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Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA·Public·30,435 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want a major research university experience and in-state Virginia residents. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $67,100 within 10 years; strong 86% graduation rate.

57%
Accept
30,435
Students
$23,790
Net Price
86%
Grad Rate
$67,100
Earnings
10 yr
$19,000
Debt

About This School

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is a public institution located in Blacksburg, Virginia with approximately 30,435 undergraduate students enrolled. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 57%. The average net price after financial aid is $23,790 per year. The graduation rate is 86%, and the typical graduate earns $67,100 within 10 years of enrollment.

The Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, commonly referred to as Virginia Tech (VT), is a public land-grant research university with its main campus in Blacksburg, Virginia, United States. It was founded as the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College in 1872.

This is a strong option for students drawn to engineering, architecture, or agriculture at a large research university with serious career outcomes — grads report median earnings of $67,100 a decade out, which holds up well against the $19,000 median debt load. The 86% graduation rate and 92% freshman retention signal that students who enroll tend to stay and finish, which matters at a school of 30,000+ undergrads where it can be easy to fall through the cracks. At $23,790/year average net cost for a school of this caliber, the value proposition is genuinely hard to argue with for Virginia residents especially.

Founded
1872
Setting
Small city
Conference
Atlantic Coast Conference

Popular Programs

Engineering22%
Business & Marketing22%
Social Sciences8%
Biological Sciences8%
Computer Science7%
Psychology3%
Communications3%
Visual & Performing Arts2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Robert Coleman RichardsonSteve BannonJayma MaysGladys WestSeung-Hui ChoChristopher C. KraftDell CurryChet CulverLewis BinfordNickeil Alexander-WalkerCharlie ByrdMichelle Krusiec

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1337
Reading 75th %ile700
Math 75th %ile720

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite29

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$15,478
Out-of-State Tuition
$36,694
Avg Net Price
$23,790
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants15%
Median debt at graduation$19,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
86%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
92%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$67,100
after enrollment
Median Debt
$19,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$19,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$50,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$67,100
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.5x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White58%
Black6%
Hispanic/Latino10%
Asian13%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (30,435 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

210 Burruss Hall, 800 Drillfield Dr.

Blacksburg, VA 24061-0131

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Virginia

Browse all Virginia schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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