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Hampden-Sydney College vs Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Hampden-Sydney College is a private college in Hampden-Sydney, VA. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is a public institute in Blacksburg, VA. Hampden-Sydney College admits about 41% of applicants and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University about 55%, making Hampden-Sydney College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $22,400 a year at Hampden-Sydney College after aid, and about $24,953 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. About 86% of students graduate at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, compared with 64% at Hampden-Sydney College. Ten years after enrolling, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University alumni earn a median of about $81,698, against $67,640 for Hampden-Sydney College.

Hampden-Sydney College

Hampden-Sydney, VA · Private

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Hampden-Sydney, VA
Blacksburg, VA
Setting
Rural
Urban
Undergraduates
946
30,923
Acceptance rate
41%
55%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.36–4
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1030–1250
1280–1450
ACT (middle 50%)
23–28
28–32
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,400
$24,953
Full cost / yr
$70,325
$36,951
In-state tuition
$54,550
$15,948
Out-of-state tuition
$54,550
$37,764
Application fee
$0
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,422
$11,689
$30k - $48k
$12,458
$11,670
$48k - $75k
$17,547
$17,894
$75k - $110k
$22,600
$25,835
Over $110k
$32,133
$34,201
Outcomes
Graduation rate
64%
86%
Freshman retention
84%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$55,846
$67,377
Median earnings (10 yr)
$67,640
$81,698
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
23%
15%
First-generation students
Not reported
18%
International students
1%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Oct 15
Not reported
Early action
Nov 2
Nov 15
Regular decision
Feb 1
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Hampden-Sydney College or Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University harder to get into?
Hampden-Sydney College is harder to get into. It admits about 41% of applicants, compared with 55% at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Hampden-Sydney College or Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
Hampden-Sydney College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,400 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $24,953 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Hampden-Sydney College and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
Before aid, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University costs about $36,951 a year and Hampden-Sydney College about $70,325. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Hampden-Sydney College or Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,689 there, against about $13,422 at Hampden-Sydney College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Hampden-Sydney College or Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is the larger of the two, with about 30,923 undergraduates against 946 at Hampden-Sydney College.
Does Hampden-Sydney College or Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University have a better graduation rate?
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 86% against 64% at Hampden-Sydney College.
Do graduates of Hampden-Sydney College or Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University earn more?
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $81,698 ten years after enrolling, against about $67,640 for Hampden-Sydney College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Hampden-Sydney College and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Hampden-Sydney College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Hampden-Sydney College and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1030–1250 at Hampden-Sydney College and 1280–1450 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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