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Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Explore one of the most distinguished institutions in VA. Your pathway to a brighter future begins here.
Annual Tuition
$15,478
Average Sticker Price
Admission Rate
57.0%
Selectivity Level
Graduation Rate
86.3%
Completion Success
Median Earnings
$81,698
10y Career Outlook
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About Institution
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is a distinguished Public, 4-Year institution located in Blacksburg, VA. With a competitive tuition profile of $15,478, it remains an attractive choice for ambitious students. A strong graduation rate of 86.3% underscores its academic rigor and effective student support systems.
Admissions Intel
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Acceptance Rate
57.0%
What You Need to Apply
Application requirements for Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
GPA: 3.72 – 4.18 (weighted mid-50%)
4 Essays Required
4 required short-answer essays (120 words each) via Common App supplement. Common App personal statement is optional.
No Recommendation Letters
Not required or requested
Required Documents
- • Common App
- • High school transcript
- • 4 short-answer essays
- • SAT/ACT (optional)
Key Deadlines
Early Action
November 1, 2026
Regular Decision
January 15, 2027
EA decisions late February. RD decisions mid-March.
Financial Aid Priority Deadline
January 22, 2027
File FAFSA by this date to maximize aid eligibility.
Important
Test-optional through Fall 2028. Essays rated very important. First-generation status rated very important.
Last verified: April 12, 2026. Source: Virginia Tech Admissions. Always verify requirements directly with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University before applying.
Investment Return
Estimated College ROI Analysis
Total 4-Year Cost
$61,912
Based on sticker tuition
Estimated Payback
1.2 yrs
Time to recoup investment
Annual Earnings Boost
+$51,698
vs. $30k HS diploma baseline
10-Year Net Gain
+$455,068
Cumulative earnings advantage minus total college cost
20-Year Net Gain
+$972,048
Long-term projected return on your education investment
ROI estimates use the BLS national median of $30,000/yr for high school diploma holders as a baseline. Actual results vary based on major, career path, location, and individual circumstances. Median graduate debt at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is $21,500.
Student Community
Gender Balance
Ethnic Diversity
Security Audit
Incidents
0
Burglary
0
Theft
0
Assault
0
Robbery
0
Rape
0
Arson
0
Murder
0
Financial Outlook
Total Sticker Price
$15,478
Estimated cost before aid.
Net Price By Income
Debt & Financial Aid
Repayment measured in 2016–17; this federal measure was discontinued.
* Most students receive significant grants and scholarships, reducing the actual cost. Grant data from IPEDS Student Financial Aid survey.
Quick Overview
Faculty Ratio
N/A
Retention
91.8%
Success
86.3%
In-State Cost
$15,478
Age 25+ Students
1.6%
Carnegie Class
R1: Doctoral — Very High Research
Working at 6yr
4,637 students
Security Benchmark
Campus vs. City Comparison (Per 100k)
Violent Offenses
PER 100KProperty Crimes
PER 100KStats sourced from institutional reports and municipal data. These rates provide a standardized baseline for comparing safety across different environments.
Living In Blacksburg
Off-Campus Market Estimator
Studio
$993
Monthly Average
1 Bedroom
$999
Monthly Average
2 Bedrooms
$1,261
Monthly Average
3 Bedrooms
$
Monthly Average
Data provided by HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR). These estimates assist with financial planning for off-campus housing in the Blacksburg metropolitan area.