Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Overview

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is a four-year, full-time, more selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Blacksburg, VA. It has an enrollment of 29,699 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 56.47%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $20,927. Tuition is $14,174.00 without financial aid.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 92.09% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 14 to 1.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Website

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 56.47%.

SAT or ACT scores are considered but not required

• The average SAT score was 1320.0 for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was 29.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $20,927. The in-state tuition is $14,174.00. Out-of-state tuition is $33,857.00

The average tuition is:

• $11,740, when family income is less than $30,000

• $13,739, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $18,113, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $24,065, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $26,726, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 35.32% of students received a federal student loan and 14.79% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $33,857.00 without financial aid, or the in-state tuition discount.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Net Price Calculator

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Majors/Salaries

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Agriculture, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,409
• Agricultural Business and Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,682
• Agricultural Production Operations. (Associate’s Degree) – $32,772
• Animal Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,542
• Food Science and Technology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $47,846
• Plant Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,312
• Plant Sciences. (Master’s Degree) – $41,565
• Veterinary Medicine. (Doctoral Degree) – $77,184
• Natural Resources Conservation and Research. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,729
• Natural Resources Management and Policy. (Master’s Degree) – $60,433
• Forestry. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,289
• Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $21,850
• Architecture. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $51,960
• Architecture. (Master’s Degree) – $57,318
• City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning. (Master’s Degree) – $55,651
• Landscape Architecture. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $49,562
• Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,618
• Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $88,678
• Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other. (Master’s Degree) – $96,691
• Curriculum and Instruction. (Master’s Degree) – $46,352
• Curriculum and Instruction. (Doctoral Degree) – $75,204
• Educational Administration and Supervision. (Master’s Degree) – $51,993
• Educational Administration and Supervision. (Doctoral Degree) – $91,211
• Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $65,029
• Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $84,653
• Agricultural Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $57,318
• Chemical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $73,272
• Civil Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $62,508
• Civil Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $72,928
• Computer Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $78,488
• Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $70,863
• Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $100,317
• Engineering Mechanics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $71,575
• Materials Engineering (Bachelor’s Degree) – $61,814
• Mechanical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $70,163
• Mechanical Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $73,635
• Mechanical Engineering. (Doctoral Degree) – $97,959
• Mining and Mineral Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $65,441
• Construction Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $67,324
• Industrial Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $70,628
• Engineering-Related Fields. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $63,005
• Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,314
• Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $43,426
• Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,133
• Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,549
• Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. (Master’s Degree) – $33,281
• English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Master’s Degree) – $50,856
• Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,403
• Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,704
• Microbiological Sciences and Immunology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,289
• Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $46,321
• Statistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,712
• Philosophy. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,990
• Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,416
• Chemistry. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
• Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,409
• Physics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,289
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,960
• Psychology, General. (Doctoral Degree) – $48,432
• Public Administration. (Master’s Degree) – $75,518
• Public Policy Analysis. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $43,575
• Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $48,198
• Geography and Cartography. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,668
• International Relations and National Security Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,878
• Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $40,341
• Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
• Design and Applied Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $48,198
• Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $21,964
• Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,409
• Medicine. (First Professional Degree) – $54,948
• Public Health. (Master’s Degree) – $48,265
• Business/Commerce, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $56,563
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $50,515
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $113,246
• Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $62,632
• Accounting and Related Services. (Master’s Degree) – $63,749
• Business/Managerial Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $57,318
• Finance and Financial Management Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $61,714
• Hospitality Administration/Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $46,478
• Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $70,680
• Marketing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $51,773
• Construction Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $67,995
• History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,565

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.11%
• Asian: 11.95%
• Black: 5.47%
• Hispanic: 8.61%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.13%
• Non-resident alien: 4.85%
• Two or more races: 5.17%
• Unknown: 2.38%
• White: 61.32%

At Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1.68% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, commonly known as Virginia Tech, has a very strong sense of school spirit. The university has a number of traditions that students and alumni hold dear, including the HokieBird mascot, the Skipper Cannon that fires after a score, and the Hokie Stone that is used in many of the buildings on campus. The football team is very popular, and game days are a major social event on campus and in the community. The students also have a strong commitment to community service, and the university is known for its philanthropic efforts. Overall, there is a great sense of pride and camaraderie among the Virginia Tech community.

What are some popular extracurriculars at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?

Virginia Tech has a variety of popular extracurricular activities for its students. Some of the most popular extracurriculars on campus include: 1. Greek life – Virginia Tech has a large Greek community with over 50 fraternities and sororities. 2. Intramural sports – Virginia Tech offers a variety of intramural sports for students to participate in, including basketball, flag football, soccer, and ultimate frisbee. 3. Club sports – Virginia Tech has over 60 club sports teams, including rowing, rugby, skiing, and volleyball. 4. Outdoor activities – Virginia Tech is located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, providing students with ample opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities. 5. Volunteer organizations – Virginia Tech has a strong tradition of community service, with numerous volunteer organizations and opportunities available to students. These are just a few of the many extracurricular activities available to students at Virginia Tech.

How are the food choices at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, commonly known as Virginia Tech, has a wide variety of dining options available for students. There are 11 dining centers and over 30 food retail locations on campus that offer a range of cuisines including American, international, vegan, and vegetarian. Students can choose from several meal plans, which offer different levels of flexibility and access to dining venues. Virginia Tech also has a dining sustainability program that focuses on environmentally friendly practices, such as composting and using locally sourced ingredients when possible. Overall, the food choices at Virginia Tech are diverse and cater to different dietary needs and preferences.

Is there Greek life at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?

Yes, Virginia Tech has a thriving Greek life on campus. There are around 50 organizations, including social fraternities and sororities, as well as organizations focused on specific interests or majors. Roughly 20% of undergraduate students participate in Greek life at Virginia Tech.

What is Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University known for?

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, also known as Virginia Tech, is known for its strong programs in engineering and technology. It is also recognized for its outstanding programs in business, agriculture, natural resources, and related fields. The university has an excellent reputation for research, particularly in the areas of science and engineering, and has an extensive network of industry partnerships. Additionally, Virginia Tech has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, with a focus on renewable energy and sustainable agriculture initiatives.

What are the most popular school clubs at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?

At Virginia Tech, there are over 800 student organizations and clubs to choose from. Some of the most popular clubs at Virginia Tech include: 1. The Big Event: This is a student-run community service project that involves thousands of students in the Blacksburg area volunteering to help with various projects. 2. Virginia Tech Student Government Association: The Student Government Association (SGA) represents the student body and advocates for student needs and interests within the Virginia Tech community. 3. The Outing Club: Virginia Tech’s Outing Club is a group of outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, camping, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities. 4. Intramural Sports: Virginia Tech offers a variety of intramural sports, including basketball, flag football, soccer, softball, and volleyball. 5. Greek Life: Virginia Tech has a strong Greek Life community, with over 50 fraternities and sororities on campus. These are just a few of the many clubs and organizations available at Virginia Tech. Students can find a club or organization based on their interests or create their own club to meet like-minded individuals.

Is the campus at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University safe?

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, also known as Virginia Tech, takes campus safety seriously. The University has its own police department that is staffed 24 hours a day, and the department provides various services such as emergency response, crime prevention, and safety education programs. Virginia Tech also has an extensive public safety network of over 1,200 emergency phones across the campus, and there is a campus-wide alert system that can broadcast information and warnings in the event of an emergency. While no campus can guarantee complete safety, Virginia Tech has taken many measures to ensure a safe living and learning environment for its students, faculty, and staff.