Something curious happens when our students set foot on our campus. They come to Hollins eager, ready to take chances and begin the next chapter of life. But when they emerge, they aren’t just graduates — they’re leaders, decision makers, cultural shapers. That’s because Hollins ignites in our students a passion to learn, explore, and create.
Bachelor's programmes
Arts, Design & Architecture (1)
- Bachelor Art History
About
History
Hollins was initially established in 1842 as Valley Union Seminary, a coeducational college. Charles Lewis Cocke, who devoted his life to “the higher education of women in the South” during an era when many women were denied the opportunity to earn a college degree, was named principal and business manager in 1846.
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2021
GSSA 2021
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2021. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 8 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
Learn more about the Global Student Satisfaction AwardsServices
Housing services
We’re a residential community, so most of our students live in residence halls on campus. Our eclectic mix of housing ranges from large halls and apartments to special interest housing for students with specific common interests.
Medical services
All services are free to students except for specialized tests, immunizations, and some supplies.
- Primary care for acute and chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, colds, flu, allergies, stress, sleep disorder, anxiety, and more
- GYN services, including pregnancy tests and contraception
- Information on nutrition, smoking prevention, and exercise
- Pap and STD testing by appointment
- Immunizations
Student Life
Campus life
- 475-acre campus located in Roanoke, Virginia (The Roanoke Metropolitan Statistical Area includes the City of Roanoke, City of Salem, Roanoke County, Botetourt County, Craig County, and Franklin County — a population of approximately 300,000)
Sports facilities
Want to stay in shape? Hollins offers facilities and classes to help you reach your fitness goals.SWIM, WORK OUT, RIDE, PLAYATHLETIC COMPLEXExhibition playing courts for basketball and volleyball, weight and training rooms, and saunas.NORTHEN SWIMMING CENTER25-yard pool.BATTEN TENNIS CENTER10 outdoor courts, with lights, cushion-top finish, viewing areas for friends and family, and a pro court for high-profile matches.PLAYING FIELDSoccer and lacrosse games take place on a field with an immaculate Bermuda/rye natural grass surface.RIDING CENTERLocated on the northern end of campus, the complex contains 43 large box stalls with rubber mats.
Student clubs
Hollins is home to many clubs and organizations.
- The Album, Cargoes, Cyborg Griffin, and Gravel: campus literary journals
- A.C.C.E.N.T. (Association of Countries, Cultures, Events, and National Traditions)
- ADA (school spirit)
- Arts Association
- Asian Student Alliance
- Better Together
- Black Student Alliance
- Community Garden
- Freya (service organization)
- Hollins Circus
- Hollins Activity Board
- Hollins Outdoor Athletes
- Hollins Outdoor Program (HOP)
- Hollins Repertory Dance Company
- Model United Nations (Model UN)
Accreditation
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredits Hollins University to award degrees at the bachelor’s and master’s levels.
Student Reviews
I would do it all over again.
Anonymous rated 4 out of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this university for the diversity, women leadership/ mentorship and the other students. I learned so much about myself and about what I would enjoy in life. At times I felt like my university couldn’t care less if I attended there or not, and I don’t feel that deep connection to the university like I do with the people I met there, but I wouldn’t change my...
Hollins: The Star University
Anonymous rated 5 out of 5 stars
Hollins University is a small liberal arts university founded by my ancestor with the purpose of giving women the same education available to men at the time (1800s). I am proud to say that his goal was achieved. The education at Hollins (at least in my majors) was quite good. I will say in order to succeed with Hollins you have to take advantage and interact with the...
An Empowering Experience
Anonymous rated 5 out of 5 stars
Hollins really helped guide me forward and pursue my dreams.
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