Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, known as "Virginia Tech," is a leading research institution - ranked 44th in the U.S. for its university research programs. Virginia Tech is a land-grant institution located in Blacksburg, Virginia on 2,600 acres. It offers nearly 70 undergraduate and 150 graduate degree programs. Virginia Tech's motto, Ut Prosim, translates from the Latin as "That I May Serve." It fulfills this motto through a dedication to learning, discovery and engagement.
Virginia Tech is comprised of eight colleges and a graduate school. Its campuses feature an airport, a computing and communications complex with international access, an adjacent corporate research center, and more.
History
Founded in 1872, Virginia Tech was originally called Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College. The name was changed in1896 to Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute. This name was so long that locals shortened it to "VPI." After the name change, a new school spirit cheer was needed. A contest was held to select a new, more suitable cheer. 1896 graduate, O.M. Stull, won the top prize for the cheer he created, which is known as "Old Hokie." The school mascot, which originally was a turkey, eventually became a "Hokiebird." Today the mascot wears an orange and maroon bird costume that somewhat resembles a turkey.
The school colors of burnt orange and maroon were chosen in 1896.
Virginia Tech is one of only three public universities in the U.S. that still has both an active corps of cadets and civilian students on campus. Historically, Virginia Tech required corps participation for all able-bodied males. This tradition continued until 1964, when corps participation became voluntary.
Academics
Virginia Tech follows the semester-format academic calendar with fall and spring semesters, and two shorter summer sessions.
Colleges and Schools
Virginia Tech's colleges are:
- Agriculture & Life Sciences
- Architecture & Urban Studies
- Business, Pamplin College of
- Engineering
- Graduate Studies
- Liberal Arts & Human Sciences
- Natural Resources and Environment
- Science
- University Studies
- Veterinary Medicine
As an enhancement to its academic, outreach and research programs, Virginia Tech has created schools in its colleges and in affiliation with Wake Forest University. Virginia Tech's schools are:
- School of Architecture and Design (Part of the College of Architecture and Urban Studies)
- School of Public and International Affairs (Part of the College of Architecture and Urban Studies)
- School of Visual Arts (Part of the College of Architecture and Urban Studies)
- School of Performing Arts and Cinema (Part of the College of Liberal Arts & Human Sciences)
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences (Part of the College of Engineering and the College of Veterinary Medicine)
- School of Education (Part of the College of Liberal Arts & Human Sciences)
- Myers-Lawson School of Construction (Part of the College of Engineering and the College of Architecture and Urban Studies)
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute
Student Life
Virginia Tech offers more than 600 student clubs and organizations, including fraternities and sororities, and only three people are required to form a new student club.
There are several residence halls to choose from for on-campus living, and there are also on-campus dining venues.
Athletics
Virginia Tech has 21 "Hokie" athletics teams that compete in intercollegiate sports, which include:
Men's Sports:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Football
- Golf
- Soccer
- Swimming & Diving
- Tennis
- Track and Field
- Wrestling
Women's Sports:
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Lacrosse
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming & Diving
- Tennis
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
Satellite Campuses
In addition to its main Blacksburg campus, Virginia Tech offers classes and programs online, as well as at the following satellite campuses and centers:
- Western Campus
- Valley Campus
- National Capital Region
- Central Campus
- Hampton Roads Center
- Capital Campus
- Corporate Research Center
Community Life
Blacksburg is a traditional college town, situated between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains, in Virginia's New River Valley. Blacksburg has been ranked one of the best places to live in the nation and one of the "50 Best Small Southern Towns," thanks to its moderate climate, affordable cost of living, low crime rate, stable community and small town charm.
Admission Requirements & Details
The admissions information below may provide a better idea of the applicants Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University accepts. The details may include application requirements and recommendations, as well as any college or dual credits that may be transferred.
College Credits Accepted
- Dual Credits
- AP Course Credits
Student Enrollment
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has a total student population of about 33,000. The student body is made up of 78% undergraduate students and 19% graduate students.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $18,400. In order to calculate a more accurate and detailed cost of attendance check out their cost calculator here. There is also a $60 application fee for those applying to a program. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Tuition estimates per year:
- State Residents: $10,000-$13,000
- Out-of-State: $27,000-$31,840
- Charges per unit:
- In-State: $440-$520 per unit
- Out-of-State: $1,100-$1,300 per unit
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
| Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Any Financial Aid | 68% | - |
| Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 45% | $8,079 |
| Receiving Student Loans | 44% | $8,503 |
Academics & Student Services
Student Services
To help support students, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University may offer services to students including:- Online course work available
- Counseling assistance
- Work study style employment
- Employment search assistance
Graduation Rates
With a graduation rate of around 82%, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is among the most successful schools in the area.
| Number of Year to Graduate | Percent of Entering Class |
|---|---|
| Students Graduating in 4 Years | 60% |
| Graduating in 5 Years | 19% |
| Graduating in 6 Years | 3% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
Campus: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Industrial Design Program
- Clinical Psychology (Ph.D.) Program
- Dietetics Program
- English Language Program
- Music Program
- Graduate Level Public Health (Outside School of Public Health) Program
- Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Education Program
- Theatre Program
- Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) Program
Campus: Virginia Tech - Northern Virginia Center
- English Language Program
- * Accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (since 2009)
Campus: Virginia Tech - Language and Culture Institute, National Capital Region
- English Language Program
- * Accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (since 2002)
Intercollegiate Athletics
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is a Member of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), with many of the sports being in the NCAA Division I-A classification. The most popular sports played are listed below:
- Baseball (Atlantic Coast Conference)
- Basketball (Atlantic Coast Conference)
- Track and Field (Atlantic Coast Conference)
- Football (Atlantic Coast Conference)
- Golf
- Lacrosse
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming and Diving
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.
Get more information about the programs offered by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Agriculture Operations
- Animal Science (B, D, M)
- Agricultural Production Operations (A)
- Food Science (B)
- Agriculture (B, M)
- Horticultural Science (B, D, M)
- Agricultural Business (B)
- Dairy Science (B, M)
- Agronomy and Crop Science (B, D, M)
- Agricultural Economics (M)
Architecture
- Architecture (B, D, M)
- Landscape Architect (B, M)
- Urban Planning (M)
- Environmental Design, Architecture (D)
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Biology (B, D, M)
- Biochemistry (B)
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences (D, M)
- Microbiology (B)
- Bioinformatics (D)
- Plant Pathology, Phytopathology (D)
- Entomology (D)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Finance (B)
- Accounting (B, M)
- Management Science (B)
- Advertising and Marketing (B)
- Business Administration (B, M)
- Hospitality Administration and Management (B, D, M)
- Business Economics (B)
- Construction Management (B, M)
- Commerce (D)
- Organizational and Nonprofit Management (C)
- Real Estate (B)
- Public Finance (C)
Communication Technology
- Animation (M)
Communications and Journalism
- Communications (B)
- Communication and Media Studies (M)
Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer (B, D, M)
- Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (M)
- Computer and Information Systems Security (C)
- Information Science
Education
- Curriculum and Instruction (C, D, M)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development (C)
- Educational Administration (C, D, M)
- Guidance Counselor (D, M)
- Higher Education Administration (M)
- Trade and Industrial Teacher Education (D, M)
- Teacher and Professional Development (C)
- Learning Sciences (C)
- Educational Statistics and Research Methods (D)
- Adult and Continuing Education (C)
- Administration of Special Education
- Secondary Education
- Physical Education
Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Industrial Engineering (B, D, M)
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Civil Engineering (B, D, M)
- Electrical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Chemical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Computer Engineering (B, D, M)
- Mining and Mineral Engineering (B, D, M)
- Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Bioengineering (B, D, M)
- Engineering Mechanics (B, D, M)
- Construction Engineering (B)
- Materials Engineering (B, D, M)
- Environmental and Environmental Health Engineering (M)
- Biomedical Engineering (D, M)
- Polymer Engineering (D, M)
- Systems Engineering (M)
- Nuclear Engineering (C, D, M)
- Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (M)
Engineering Technology
- Packaging Science (B)
English Language and Literature
- English (B, M)
- Creative Writing (M)
- Rhetoric and Composition (D)
Ethnic Cultural and Gender Studies
- Ethnic and Cultural Minority Studies (C)
- Ethnic Studies (C)
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Nutrition and Wellness Studies (B, D, M)
- Family Studies (B, D, M)
- Business Family and Consumer Sciences (B, D)
Foreign Languages and Literature
- Foreign Languages and Literatures (B, M)
Health and Clinical Professions
- Veterinary Medicine (D)
- Health Preparatory Programs (C)
- Public Health (M)
- Veterinary Sciences (D, M)
- Clinical and Industrial Drug Development (M)
History
- History (B, M)
- Public and Applied History and Archival Administration (C)
Interdisciplinary Studies
- Science, Technology and Society (B, D, M)
- International and Global Studies (C)
- Human Computer Interaction (C)
- Historic Preservation and Conservation (M)
- Gerontology (C)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (B)
Mathematics and Statistics
- Math (B, D, M)
- Statistics (B, D, M)
Natural Resources and Conservation
- Forestry (B, C)
- Natural Resources Management and Policy (C, M)
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management (B)
- Environmental Science (B)
- Environmental Studies (B)
- Forest Resources Production and Management (D, M)
- Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management (D, M)
- Water, Wetlands and Marine Resources Management (C)
Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Philosophy (B, M)
- Religious Studies (B, C)
Physical Sciences
Psychology
- Psychology (B, D, M)
Public Administration and Social Services
- Public Administration (C, D, M)
- Public Policy (B)
- Community Organization and Advocacy (C)
- Public Policy Analysis (C)
Security and Protective Services
Social Sciences
- Political Science (B, C, M)
- International Relations (B, C)
- Economics (B, D, M)
- Geography (B, D, M)
- Sociology (B, D, M)
- Applied Economics (B)
- Urban Studies (C, D, M)
- Cartography and GIS (C)
- Development Economics and International Development (C)
- International Relations and National Security Studies (C)
- Political Science and Government (C)
Visual and Performing Arts
- Art Studies (B)
- Interior Design (B)
- Drama and Theatre Arts (B, M)
- Industrial Design (B)
- Music (B)
Other 4-Year Public Colleges
The list of schools below have been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
- Radford University in Radford, VA (12 miles away)
- Concord University in Athens, WV (36 miles away)
- Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, VA (63 miles away)
- Winston - Salem State University in Winston-Salem, NC (79 miles away)
- West Virginia University Institute of Technology in Montgomery, WV (84 miles away)
See a list of all the colleges and universities by clicking on one of the links below:
- Review a complete list of all the Virginia colleges
- Find out what other state universities are located in Virginia