Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University vs Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is a public institute in Blacksburg, VA. Virginia Commonwealth University is a public university in Richmond, VA. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University admits about 55% of applicants and Virginia Commonwealth University about 93%, making Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $23,433 a year at Virginia Commonwealth University 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 Virginia Commonwealth University. Ten years after enrolling, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University alumni earn a median of about $81,698, against $58,128 for Virginia Commonwealth University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Blacksburg, VA
Richmond, VA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
30,923
20,753
Acceptance rate
55%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
1280–1450
1010–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
28–32
22–30
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$24,953
$23,433
Full cost / yr
$36,951
$38,954
In-state tuition
$15,948
$16,945
Out-of-state tuition
$37,764
$40,109
Application fee
$60
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,689
$17,512
$30k - $48k
$11,670
$17,777
$48k - $75k
$17,894
$20,925
$75k - $110k
$25,835
$24,691
Over $110k
$34,201
$32,739
Outcomes
Graduation rate
86%
64%
Freshman retention
93%
85%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$67,377
$47,161
Median earnings (10 yr)
$81,698
$58,128
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
15%
31%
First-generation students
18%
28%
International students
5%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
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.
- Is Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University or Virginia Commonwealth University harder to get into?
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is harder to get into. It admits about 55% of applicants, compared with 93% at Virginia Commonwealth 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, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University or Virginia Commonwealth University?
- Virginia Commonwealth University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,433 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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and Virginia Commonwealth University?
- Before aid, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University costs about $36,951 a year and Virginia Commonwealth University about $38,954. 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, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University or Virginia Commonwealth University?
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,689 there, against about $17,512 at Virginia Commonwealth University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University or Virginia Commonwealth University?
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is the larger of the two, with about 30,923 undergraduates against 20,753 at Virginia Commonwealth University.
- Does Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University or Virginia Commonwealth University have a better graduation rate?
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 86% against 64% at Virginia Commonwealth University.
- Do graduates of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University or Virginia Commonwealth 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 $58,128 for Virginia Commonwealth University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and Virginia Commonwealth University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Virginia Commonwealth University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and Virginia Commonwealth University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1280–1450 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and 1010–1270 at Virginia Commonwealth University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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