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UT Austin vs Virginia Tech

Envision yourself as a student, standing at the crossroads of two esteemed universities: The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). Both institutions boast academic excellence, vibrant student life, and promising career prospects. Yet, they each possess unique characteristics that may sway your decision. UT Austin, nestled in the heart of Texas, offers a diverse student body and a wide range of undergraduate programs, while Virginia Tech, situated in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, excels in engineering, agriculture, and life sciences. With acceptance rates of 37% and 63%, respectively, and graduation rates of 81% and 84%, the choice between these two powerhouses hinges on your academic aspirations, campus preferences, and personal fit. Dive into our comprehensive comparison table to uncover the nuances that set UT Austin and Virginia Tech apart, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your educational goals and personal aspirations.
The University of Texas at Austin logo

The University of Texas at Austin

 		Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University logo

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Overview

Location Austin, 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 96.0% 92.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 28.7% 56.5%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $75
Graduate: $65
Undergraduate: $60
Graduate: $75
SAT range 1230 - 1500 1210 - 1410
ACT range 27 - 33 26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score 56.0% 83.0%
Students submitting ACT score 26.0% 35.0%
Total number of applicants 66,077 42,054
Total number of admissions given out 18,994 23,746
Admitted students who chose to enroll 9,060 6,758
Yield rate 47.7% 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 Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $29,788
Out of state: $59,032
In state: $30,104
Out of state: $49,787
Average net price $16,589 $20,109
Tuition
In state: $11,752
Out of state: $40,996
In state: $11,750
Out of state: $30,829
Room & board $12,768
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)

 51.0%
Average amount $12,725 		58.0%
Average amount $8,018
Students receiving federal student loan 28.0%
Average amount $4,961 		40.0%
Average amount $5,316
Students taking out private loans 1.0%
Average amount $16,366 		9.0%
Average amount $20,728

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students 40,916
Men 43.4% Women 56.6% 		29,760
Men 57.3% Women 42.7%
Graduate students 11,075
Men 49.5% Women 50.5% 		7,519
Men 56.5% Women 43.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Low
Out-of-state students 9.2% 39.5%
International students 9.1% 9.9%
Campus local/setting City: Large City: Small
Dormitory capacity 7,809 9,471
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Texas California New York New Jersey Illinois Virginia Maryland New Jersey North Carolina Pennsylvania

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Engineering
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Business
  • Family and Consumer Sciences
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Natural Resources and Conservation
Students to faculty ratio 17:1 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 87.8% 86.6%
Dropout rate 11.7% 12.3%
Transferred out N/A N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $130,952
  • Year 2: $131,707
  • Year 3: $149,763
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $122,716
  • Year 2: $97,959
  • Year 3: $131,523
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $115,909
  • Year 2: $120,124
  • Year 3: $127,068
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $92,526
  • Year 2: $100,607
  • Year 3: $120,559
Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $109,082
  • Year 2: $106,421
  • Year 3: $119,993
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $86,247
  • Year 2: $102,706
  • Year 3: $108,654
Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $87,293
  • Year 2: $88,723
  • Year 3: $99,721
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $89,133
  • Year 2: $79,558
  • Year 3: $97,550
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $83,714
  • Year 2: $84,653
  • Year 3: $93,999
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $81,984
  • Year 2: $80,550
  • Year 3: $92,064
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 between UT Austin and Virginia Tech?

    UT Austin, located in the heart of Austin, Texas, is a large public research university known for its strong programs in engineering, business, natural sciences, and liberal arts. Virginia Tech, situated in Blacksburg, Virginia, is also a large public research university, but it's particularly renowned for its engineering, agriculture, architecture, and science programs. UT Austin offers a more urban experience, while Virginia Tech provides a more traditional college town atmosphere. UT Austin generally has a slightly higher overall academic ranking, but both are highly respected institutions.

  • How do the academic reputations of UT Austin and Virginia Tech compare?

    Both UT Austin and Virginia Tech are highly regarded universities. UT Austin consistently ranks among the top public universities in the nation, particularly for its business, engineering, and natural sciences programs. Virginia Tech is also a top-tier public university, with exceptional programs in engineering, architecture, and agriculture. While UT Austin may have a slight edge in overall rankings, the best choice depends on your specific academic interests. If you're interested in engineering, both are excellent choices, but Virginia Tech is often considered a leader in the field. For business or liberal arts, UT Austin might be a stronger fit.

  • What is the campus environment like at UT Austin versus Virginia Tech?

    UT Austin offers a vibrant, urban campus experience in the bustling city of Austin. Students have access to a wide range of cultural events, live music, and internship opportunities. The campus is large and diverse, reflecting the city's population. Virginia Tech, on the other hand, provides a more traditional college town environment in Blacksburg. The campus is surrounded by mountains and offers a strong sense of community. It's a great choice for students who prefer a more close-knit and outdoorsy atmosphere.

  • How do the costs of attending UT Austin and Virginia Tech compare?

    The cost of attendance varies depending on residency status. Generally, both universities are more affordable for in-state students. UT Austin's tuition and fees are typically lower for Texas residents compared to Virginia Tech's for Virginia residents. However, out-of-state tuition at both institutions can be significant. Be sure to check the most up-to-date tuition and fee schedules on each university's website and factor in living expenses, which can be higher in Austin than in Blacksburg.

  • What are the popular majors at UT Austin and Virginia Tech?

    At UT Austin, popular majors include business, engineering (especially electrical and computer engineering), computer science, natural sciences (like biology and chemistry), and communication. Virginia Tech is known for its strong engineering programs (especially mechanical, civil, and aerospace engineering), architecture, agriculture, business, and computer science. Both universities offer a wide range of programs, but these are some of their most well-regarded and popular options.

  • What are the admission requirements for UT Austin and Virginia Tech?

    Both UT Austin and Virginia Tech have selective admissions processes. They consider factors such as GPA, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), essays, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation. UT Austin generally has slightly higher average SAT/ACT scores and GPA requirements than Virginia Tech. Both universities seek well-rounded students who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to their communities. Check each university's admissions website for the most current requirements and deadlines.

  • What are the career opportunities like after graduating from UT Austin and Virginia Tech?

    Graduates from both UT Austin and Virginia Tech have excellent career prospects. UT Austin benefits from its location in Austin, a major tech hub, providing numerous opportunities in the technology, business, and government sectors. Virginia Tech graduates are highly sought after by companies in engineering, technology, and government, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic region. Both universities have strong alumni networks that can help students connect with potential employers.

  • How do the research opportunities compare at UT Austin and Virginia Tech?

    Both UT Austin and Virginia Tech are major research universities with extensive research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. UT Austin has a strong research focus in areas such as engineering, natural sciences, and medicine. Virginia Tech is known for its research in engineering, agriculture, and technology. Students at both universities can participate in research projects with faculty, contributing to cutting-edge discoveries and innovations.

  • What is the student life like at UT Austin and Virginia Tech?

    UT Austin offers a vibrant student life with a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities. The city of Austin provides numerous entertainment options, including live music, restaurants, and outdoor activities. Virginia Tech has a strong sense of community and school spirit, with a focus on student involvement and traditions. The campus offers a variety of clubs, organizations, and recreational activities. Both universities provide a supportive and engaging environment for students to thrive.

  • Which school is better for engineering, UT Austin or Virginia Tech?

    Both UT Austin and Virginia Tech have outstanding engineering programs, consistently ranked among the best in the nation. Virginia Tech is often considered a powerhouse in engineering, particularly in fields like aerospace, civil, and industrial engineering. UT Austin also has exceptional engineering programs, especially in electrical and computer engineering. The 'better' school depends on your specific engineering discipline and your preferred learning environment. Research the specific departments and faculty at each university to determine which aligns best with your interests.

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