University of Florida (UF) vs Virginia Tech

When it comes to higher education, the University of Florida (UF) and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) stand out as two of the most sought-after institutions in the nation. Both universities offer a wide range of academic programs, vibrant campus life, and strong research opportunities. However, there are some key differences between the two that prospective students should consider. UF boasts a higher acceptance rate and a larger student body, while Virginia Tech has a slightly higher graduation rate and a more diverse student population. Additionally, UF is known for its strong programs in business, engineering, and health sciences, while Virginia Tech excels in engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine. To help you make an informed decision about which university is the right fit for you, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into these differences in greater detail.

	University of Florida	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Overview
Location	Gainesville, Florida	Blacksburg, Virginia
Campus setting	City: Midsize	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	97.0%	92.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	30.1%	56.5%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $30 Graduate: $30	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1300 - 1470	1210 - 1410
ACT range	29 - 33	26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score	79.0%	83.0%
Students submitting ACT score	46.0%	35.0%
Total number of applicants	51,207	42,054
Total number of admissions given out	15,431	23,746
Admitted students who chose to enroll	6,787	6,758
Yield rate	44.0%	28.5%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $21,431 Out of state: $43,709	In state: $30,104 Out of state: $49,787
Average net price	$9,809	$20,109
Tuition	In state: $4,477 Out of state: $25,694	In state: $11,750 Out of state: $30,829
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $5,800 Meal plan: $4,600	Room/dormitory: $5,890 Meal plan: $4,736
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan	Tuition payment plan Other alternative tuition plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	91.0% Average amount $12,758	58.0% Average amount $8,018
Students receiving federal student loan	9.0% Average amount $4,927	40.0% Average amount $5,316
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $17,527	9.0% Average amount $20,728

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	34,876 Men 43.7% Women 56.3%	29,760 Men 57.3% Women 42.7%
Graduate students	20,905 Men 42.1% Women 57.9%	7,519 Men 56.5% Women 43.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	16.5%	39.5%
International students	8.0%	9.9%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	11,373	9,471
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Florida New York New Jersey Georgia Virginia	Virginia Maryland New Jersey North Carolina Pennsylvania

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Health Professions Business Communication and Journalism Computer and Information Science	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	90.9%	86.6%
Dropout rate	2.5%	12.3%
Transferred out	5.7%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $236,746 Year 2: $182,280 Year 3: $190,105 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $105,121 Year 2: $124,099 Year 3: $145,544 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $94,054 Year 2: $113,841 Year 3: $123,288 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $95,886 Year 2: $101,327 Year 3: $114,115 Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $93,755 Year 2: $96,183 Year 3: $108,258 Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $67,716 Year 2: $94,408 Year 3: $107,267 Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $90,155 Year 2: $91,363 Year 3: $103,214 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $98,110 Year 2: $92,885 Year 3: $98,739 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,353 Year 2: $90,146 Year 3: $98,185 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,540 Year 2: $88,546 Year 3: $97,968	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 key differences in location and campus environment between the University of Florida (UF) and Virginia Tech?

The University of Florida is located in Gainesville, Florida, a city known for its warm climate and vibrant college town atmosphere. The campus is expansive and features a mix of historic buildings and modern facilities, with a strong emphasis on outdoor activities. Virginia Tech, on the other hand, is situated in Blacksburg, Virginia, a more rural setting in the Appalachian Mountains. The campus is also large, with a distinct architectural style and a strong sense of community, particularly known for its traditions and school spirit.
How do the academic programs at UF and Virginia Tech compare?

Both universities offer a wide range of academic programs. UF is particularly strong in areas like engineering, business, and pre-health programs, and is known for its research output. Virginia Tech excels in engineering, architecture, and agriculture, and has a growing reputation in areas like computer science. The specific strengths of each institution should be considered based on your intended major.
What is the cost of attendance at the University of Florida versus Virginia Tech?

Generally, the cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, is comparable between the two universities for in-state students. However, out-of-state tuition at both institutions can be significantly higher. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available at both schools, so it's important to research and compare the aid packages offered to you.
How does the student life and campus culture differ between UF and Virginia Tech?

UF has a lively and energetic campus culture, with a strong emphasis on Greek life, athletics (especially football), and a diverse student body. Virginia Tech is known for its strong sense of community, school spirit, and traditions, including the Corps of Cadets. Both universities offer a wide variety of student organizations and activities, but the specific atmosphere and social scene will vary.
What are the athletic programs like at the University of Florida and Virginia Tech?

Both universities have highly competitive athletic programs. UF is a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and is known for its success in football, basketball, and other sports. Virginia Tech competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and has strong programs in football, basketball, and other sports. Both schools offer exciting opportunities for students to attend and participate in athletic events.
How does research and innovation compare at UF and Virginia Tech?

Both universities are committed to research and innovation. UF is a major research institution with significant funding and a wide range of research centers. Virginia Tech also has a strong research focus, particularly in engineering and technology, and is known for its contributions to applied research and innovation. The specific research opportunities available will depend on your field of study.
What are the career services and job placement rates like at UF and Virginia Tech?

Both universities offer comprehensive career services to help students with job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation. Both schools have strong industry connections and good job placement rates for graduates. The specific career opportunities available will depend on your major and career goals, but both universities provide excellent resources to support your career development.
How do the admission requirements and selectivity compare between UF and Virginia Tech?

Both universities are selective, but the specific admission requirements and selectivity may vary slightly. Both schools consider factors such as GPA, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), extracurricular activities, and essays. It's important to review the specific admission requirements for each university and ensure you meet the criteria for your desired program.
What are the housing options like at the University of Florida and Virginia Tech?

Both universities offer a variety of on-campus and off-campus housing options. UF has a range of residence halls and apartments, while Virginia Tech also provides a variety of on-campus housing options, including traditional residence halls and suite-style living. Both universities also have numerous off-campus housing options available in the surrounding areas.
Which university is better for me, the University of Florida or Virginia Tech?

The 'better' university depends on your individual preferences, academic interests, and career goals. Consider factors such as location, campus culture, academic programs, cost, and career opportunities. Researching the specific programs and resources offered by each university and visiting the campuses (if possible) will help you make an informed decision.

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