Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA

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Virginia Polytech Institute and State University, founded in 1872, is a public, comprehensive university. Students who want to learn in a high-technology environment choose Virginia Tech because it is not only the largest university in Virginia, but also the Commonwealth's top research university. Undergraduates are given an opportunity to make their own groundbreaking discoveries. A leading magazine recently ranked Virginia Tech fifth in the nation in terms of the best value for schools specializing in science and technical programs. Programs are offered through the Colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Architecture and Urban Studies, Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, Human Resources and Education, Natural Resources, and Veterinary Medicine. Tech also has been named one of the most wired colleges in the United States, both for its innovative use of technology in all classrooms, from English to philosophy, biology and engineering, and for providing free Internet and e-mail access to all its students. Its 2,600-acre campus is located in Blacksburg, 38 miles west of Roanoke.

Website: www.vt.edu/

Public
Co-ed
27,193
Undergraduate
Students
(43.1%) 11,710 Women
(56.9%) 15,483 Men
7,247
Graduate
Students

Admission

Entrance Difficulty
Moderately difficult
Overall Admission Rate
70% of 27,423 applicants were admitted
Early Action Offered
No
Early Decision Offered
Yes
Regular Admission Deadline
January 15

Qualifications of Enrolled Freshmen

Average GPA
3.97
SAT Math
639 average
590-690 range of middle 50%
SAT EBRW
629 average
590-670 range of middle 50%
ACT Composite
27 average
25-30 range of middle 50%
See more

Money Matters

Cost of Attendance
In-state: $26,764
Out-of-state: $44,448
Tuition and Fees
In-state: $13,620
Out-of-state: $31,304
Room and Board
$8,934
Average Percent of Need Met
66%
Average Freshman Award
$17,549
Average Indebtedness of 2016 Graduates
$30,221
See more

Academics

Academic Calendar System
Semester
General Education/Core Curriculum
Required
Full-Time Faculty Teaching Undergraduates
1,806
Regular Class Size
2-9 students: 9% of classes
10-19 students: 20% of classes
20-29 students: 24% of classes
30-39 students: 18% of classes
40-49 students: 8% of classes
50-99 students: 14% of classes
Over 100 students: 8% of classes
See more

Campus Life

Blacksburg Population
42,627
Nearest Metropolitan Area
 
Freshman Housing Guarantee
Freshmen are guaranteed housing
Students in College Housing
35% of all students
Athletic Conferences
NCAA Division I
Mascot
Hokie Bird
Sororities
19% of women participate
Fraternities
13% of men participate
See more

Students

Ethnicity of Students from U.S.
0.2% American Indian/Alaskan Native
10.5% Asian
4.3% Black/African-American
6.4% Hispanic/Latino
4.8% Multi-race (not Hispanic/Latino)
0.1% Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander
70.6% White
3.1% Unknown
International Students
6.4% from 86 countries
First-Year Students Returning
93.0%
Students Graduating Within 4 Years
63.4%
Graduates Offered Full-Time Employment Within 6 Months
51%
Graduates Pursuing Advanced Study Directly
Not reported
See more

Freshman Admission Requirements

Entrance Difficulty

Moderately Difficult: More than 75% of freshmen were in the top 50% of their high school class and scored over 1010 on the SAT I or over 18 on the ACT; about 85% or fewer of all applicants accepted.

High School Preparation

High School Graduation
High school diploma required and GED is accepted
High School Program
 

High School Units Required or Recommended

High School Units Required or Recommended
Subject Required Units Recommended Units
English 4  
Mathematics 3 4
Science 2 3
Foreign Language   3
Social Studies 1  
History 1  
Academic Electives 4  

Examinations

Examinations
Exam Required Units Scores Due in Admissions Office
SAT or ACT Required Not reported
SAT Only    
ACT Only    
SAT and SAT Subject Tests, or ACT    
SAT Subject Tests Only  
SAT Essay Component Policy Not Reported
ACT Writing Test Policy Accepted with or without writing component
ACT Writing Test Policy SAT: Not used
ACT: Not used

Applying for Admission

Admissions Office

Address
 
City, State, Zip
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Phone
(540) 231-6267
Fax
(540) 231-3242
E-mail
admissions@vt.edu

Application Dates and Fees

Regular Admisson Deadline
January 15
Application Fee
$60
Application Fee Waiver
Available
Regular Admission Notification
April 1
Accept Offer of Admission
May 1
Waiting List Used
Yes
Defer Admission
Student can defer admission
Transfer Admission
Transfer applications accepted

Early Admission

Early Decision Offered
Yes
Early Decision Deadline
November 1
Early Decision Notification
December 15
Early Action Offered
No
Early Action Deadline
 
Early Action Notification
 

Application Form

Common Application
Not accepted
Universal College Application
Not accepted
Electronic Application
Available

Other Application Requirements

Interview
Not Required
Essay or Personal Statement
Recommended for all freshmen
Letters of Recommendation
 
Other
 
Financial Need
Financial need is not a consideration in the admissions process

Selection of Students

Selection of Students
Factor Very Important Important Considered Not Considered
Rigor of Secondary School Record X
Academic GPA X
Standardized Tests X
Class Rank X
Recommendations X
Essay X
Interview X
Level of Applicant's Interest X
Extracurricular Activities X
Volunteer Work X
Particular Talent/Ability X
Character/Personal Qualities X
First Generation to Attend College X
State Residency X
Geographic Residence X
Relation with Alumnus X
Religious Affiliation/Commitment X
Ethnicity X
Work Experience X

Profile of Fall Admission

Overall Admission Rate
70% of 27,423 applicants were admitted
Women
74% of 11,163 applicants were admitted
Men
68% of 16,260 applicants were admitted
Students Enrolled
7,412 (39%) of 19,212 admitted students enrolled
Women
3,161 (38%) of 8,218 admitted students enrolled
Men
4,251 (39%) of 10,994 admitted students enrolled
Early Decision Admission Rate
63% of 2596 applicants were admitted
Early Action Admission Rate
 
Students Offered Wait List
3,485
Students Accepting Wait List Position
2,404
Students Admitted From Wait List
0

Grade Point Average of Enrolled Freshmen (4.0 scale)

Average GPA
3.97
3.75 and Above
78%
3.50 - 3.74
14%
3.25 - 3.49
5%
3.00 - 3.24
2%
2.50 - 2.99
1%
2.00 - 2.49
 

SAT Scores of Enrolled Freshmen

SAT Math
639 average
590-690 range of middle 50%
Score of 700 - 800
23%
Score of 600 - 700
48%
Score of 500 - 600
28%
Score of 400 - 500
2%
Score of 300 - 400
0%
Score of 200 - 300
Not reported
SAT EBRW
629 average
590-670 range of middle 50%
Score of 700 - 800
15%
Score of 600 - 700
57%
Score of 500 - 600
26%
Score of 400 - 500
2%
Score of 300 - 400
0%
Score of 200 - 300
0%

ACT Scores of Enrolled Freshmen

ACT Composite
27 average
25-30 range of middle 50%
Score of 30 - 36
31%
Score of 24 - 29
54%
Score of 18 - 23
15%
Score of 12 - 17
0%
Score of 6 - 11
0%
Score of 5 or Below
0%

Other Qualifications of Enrolled Freshmen

High School Class Rank
Top tenth: 38%
Top quarter: 77%
Top half: 98%
National Merit Scholar
Not reported
Valedictorian
Not reported
Class President
Not reported
Student Government Officer
Not reported

Tuition and Expenses

Cost of Attendance
In-state: $26,764
Out-of-state: $44,448
Tuition and Fees
In-state: $13,620
Out-of-state: $31,304
Room and Board
$8,934
Books and Supplies
$1,150
Other Expenses
$3,060
Payment Plans
Installment plan

Applying for Financial Aid

Financial Aid Office

Email
Web Site
Financial Aid Web Site
Net Price Calculator URL
Net Price Calculator URL

Application Process

Application Deadline
January 15
Award Notification
On or about April 1
Methodology for Awarding Institutional Aid
Federal Methodology
Forms Required Cost to File
FAFSA
Code is 003754		 Free

Profile of 2017 - 18 Financial Aid

Freshman

Financial Aid Applicants
4,676 (79.0%) of freshmen
Found to Have Financial Need
2,558 (54.7%) of applicants
Received Financial Aid
2,394 (93.6%) of applicants with financial need
Need Fully Met
470 (19.6%) of aid recipients
Average Percent of Need Met
66%
Average Award
$17,549
Need-Based Gift
Received by 1,703 (71.1%) of aid recipients, average amount $7,664
Need-Based Self-Help
Received by 1,674 (69.9%) of aid recipients, average amount $3,998
Merit-Based Gift
Received by 1,344 (56.1%) of aid recipients
Merit-Based Gift
592 (10.0%) of freshmen had no financial need and received merit aid, average amount $4,027

All Undergraduates

Financial Aid Applicants
16,298 (64.7%) of undergraduates
Found to Have Financial Need
10,922 (67.0%) of applicants
Received Financial Aid
10,437 (95.6%) of applicants with financial need
Need Fully Met
1,757 (16.8%) of aid recipients
Average Percent of Need Met
64%
Average Award
$17,772
Need-Based Gift
Received by 7,704 (73.8%) of aid recipients, average amount $7,097
Need-Based Self-Help
Received by 7,684 (73.6%) of aid recipients, average amount $4,611
Merit-Based Gift
Received by 5,763 (55.2%) of aid recipients
Merit-Based Gift
2,232 (8.9%) of undergraduates had no financial need and received merit aid, average amount $4,064

Borrowing

2016 Graduates Who Took Out Loans
49%
Average Indebtedness of 2016 Graduates
$30,221
Parents of Students Receiving Aid
Not reported
Parents of Students Not Receiving Aid
Not reported

Financial Aid Programs

Loans

Federal Loans
Direct subsidized Stafford loans, direct unsubsidized Stafford loans, direct PLUS loans, Federal Perkins loans
State Loans
Available
Other Loans
College/university loans

Scholarships and Grants

Need-Based Available
Federal Pell grants, SEOG, State scholarships, Institutional scholarships, Private scholarships
Non-Need–Based Available
None

Non-Need Awards

Academic Interest/Achievement Award Areas
Library Science
Number of Awards
Not reported
Top Areas (By Money Awarded)
 
Creative Arts/Performance Award Areas
Applied Art and Design, Art/Fine Arts, Cinema/Film/Broadcasting, Creative Writing, Journalism/Publications, Music, Performing Arts, Theater/Drama
Number of Awards
Not reported
Top Areas (By Money Awarded)
 
Special Achievements/Activities Award Areas
Cheerleading/Drum Major, Community Service, Leadership, Memberships, Religious Involvement
Number of Awards
Not reported
Top Areas (By Money Awarded)
 
Special Characteristics Award Areas
Children of Faculty/Staff, First-Generation College Students, Local/State Students, Members of Minorities, Out-of-State Students, Twins, Veterans' Children
Number of Awards
Not reported
Top Areas (By Money Awarded)
 

Employment

Work-Study Programs
Federal work study available, other work study available
Average Earnings from On-Campus Employment
Not reported
Academic Calendar System
Semester
Summer Session
Offered
General Catalog/Bulletin
Online Catalog

Undergraduate Education

Undergraduate Majors

  • Accounting
  • Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical/Space Engineering
  • Agricultural Economics
  • Agronomy and Crop Science
  • Animal Sciences, General
  • Apparel and Textiles, General
  • Architecture
  • Art/Art Studies, General
  • Biochemistry
  • Biology/Biological Sciences, General
  • Business Administration and Management, General
  • Business Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences
  • Business/Managerial Economics
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry, General
  • Civil Engineering, General
  • Computer Engineering, General
  • Computer Science
  • Computer and Information Sciences, General
  • Construction Management
  • Dairy Science
  • Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General
  • Economics, General
  • Electrical and Electronics Engineering
  • Engineering Mechanics
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • Environmental Studies
  • Family and Consumer Sciences/Home Economics Teacher Education
  • Finance, General
  • Food Science
  • Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies, General
  • Forestry, General
  • French Language and Literature
  • Geography
  • Geology/Earth Science, General
  • German Language and Literature
  • History, General
  • Horticultural Science
  • Hotel/Motel Administration/Management
  • Human Development and Family Studies, General
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Industrial and Product Design
  • Information Science/Studies
  • Interior Design
  • International Relations and Affairs
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Management Science
  • Marketing/Marketing Management, General
  • Materials Engineering
  • Mathematics, General
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Meteorology
  • Mining and Mineral Engineering
  • Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
  • Music, General
  • Ocean Engineering
  • Philosophy
  • Physics, General
  • Political Science and Government, General
  • Poultry Science
  • Psychology, General
  • Public Policy Analysis, General
  • Real Estate
  • Russian Language and Literature
  • Secondary Education and Teaching
  • Sociology
  • Spanish Language and Literature
  • Speech Communication and Rhetoric
  • Statistics, General
Most Popular Disciplines
Engineering, Business/marketing, Family and consumer sciences
Combined Liberal Arts/Professional Degree Programs
None
Special Programs
Accelerated program, Cooperative work study program, Distance learning, Double major, English as a second language, Honors program, Independent study, Internships, Study abroad, Summer session
Study Abroad
Offered
Online Degrees
Not reported

Curriculum and Graduation Requirements

General Education/Core Curriculum
Required
Computer
Students required to own/lease a computer
Foreign Language
Required
Math/Science
Required for all students

Faculty and Instruction

Full-Time Faculty
1,806
Part-Time Faculty
226
Full-Time Faculty with Ph.D./Terminal Degree
80%
Regular Class Size
2-9 students: 9% of classes
10-19 students: 20% of classes
20-29 students: 24% of classes
30-39 students: 18% of classes
40-49 students: 8% of classes
50-99 students: 14% of classes
Over 100 students: 8% of classes
Discussion Section/Lab Class Size
2-9 students: 8% of discussion sections/labs
10-19 students: 21% of discussion sections/labs
20-29 students: 57% of discussion sections/labs
30-39 students: 9% of discussion sections/labs
40-49 students: 3% of discussion sections/labs
50-59 students: 2% of discussion sections/labs
Over 100 students: 0% of discussion sections/labs

Advanced Placement

International Baccalaureate
Accepted
Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations
Accepted for placement and credit
Sophomore Standing
Available through AP examinations

Academic Resources

Library Available on Campus
Yes
Holdings
 
Computer Ownership
Students required to own/lease a computer
Computers Available on Campus
Not Reported
Internet/E-mail Access
Not reported

Academic Support Services

Remedial Instruction
Not Offered
Tutoring
Available
Services for Learning Disabled Students
Available
Services for Physically Disabled Students
Hearing impaired services, speech disorders services, visually impaired services, wheelchair access

Graduate/Professional School Education

Master's Degrees Offered

Master of Urban and Regional Planning, Master of Fine Arts, Master of Science, Master of Architecture, Master of Arts in Education, Master of Landscape Architecture, Master of Public Administration, Master of Arts, Master of Public and International Affairs, Master of Science in Education

Master's Programs of Study

  • Accounting
  • Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering
  • Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness
  • Agricultural Engineering
  • Agricultural Sciences--General
  • Agronomy and Soil Sciences
  • Animal Sciences
  • Applied Economics
  • Architecture
  • Bioengineering
  • Bioinformatics
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences--General
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biotechnology
  • Building Science
  • Business Administration and Management--General
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Communication--General
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Computer and Information Systems Security
  • Construction Engineering
  • Construction Management
  • Counselor Education
  • Curriculum and Instruction
  • Distance Education Development
  • Economics
  • Education--General
  • Educational Leadership and Administration
  • Educational Measurement and Evaluation
  • Educational Media/Instructional Technology
  • Educational Policy
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Engineering Management
  • Engineering and Applied Sciences--General
  • English
  • Entomology
  • Environmental Design
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Management and Policy
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Exercise and Sports Science
  • Fish, Game, and Wildlife Management
  • Foreign Languages Education
  • Forestry
  • Genetics
  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Geography
  • Geosciences
  • Higher Education
  • History
  • History of Science and Technology
  • Horticulture
  • Hospitality Management
  • Human Development
  • Humanities
  • Industrial/Management Engineering
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • International Affairs
  • Internet and Interactive Multimedia
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Liberal Studies
  • Management Information Systems
  • Materials Engineering
  • Materials Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematics Education
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Mechanics
  • Mineral/Mining Engineering
  • National Security
  • Natural Resources
  • Nonprofit Management
  • Nuclear Engineering
  • Nutrition
  • Ocean Engineering
  • Philosophy
  • Physics
  • Plant Pathology
  • Plant Physiology
  • Political Science
  • Psychology--General
  • Public Administration
  • Public Affairs
  • Public Health--General
  • Public Policy
  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Rhetoric
  • Social Sciences Education
  • Sociology
  • Software Engineering
  • Statistics
  • Student Affairs
  • Systems Engineering
  • Theater
  • Transportation and Highway Engineering
  • Travel and Tourism
  • Urban Studies
  • Urban and Regional Planning
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Veterinary Sciences
  • Vocational and Technical Education
  • Writing

Doctoral Degrees Offered

Doctor of Philosophy

Doctoral Programs of Study

  • Accounting
  • Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering
  • Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness
  • Agricultural Engineering
  • Agricultural Sciences--General
  • Agronomy and Soil Sciences
  • Animal Sciences
  • Applied Economics
  • Architecture
  • Bioengineering
  • Bioinformatics
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences--General
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biotechnology
  • Building Science
  • Business Administration and Management--General
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Communication--General
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Engineering
  • Construction Management
  • Counselor Education
  • Curriculum and Instruction
  • Economics
  • Educational Leadership and Administration
  • Educational Measurement and Evaluation
  • Educational Policy
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Engineering and Applied Sciences--General
  • English
  • Entomology
  • Environmental Design
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Management and Policy
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Exercise and Sports Science
  • Fish, Game, and Wildlife Management
  • Foreign Languages Education
  • Forestry
  • Genetics
  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Geography
  • Geosciences
  • Higher Education
  • History
  • History of Science and Technology
  • Horticulture
  • Hospitality Management
  • Human Development
  • Humanities
  • Industrial/Management Engineering
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • International Affairs
  • Internet and Interactive Multimedia
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Management Information Systems
  • Materials Engineering
  • Materials Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematics Education
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Mechanics
  • Mineral/Mining Engineering
  • Natural Resources
  • Nuclear Engineering
  • Nutrition
  • Ocean Engineering
  • Philosophy
  • Physics
  • Plant Pathology
  • Plant Physiology
  • Political Science
  • Psychology--General
  • Public Administration
  • Public Affairs
  • Public Health--General
  • Public Policy
  • Rhetoric
  • Social Sciences Education
  • Sociology
  • Statistics
  • Student Affairs
  • Systems Engineering
  • Theater
  • Travel and Tourism
  • Urban Studies
  • Urban and Regional Planning
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Veterinary Sciences
  • Vocational and Technical Education
  • Writing

Location and Setting

Blacksburg Population
42,627
Nearest Metropolitan Area
 
Campus Size
2,600 acres

Weather

Temperature
25 average low in January, 82.6 average high in September
Rain
119 rainy days per year

Getting Around

Campus Map
Map
Nearest Bus Station
8 mile(s) from campus in Christianburg
Nearest Train Station
38 mile(s) from campus in Clifton Forge/Roanoke

Housing

College Housing
College offers housing to students
Types of Housing
Men only housing, women only housing, coed housing, disabled student housing
Students in College Housing
35% of all students
Housing Requirements
Freshmen are required to live on campus
Freshman Housing Guarantee
Freshmen are guaranteed housing
Students Living Off Campus/Commuting
65%
Off-Campus Housing Assistance
Assistance in locating off-campus housing is available

Security

24-Hour Emergency Phone/Alarm Devices
Available
24-Hour Security Patrols
Available
Late-Night Transport/Escort Services
Available
Electronically Operated Housing Entrances
Available
Other
 

Personal Support Services

Health Service
Offered
Personal Counseling
Offered
Child Care
Not offered

Sports and Recreation

Intercollegiate Athletics

Athletic Conferences
NCAA Division I
Mascot
Hokie Bird
School Colors
Burnt orange and chicago maroon

Intercollegiate Sports Offered

Sports Women Men
Offered Scholarships Offered Scholarships
Baseball     x  
Basketball     x  
Cross-Country Running x   x  
Golf     x x
Lacrosse x x    
Soccer x x x x
Swimming And Diving x x x x
Tennis x x x x
Track And Field x x x x
Ultimate Frisbee x   x  
Volleyball x      
Women's Sports Offered Scholarships
Baseball    
Basketball    
Cross-Country Running x  
Golf    
Lacrosse x x
Soccer x x
Swimming And Diving x x
Tennis x x
Track And Field x x
Ultimate Frisbee x  
Volleyball x  
Mens's Sports Offered Scholarships
Baseball x  
Basketball x  
Cross-Country Running x  
Golf x x
Lacrosse    
Soccer x x
Swimming And Diving x x
Tennis x x
Track And Field x x
Ultimate Frisbee x  
Volleyball    
Women's Club Sports
 
Men's Club Sports
 

Recreational Sports

Intramural Sports
basketball, bowling, cross-country running, football, golf, ice hockey, racquetball, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, water polo

Student Activities

Activities and Organizations
choral groups, marching band, drama theatre, radio station, student newspaper, television station, national fraternities, national sororities, virginia tech union, student government association, international student organizations
Sororities
19% of women participate
Fraternities
13% of men participate
ROTC
Army ROTC offered on campus, Navy ROTC is offered on campus, Air Force ROTC offered on campus

Student Body

Coeducational
Yes
All Undergraduates
27,193
Women
11,710 (43.1%)
Men
15,483 (56.9%)
Full-Time Undergraduates
26,603
Ethnicity of Students from U.S.
0.2% American Indian/Alaskan Native
10.5% Asian
4.3% Black/African-American
6.4% Hispanic/Latino
4.8% Multi-race (not Hispanic/Latino)
0.1% Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander
70.6% White
3.1% Unknown
International Students.
6.4% from 86 countries
Average Age
20
All Graduate Students
7,247

Undergraduate Retention and Graduation

First-Year Students Returning
93.0%
Students Graduating Within 4 Years
63.4%
Students Graduating Within 5 Years
81.7%
Students Graduating Within 6 Years
84.5%

After Graduation

Graduates Offered Full-Time Employment Within 6 Months
51%
Average Starting Salary
51%
Graduates Pursuing Advanced Study Directly
Not reported
Disciplines Pursued
Business 1.1%
Engineering 3.4%
Law 1.3%
Dentistry 0.2%
Arts and Sciences 5.9%
Medicine 2.9%
Veterinary Medicine 0.6%
Education 1.2%
Other 1.3%

A portion of the College Profile data is provided under license by:
Peterson's Undergraduate and Undergraduate Financial Aid Databases, copyright © 2019 Peterson's, a Nelnet company. All rights reserved."