University of Virginia-Main Campus (UVA) vs Texas Tech

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant college towns of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Lubbock, Texas, as we embark on a comparative journey between two esteemed institutions: University of Virginia-Main Campus and Texas Tech University. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence, they offer distinct experiences shaped by their unique identities. Delve into our comprehensive comparison table to uncover the nuances that set these institutions apart, from their contrasting acceptance rates and popular majors to the diverse student body demographics and remarkable graduation rates. Discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations, personal preferences, and future goals.

	Texas Tech University	University of Virginia-Main Campus
Overview
Location	Lubbock, Texas	Charlottesville, Virginia
Campus setting	City: Large	Suburb: 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%	97.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	67.9%	20.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $65	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $85
SAT range	1110 - 1280	1380 - 1500
ACT range	23 - 28	32 - 35
Students submitting SAT score	31.0%	52.0%
Students submitting ACT score	16.0%	21.0%
Total number of applicants	33,756	47,971
Total number of admissions given out	22,908	9,951
Admitted students who chose to enroll	6,629	3,889
Yield rate	28.9%	39.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $27,782 Out of state: $40,052	In state: $36,314 Out of state: $70,696
Average net price	$17,057	$20,401
Tuition	In state: $8,935 Out of state: $21,205	In state: $16,010 Out of state: $49,710
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,694 Meal plan: $3,652	Room/dormitory: $7,110 Meal plan: $5,550
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	78.0% Average amount $8,823	46.0% Average amount $19,612
Students receiving federal student loan	40.0% Average amount $5,243	25.0% Average amount $4,845
Students taking out private loans	10.0% Average amount $14,606	6.0% Average amount $11,030

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	33,132 Men 51.0% Women 49.0%	17,294 Men 43.7% Women 56.3%
Graduate students	7,410 Men 44.6% Women 55.4%	8,711 Men 46.9% Women 53.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	9.3%	35.2%
International students	5.1%	8.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	Suburb: Small
Dormitory capacity	8,069	7,645
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 New York Maryland Pennsylvania New Jersey

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Business Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences Family and Consumer Sciences	Business Health Professions Engineering Social Sciences Education
Students to faculty ratio	21:1	15:1
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%	93.7%
Dropout rate	7.5%	2.3%
Transferred out	27.6%	3.6%
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	Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $185,710 Year 2: $162,255 Year 3: $193,013 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $157,071 Year 2: $155,263 Year 3: $176,237 Computer Software and Media Applications (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,350 Year 2: $101,406 Year 3: $125,729 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $103,426 Year 2: $107,256 Year 3: $120,362 Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $108,239 Year 2: $95,739 Year 3: $109,956 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $83,639 Year 2: $92,077 Year 3: $108,272 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $84,682 Year 2: $90,146 Year 3: $101,904 Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,602 Year 2: $82,440 Year 3: $95,939 Systems Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $79,487 Year 2: $82,808 Year 3: $94,931 Public Policy Analysis (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $54,807 Year 2: $70,596 Year 3: $84,597

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in location and campus environment between the University of Virginia (UVA) and Texas Tech University?

UVA is located in Charlottesville, Virginia, a historic city with a strong academic and cultural atmosphere. The campus is known for its beautiful architecture and is integrated into the city. Texas Tech is situated in Lubbock, Texas, a more suburban environment. The campus has a distinct Spanish Renaissance architectural style and offers a more self-contained college experience.
How do the academic programs at UVA and Texas Tech compare?

UVA is renowned for its strong liberal arts programs, as well as its highly-ranked schools of Law, Medicine, and Engineering. Texas Tech excels in programs related to agriculture, engineering, and business. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, but their areas of strength differ.
What is the selectivity and admission process like at UVA versus Texas Tech?

UVA is generally considered more selective than Texas Tech. Admission to UVA is highly competitive, requiring strong academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement. Texas Tech has a more accessible admission process, though it still considers academic performance and other factors.
How does the cost of attendance compare between UVA and Texas Tech?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, can vary. Generally, in-state tuition at both universities is more affordable than out-of-state tuition. You should check the most recent tuition and fee information on each university's website, as costs can change annually. Consider also the cost of living in Charlottesville versus Lubbock, which may impact your overall expenses.
What are the student life and extracurricular opportunities like at UVA and Texas Tech?

Both universities offer a vibrant student life. UVA has a strong emphasis on traditions and a close-knit community. Students are actively involved in various clubs, organizations, and Greek life. Texas Tech also has a robust student life, with a strong focus on athletics, particularly football and basketball. Both universities offer a wide array of extracurricular activities, catering to diverse interests.
How do the career services and alumni networks differ between UVA and Texas Tech?

Both universities provide career services to assist students with job searching, internships, and career planning. UVA's alumni network is extensive and well-connected, particularly in the fields of law, medicine, and government. Texas Tech's alumni network is strong, especially in Texas and the Southwest, with a focus on industries like agriculture, engineering, and business. The strength of the network often depends on your chosen field of study.
What are the athletic programs like at UVA and Texas Tech?

Both universities have competitive athletic programs. UVA competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and has a strong history in sports like basketball, soccer, and lacrosse. Texas Tech competes in the Big 12 Conference and is known for its football and basketball programs. Both universities offer a lively atmosphere surrounding their athletic events.
What are the housing options like at UVA and Texas Tech?

Both universities offer a variety of on-campus housing options, including dormitories and apartments. UVA's housing is often integrated into the historic campus, while Texas Tech's housing reflects the university's architectural style. Both universities also have off-campus housing options available near the campus.
How does the research environment differ between UVA and Texas Tech?

UVA is a major research university with significant funding and opportunities across various disciplines, including humanities, sciences, and engineering. Texas Tech is also a research university, with strengths in areas like agriculture, engineering, and renewable energy. The specific research opportunities available will depend on your chosen field of study.
Which university is a better fit for me, UVA or Texas Tech?

The best fit depends on your individual preferences and goals. If you are looking for a highly selective university with a strong liberal arts focus and a historic campus environment, UVA might be a good choice. If you prefer a more accessible university with a strong focus on specific fields like agriculture or engineering, and a more self-contained campus experience, Texas Tech could be a better fit. Consider your academic interests, desired campus environment, and career aspirations when making your decision.

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