Virginia Tech vs MSU Bulldogs

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) and Mississippi State University (MSU) are two distinct universities with unique offerings. Virginia Tech, located in Blacksburg, Virginia, boasts a higher acceptance rate (70%) compared to MSU's 67%. Both universities offer a diverse range of undergraduate programs, with Virginia Tech excelling in engineering, computer science, and business, while MSU is renowned for its agriculture, engineering, and education programs. Virginia Tech's student body is slightly larger, with over 30,000 undergraduates, while MSU has a more intimate community of around 20,000 undergraduates. In terms of graduation rates, Virginia Tech holds a slight edge with a 84% four-year graduation rate compared to MSU's 79%. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into these aspects and more, allowing you to assess which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and

	Mississippi State University	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Overview
Location	Mississippi State, Mississippi	Blacksburg, Virginia
Campus setting	Town: Remote	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	81.0%	92.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	76.1%	56.5%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $60	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1030 - 1280	1210 - 1410
ACT range	21 - 30	26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score	9.0%	83.0%
Students submitting ACT score	91.0%	35.0%
Total number of applicants	17,707	42,054
Total number of admissions given out	13,478	23,746
Admitted students who chose to enroll	3,388	6,758
Yield rate	25.1%	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)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $26,460 Out of state: $42,140	In state: $30,104 Out of state: $49,787
Average net price	$16,175	$20,109
Tuition	In state: $9,110 Out of state: $24,790	In state: $11,750 Out of state: $30,829
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,612 Meal plan: $4,200	Room/dormitory: $5,890 Meal plan: $4,736
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan Other alternative tuition plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	97.0% Average amount $12,948	58.0% Average amount $8,018
Students receiving federal student loan	42.0% Average amount $5,388	40.0% Average amount $5,316
Students taking out private loans	6.0% Average amount $14,099	9.0% Average amount $20,728

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	18,584 Men 49.6% Women 50.4%	29,760 Men 57.3% Women 42.7%
Graduate students	4,502 Men 45.3% Women 54.7%	7,519 Men 56.5% Women 43.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	41.2%	39.5%
International students	3.4%	9.9%
Campus local/setting	Town: Remote	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	5,333	9,471
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Mississippi Tennessee Alabama Georgia Louisiana	Virginia Maryland New Jersey North Carolina Pennsylvania

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Education Business Agriculture Kinesiology & Leisure Studies	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	59.7%	86.6%
Dropout rate	38.5%	12.3%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $75,348 Year 2: $88,527 Year 3: $99,184 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $84,211 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $90,129 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,757 Year 2: $74,307 Year 3: $82,587 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,632 Year 2: $73,852 Year 3: $79,309 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,768 Year 2: $74,405 Year 3: $78,161 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,878 Year 2: $69,710 Year 3: $76,651 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $54,741 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $69,725 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,809 Year 2: $56,776 Year 3: $68,041 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $55,551 Year 2: $58,334 Year 3: $66,010 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,870 Year 2: $52,733 Year 3: $64,799	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 Virginia Tech and Mississippi State University?

Virginia Tech (VT) and Mississippi State University (MSU) are both large, public land-grant universities, but they differ in several key aspects. VT is located in Blacksburg, Virginia, in the Appalachian Mountains, offering a more mountainous and cooler climate. MSU is situated in Starkville, Mississippi, in the southeastern United States, characterized by a warmer, more humid climate and flatter terrain. Academically, while both have strong engineering and agricultural programs, VT is generally recognized for its strength in engineering, architecture, and technology, while MSU is known for its expertise in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and aerospace engineering. The student body demographics also differ, with VT having a larger proportion of out-of-state students compared to MSU, which primarily draws students from Mississippi and surrounding states.
Which university is better for engineering programs: Virginia Tech or Mississippi State?

Virginia Tech is generally considered to have a stronger and more highly ranked engineering program overall. VT's College of Engineering is consistently ranked among the top engineering schools in the nation, offering a wide range of engineering disciplines and research opportunities. While Mississippi State also has a reputable engineering program, particularly in aerospace engineering, Virginia Tech's broader scope, resources, and national recognition give it an edge in the field.
How do the agricultural programs at Virginia Tech and Mississippi State compare?

Both Virginia Tech and Mississippi State have strong agricultural programs, reflecting their land-grant missions. However, Mississippi State University is often recognized for its particular strength and focus on agriculture. MSU's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has a long-standing reputation for research and extension services related to agriculture in the southeastern United States. Virginia Tech also has a solid agricultural program, but its emphasis is somewhat broader, encompassing natural resources, environmental science, and food science in addition to traditional agriculture.
What is the campus environment like at Virginia Tech versus Mississippi State?

Virginia Tech's campus in Blacksburg is known for its beautiful mountain setting and strong sense of community, often referred to as 'Hokie Nation.' The campus has a more traditional college town feel. Mississippi State's campus in Starkville offers a more classic southern college experience, with a focus on traditions and a strong sense of school spirit. Starkville is a smaller town than Blacksburg, creating a more intimate campus environment. Both universities have active student life with numerous clubs, organizations, and athletic events.
How do the costs of attending Virginia Tech and Mississippi State compare?

Generally, Mississippi State University is more affordable for both in-state and out-of-state students compared to Virginia Tech. Tuition and fees at MSU are typically lower than those at VT. However, the overall cost of attendance, including room and board, books, and other expenses, should be carefully considered for both universities. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition and fee schedules and to explore available financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
What are the acceptance rates for Virginia Tech and Mississippi State?

Virginia Tech generally has a more selective admissions process than Mississippi State University. VT's acceptance rate is typically lower, indicating a more competitive applicant pool. Mississippi State tends to have a higher acceptance rate, making it somewhat easier to gain admission. However, admission requirements and selectivity can vary by program, so it's essential to research the specific requirements for your desired major at each university.
Which university is better for students interested in research opportunities?

Both Virginia Tech and Mississippi State offer ample research opportunities for students, reflecting their status as research universities. Virginia Tech, with its larger research budget and focus on technology and engineering, may offer a wider range of research opportunities in those fields. Mississippi State also has strong research programs, particularly in agriculture, aerospace engineering, and veterinary medicine. Students interested in research should explore the specific research labs and faculty at each university that align with their interests.
How do the career services and job placement rates compare between Virginia Tech and Mississippi State?

Both Virginia Tech and Mississippi State offer comprehensive career services to assist students with internships, job searches, and career development. Virginia Tech's strong industry connections, particularly in engineering and technology, may provide an advantage for students seeking jobs in those fields. Mississippi State also has strong ties to industries in the Southeast, particularly in agriculture and aerospace. Job placement rates are generally high at both universities, but they can vary by major and industry.
What are the popular majors at Virginia Tech and Mississippi State?

At Virginia Tech, popular majors include engineering (various disciplines), computer science, business, and architecture. At Mississippi State, popular majors include engineering (particularly aerospace and mechanical), agriculture, business, and education. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.
How does the student life and campus culture differ between Virginia Tech and Mississippi State?

Virginia Tech's student life is characterized by a strong sense of community and school spirit, often referred to as 'Hokie Nation.' The campus is known for its active student organizations, outdoor recreation opportunities, and a focus on academics and research. Mississippi State's student life is rooted in southern traditions and a strong sense of school pride. The campus is known for its vibrant Greek life, passionate sports fans, and a close-knit community. Both universities offer a wide range of extracurricular activities and events to engage students.

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