Virginia Tech vs Texas Tech

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) and Texas Tech University (Texas Tech) are two prominent public research universities located in different regions of the United States. While they share some similarities, there are also notable differences between the two institutions. This side-by-side comparison will delve into key aspects such as acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates, providing valuable insights for prospective students seeking the best fit for their academic and personal goals. By exploring the data presented in the table below, readers can gain a comprehensive understanding of the unique characteristics of each university and make informed decisions about their higher education journey.

	Texas Tech University	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Overview
Location	Lubbock, Texas	Blacksburg, Virginia
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	85.0%	92.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	67.9%	56.5%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $65	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1110 - 1280	1210 - 1410
ACT range	23 - 28	26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score	31.0%	83.0%
Students submitting ACT score	16.0%	35.0%
Total number of applicants	33,756	42,054
Total number of admissions given out	22,908	23,746
Admitted students who chose to enroll	6,629	6,758
Yield rate	28.9%	28.5%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $27,782 Out of state: $40,052	In state: $30,104 Out of state: $49,787
Average net price	$17,057	$20,109
Tuition	In state: $8,935 Out of state: $21,205	In state: $11,750 Out of state: $30,829
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,694 Meal plan: $3,652	Room/dormitory: $5,890 Meal plan: $4,736
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan Other alternative tuition plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	78.0% Average amount $8,823	58.0% Average amount $8,018
Students receiving federal student loan	40.0% Average amount $5,243	40.0% Average amount $5,316
Students taking out private loans	10.0% Average amount $14,606	9.0% Average amount $20,728

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	33,132 Men 51.0% Women 49.0%	29,760 Men 57.3% Women 42.7%
Graduate students	7,410 Men 44.6% Women 55.4%	7,519 Men 56.5% Women 43.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	9.3%	39.5%
International students	5.1%	9.9%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	8,069	9,471
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Texas New Mexico California Colorado Illinois	Virginia Maryland New Jersey North Carolina Pennsylvania

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Business Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences Family and Consumer Sciences	Engineering Business Family and Consumer Sciences Computer and Information Science Natural Resources and Conservation
Students to faculty ratio	21:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	62.7%	86.6%
Dropout rate	7.5%	12.3%
Transferred out	27.6%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $82,752 Year 2: $89,305 Year 3: $105,747 Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $89,229 Year 2: $83,325 Year 3: $103,896 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $83,915 Year 3: $85,017 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,234 Year 2: $73,562 Year 3: $83,187 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,975 Year 2: $73,530 Year 3: $80,320 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $75,153 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $80,178 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,931 Year 2: $66,821 Year 3: $79,461 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $63,983 Year 2: $60,854 Year 3: $79,100 Construction Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,843 Year 2: $68,139 Year 3: $78,681 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $81,271 Year 2: $75,706 Year 3: $78,073	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $105,287 Year 2: $113,246 Year 3: $125,427 Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $97,383 Year 2: $96,691 Year 3: $106,931 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $82,448 Year 2: $88,678 Year 3: $96,747 Veterinary Medicine (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $76,172 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $93,580 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $75,104 Year 2: $78,488 Year 3: $90,164 Public Administration (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $59,370 Year 2: $75,518 Year 3: $87,658 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $81,573 Year 2: $91,211 Year 3: $84,990 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $80,460 Year 2: $73,635 Year 3: $83,712 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,805 Year 2: $73,272 Year 3: $82,738 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,610 Year 2: $70,680 Year 3: $81,822

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in location and campus environment between Virginia Tech and Texas Tech?

Virginia Tech is located in Blacksburg, Virginia, a town nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, offering a more rural and scenic environment. Texas Tech, on the other hand, is situated in Lubbock, Texas, a larger city in the plains of West Texas. Virginia Tech's campus has a more traditional, collegiate feel with older architecture, while Texas Tech's campus features Spanish Renaissance architecture and a flatter landscape.
How do Virginia Tech and Texas Tech compare in terms of academic reputation and program strengths?

Both universities are well-regarded, but they have different areas of emphasis. Virginia Tech is particularly strong in engineering, architecture, agriculture, and business. Texas Tech excels in petroleum engineering, agricultural sciences, wind science, and law. Both offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, but their reputations are strongest in these specific fields.
What is the difference in student body size and demographics between the two universities?

Virginia Tech has a slightly smaller student body compared to Texas Tech. While both attract students from across the country and internationally, Virginia Tech tends to draw a larger proportion of students from the Mid-Atlantic region, while Texas Tech draws more heavily from Texas and the Southwest. Both universities are working to increase diversity within their student populations.
How do the costs of attending Virginia Tech and Texas Tech compare, considering tuition, fees, and living expenses?

Generally, Texas Tech tends to be slightly more affordable than Virginia Tech, especially for out-of-state students. However, the total cost of attendance depends on factors like residency status, chosen housing, and lifestyle. It's best to consult the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition and fee schedules and to use their net price calculators to estimate your individual cost.
What are the main differences in campus culture and student life at Virginia Tech and Texas Tech?

Virginia Tech is known for its strong sense of community, often referred to as 'Hokie Nation,' and its emphasis on tradition and service. Texas Tech also has a strong sense of school spirit, particularly surrounding its athletic programs, and a more laid-back, West Texas vibe. Both universities offer a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities to cater to diverse interests.
How do Virginia Tech and Texas Tech perform in athletics, and what sports are they known for?

Both Virginia Tech and Texas Tech are Division I schools and members of major athletic conferences. Virginia Tech competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), while Texas Tech competes in the Big 12 Conference. Virginia Tech is known for its football, basketball, and wrestling programs. Texas Tech is known for its football, basketball, and baseball programs. Both universities have passionate fan bases and offer a vibrant athletic atmosphere.
What are the career opportunities and internship prospects available to students at Virginia Tech and Texas Tech?

Both universities offer career services and resources to help students find internships and jobs. Virginia Tech's location in the Mid-Atlantic region provides access to opportunities in government, technology, and defense industries. Texas Tech's location in Texas provides access to opportunities in the energy, agriculture, and technology sectors. The specific opportunities available will depend on your major and career interests.
How do the surrounding cities of Blacksburg (Virginia Tech) and Lubbock (Texas Tech) compare in terms of amenities and things to do?

Blacksburg is a smaller, more traditional college town with a focus on outdoor recreation due to its proximity to the Appalachian Mountains. Lubbock is a larger city with a more diverse range of entertainment options, including live music venues, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Blacksburg offers a quieter, more nature-oriented environment, while Lubbock provides a more urban experience.
What are some unique traditions or aspects of each university that students should know?

Virginia Tech has several unique traditions, including the Hokie Stone architecture, the Corps of Cadets, and the 'Ut Prosim' motto (That I May Serve). Texas Tech is known for its Double T tradition, the Masked Rider, and the Carol of Lights during the holiday season. These traditions contribute to the distinct identities and campus cultures of each university.
How do the research opportunities compare between Virginia Tech and Texas Tech?

Both Virginia Tech and Texas Tech are research universities with significant funding and opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to get involved in research. Virginia Tech has strong research programs in engineering, science, and technology, often with government and industry partnerships. Texas Tech has notable research in areas like wind energy, plant science, and water resources, reflecting the needs of the region. The best choice depends on your specific research interests.

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