your time and money are super important! We know you want to earn your degree and get your career started as quickly as possible.
View this course transfer table to find out how the courses you’re taking at Virginia Western Community College will transfer to Roanoke College.
Roanoke College is also a partner in Transfer Virginia, an initiative that establishes a transfer gateway between two-year colleges and four-year colleges in Virginia. Visit the Transfer Virginia website to learn more about how to remove gateway barriers and improve credit efficiency, time to transfer, and degree attainment rates.
Additional Benefits
Cost
As part of the Rapid Maroons program, you’ll only have to keep up with tuition and fees at your partner community college. The only additional fee at Roanoke College (prior to enrolling in courses on our campus) is a $95 student activity fee for those who choose to participate in certain student activities.
Academic Support
When you choose the Rapid Maroons program, you’ll get a personal academic advisor at your community college AND one-on-one advising at Roanoke, allowing you to make progress on your intended major(s) before enrolling in classes at Roanoke.
You will also have access to subject tutoring and academic coaching on Roanoke’s campus, as well as skill development workshops and information about accessibility in learning.
Transportation
Rapid Maroons enrolled at Virginia Western may use their VWCC ID Valley Metro pass for transportation between the VWCC campus in Roanoke and the Roanoke College campus in Salem.