When choosing a university, comparing different schools can be a useful way to identify the best fit for your academic and personal goals. In this article, we will be comparing two well-known universities: California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) and Virginia Tech. We’ll explore the various factors that differentiate these schools, including costs, admissions, academics, campus life, and outcomes to help you make an informed decision.
Cal Poly Overview
California Polytechnic State University, more commonly known as Cal Poly, is a public university located in San Luis Obispo, California. It was founded in 1901 and is part of the California State University system. Known for its “Learn by Doing” philosophy, Cal Poly offers various programs across six colleges, with a particular focus on engineering, agriculture, and architecture.
Cal Poly Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attending Cal Poly for an in-state student is around $27,000 per year, which includes tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses. Out-of-state students can expect to pay approximately $42,000 per year.
Cal Poly Admissions
Cal Poly is a moderately selective university, with an acceptance rate of around 30%. The middle 50% range of SAT scores for admitted students is between 1250 and 1430, while the ACT scores range from 26 to 32. Cal Poly also evaluates applicants based on their extracurricular activities, personal statements, and high school transcripts.
Cal Poly Degrees Offered
Cal Poly offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across a variety of fields. Some of the most popular majors include Engineering, Business, Agriculture, and Architecture.
Cal Poly Academics
The university is renowned for its hands-on approach to learning, emphasizing practical experience and application of knowledge. This is evident in its strong engineering and architecture programs, which consistently rank highly in national rankings.
Cal Poly Diversity
Cal Poly is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive campus environment. The student population is made up of 49% male and 51% female students, with 42% identifying as students of color.
Cal Poly Students
With a total enrollment of around 21,000 students, Cal Poly offers a close-knit community that fosters connections and collaboration. The university boasts over 300 student clubs and organizations, providing ample opportunities for students to get involved and pursue their passions outside of the classroom.
Cal Poly Campus
The Cal Poly campus is located in the picturesque city of San Luis Obispo, with easy access to both the coast and the mountains. The 9,678-acre campus offers state-of-the-art facilities and a wide range of amenities, including recreation centers, dining halls, and residence halls.
Cal Poly Alumni
Cal Poly graduates have gone on to achieve success in various fields, including engineering, business, and agriculture. Notable alumni include former NASA astronaut and engineer Robert Crippen, and Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard.
Cal Poly Rankings
Cal Poly consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States. U.S. News & World Report ranks Cal Poly as the 3rd best regional university in the West and the 2nd best public university in the West.
Cal Poly Outcomes
According to the university’s data, 81% of Cal Poly graduates are either employed or pursuing further education within one year of graduation. The average starting salary for Cal Poly graduates is around $62,000.
Virginia Tech Overview
Virginia Tech, officially known as Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, is a public research university located in Blacksburg, Virginia. Established in 1872, Virginia Tech is a land-grant university that offers a wide range of degree programs across nine colleges.
Virginia Tech Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance for an in-state student at Virginia Tech is around $26,000 per year, which includes tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses. Out-of-state students can expect to pay approximately $43,000 per year.
Virginia Tech Admissions
Virginia Tech has an acceptance rate of around 70%, making it a moderately selective institution. The middle 50% range of SAT scores for admitted students is between 1180 and 1390, and ACT scores range from 25 to 31. In addition to test scores, the university considers factors such as high school coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal statements in the admissions process.
Virginia Tech Degrees Offered
Virginia Tech offers over 110 bachelor’s degree programs, 170 master’s degree programs, and 70 doctoral programs. Popular majors at the university include Engineering, Business, Biological Sciences, and Agriculture.
Virginia Tech Academics
With a strong focus on research and innovation, Virginia Tech is known for its cutting-edge programs in engineering, agriculture, and the sciences. The university is also home to the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, providing students with opportunities to collaborate with industry partners and gain valuable experience.
Virginia Tech Diversity
Virginia Tech is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The student body is composed of 55% male and 45% female students, with 29% identifying as students of color.
Virginia Tech Students
Virginia Tech has a total enrollment of over 34,000 students, offering a vibrant and engaging campus environment. There are more than 800 student clubs and organizations available for students to join, promoting personal and professional growth outside of the classroom.
Virginia Tech Campus
Nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, the Virginia Tech campus spans 2,600 acres and includes state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Moss Arts Center, the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology, and the Hahn Horticulture Garden.
Virginia Tech Alumni
Notable alumni from Virginia Tech include former NASA astronaut and engineer Charles Camarda, and John W. Scherer, the CEO and Founder of Video Professor.
Virginia Tech Rankings
Virginia Tech is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. U.S. News & World Report ranks Virginia Tech as the 29th best public university in the country and the 74th best national university.
Virginia Tech Outcomes
According to Virginia Tech’s data, 84% of its graduates are either employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Virginia Tech graduates is around $55,000.
Cal Poly vs. Virginia Tech Cost Comparison
Both Cal Poly and Virginia Tech have similar costs for in-state and out-of-state students. In-state students can expect to pay around $27,000 per year at Cal Poly and $26,000 per year at Virginia Tech, while out-of-state students can expect to pay approximately $42,000 per year at Cal Poly and $43,000 per year at Virginia Tech.
Cal Poly vs. Virginia Tech Admissions Difficulty
Cal Poly has a lower acceptance rate (30%) compared to Virginia Tech (70%), indicating that it may be more difficult to gain admission to Cal Poly. However, both schools have similar ranges for SAT and ACT scores, suggesting comparable levels of academic achievement among admitted students.
Cal Poly vs. Virginia Tech Academic Difficulty
Both universities are known for their rigorous academic programs and emphasis on hands-on learning. Cal Poly’s “Learn by Doing” approach is especially renowned in its engineering and architecture programs, while Virginia Tech’s research focus provides students with opportunities to collaborate with industry partners and engage in cutting-edge projects.
Cal Poly vs. Virginia Tech Outcome Comparison
Graduates from both schools have strong post-graduation outcomes, with 81% of Cal Poly graduates and 84% of Virginia Tech graduates employed or pursuing further education within one year (or six months, respectively) of graduation. Cal Poly graduates report a slightly higher average starting salary of $62,000 compared to Virginia Tech graduates, who report an average starting salary of $55,000.
