Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
About Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Virginia Tech is a public research university in Blacksburg, Virginia, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is known for its engineering, architecture, agriculture, and business programs. Virginia Tech has a strong military tradition through its Corps of Cadets and competes in the ACC.
Founded
1872
Location
Blacksburg, Virginia
Students
38,745
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
54.8%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
86.2%
Above national average
In-State Tuition
$15,948
Out-of-state: $37,764
Avg Net Price
$24,953
After financial aid
SAT Average
1364
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$81,698
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
54.8 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$60
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 15
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University accepts 54.8% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
1364/ 1600
ACT Scores
29/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
86.2% complete their degree within six years
Retention
93.1%
4-Year Grad
68%
6-Year Grad
87%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
98.7%
$/Student
$15.6K
Class Size
Medium
68% of students graduate on time, and 98.7% of courses are taught by full-time faculty. That personal instruction helps keep students on track.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$15,948
In-State
$37,764
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$16,550
Books & Supplies
$2,678
Total Cost of Attendance
$36,951
After Financial Aid
$24,953
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$11,689
Receive Grants
15.3%
Take Loans
33.6%
The full cost of attendance is about $36,951/yr for in-state students, including $16,550 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $24,953. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $37,764.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University fund their education.
While in School
15.3%
Get Grants
Free money
33.6%
Take Loans
Must repay
$89,378
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$21,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$228/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 33.6% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $21,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Gender
43.3%
Female
57%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
30,923
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
7,822
Graduates
17.8%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
1.6%
Age 25+
Men make up the majority at 57% of the student body. 17.8% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
30,923
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Blacksburg is a safe, close-knit college town
- +Hokie spirit and Enter Sandman tradition are legendary
- +Beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain setting
- +Strong engineering and Corps of Cadets tradition
Cons
- -Blacksburg is remote and far from major cities
- -Car is essential for anything off campus
- -Cold mountain winters with occasional ice storms
- -Large university bureaucracy can be slow
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University fields 12 varsity teams with 702 student athletes, about 2% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Atlantic Coast
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
702
2% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
60% / 40%
423
Men
279
Women
9
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$81,698
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Computer and Information Sciences, General
$96K
526 grads
1yr Earnings
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
$78K
486 grads
1yr Earnings
Finance and Financial Management Services
$67K
359 grads
1yr Earnings
Mechanical Engineering
$78K
342 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$28K
315 grads
1yr Earnings
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
$25K
261 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $67K six years out, climb to $59K by year eight, and reach $82K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
What is the acceptance rate at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?▾
How much does Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?▾
How much do Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.