When choosing a college, it is important to consider various factors such as cost, admissions, academics, and outcomes. This article provides a comprehensive comparison between Virginia Tech and Penn State University to help you make an informed decision.
Virginia Tech Overview
Virginia Tech, founded in 1872, is a public research university located in Blacksburg, Virginia. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its nine colleges, emphasizing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Virginia Tech Costs & Tuition
In-state students at Virginia Tech can expect to pay approximately $13,691 per year for tuition and fees, while out-of-state students will pay around $32,835. Room and board costs are estimated at $9,460 per year, with additional expenses for books and supplies.
Virginia Tech Admissions
Virginia Tech has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 70%. Applicants must submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal statement. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1260-1390, while the average ACT score is 27-32.
Virginia Tech Degrees Offered
Virginia Tech offers over 110 bachelor’s degree programs, 170 master’s programs, and 100 doctoral programs across its nine colleges. The most popular majors include engineering, business, health professions, and social sciences.
Virginia Tech Academics
Virginia Tech is known for its strong engineering and business programs. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 14:1, ensuring that students receive personalized attention and support from faculty members.
Virginia Tech Diversity
Virginia Tech has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. Around 20% of the undergraduate population are from underrepresented minority groups.
Virginia Tech Students
Virginia Tech’s student body consists of approximately 28,000 undergraduate students and around 7,000 graduate students. The campus is known for its strong sense of community and school spirit, with numerous clubs, organizations, and athletic events available for students to engage in.
Virginia Tech Campus
The Virginia Tech campus spans over 2,600 acres and includes state-of-the-art facilities, research centers, and recreational spaces. The campus is known for its beautiful surroundings, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Virginia Tech Alumni
Notable alumni from Virginia Tech include astronaut Charles Duke, former CEO of AT&T John Donovan, and Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Natasha Trethewey.
Virginia Tech Rankings
Virginia Tech is ranked #74 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report and #32 in Top Public Schools. The university is also ranked #27 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs.
Virginia Tech Outcomes
Graduates from Virginia Tech enjoy a high level of success, with a six-year graduation rate of 84% and a 91% job placement rate within six months of graduation.
Penn State University Overview
Founded in 1855, Penn State University is a public research university with its main campus located in University Park, Pennsylvania. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its 24 campuses, with a strong focus on engineering, business, and science disciplines.
Penn State University Costs & Tuition
In-state students at Penn State University can expect to pay approximately $18,450 per year for tuition and fees, while out-of-state students will pay around $35,514. Room and board costs are estimated at $11,570 per year, with additional expenses for books and supplies.
Penn State University Admissions
Penn State University has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 56%. Applicants must submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal statement. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1160-1370, while the average ACT score is 25-30.
Penn State University Degrees Offered
Penn State University offers over 275 undergraduate degree programs, 300 master’s programs, and 200 doctoral programs across its various campuses. The most popular majors include business, engineering, health professions, and social sciences.
Penn State University Academics
Penn State is known for its strong engineering, business, and agricultural programs. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 15:1, providing students with personalized attention and support from faculty members.
Penn State University Diversity
Penn State University has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 120 countries. Approximately 15% of the undergraduate population are from underrepresented minority groups.
Penn State University Students
Penn State University’s main campus has around 40,000 undergraduate students and 6,000 graduate students. The campus is known for its strong sense of community and school spirit, with numerous clubs, organizations, and athletic events available for students to engage in.
Penn State University Campus
The Penn State University Park campus spans over 8,500 acres and includes state-of-the-art facilities, research centers, and recreational spaces. The campus is known for its beautiful surroundings, with picturesque views of Mount Nittany.
Penn State University Alumni
Notable alumni from Penn State University include author John Updike, former CEO of Merck & Co. Kenneth Frazier, and astronaut Guion Bluford.
Penn State University Rankings
Penn State University is ranked #63 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report and #23 in Top Public Schools. The university is also ranked #39 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs.
Penn State University Outcome
Graduates from Penn State University enjoy a high level of success, with a six-year graduation rate of 85% and a 94% job placement rate within six months of graduation.
Virginia Tech vs Penn State University Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Virginia Tech and Penn State University, there are some key differences to consider. For in-state students, Virginia Tech’s tuition and fees are significantly lower at $13,691, compared to Penn State’s $18,450. However, for out-of-state students, the costs are more comparable, with Virginia Tech’s tuition and fees at $32,835 and Penn State’s at $35,514.
Room and board expenses are also slightly more affordable at Virginia Tech, with an estimated cost of $9,460 per year, compared to Penn State’s $11,570.
Virginia Tech vs Penn State University Admissions Difficulty
Both Virginia Tech and Penn State University have competitive admissions processes, with acceptance rates of 70% and 56%, respectively. While both schools require similar application materials, including transcripts, standardized test scores, and personal statements, Penn State’s average admitted student SAT and ACT scores are slightly lower.
Students applying to Virginia Tech should aim for an SAT score between 1260 and 1390 or an ACT score between 27 and 32, while those applying to Penn State should target an SAT score between 1160 and 1370 or an ACT score between 25 and 30.
Virginia Tech vs Penn State University Academic Difficulty
Both universities are known for their rigorous academic programs, particularly in engineering and business fields. Virginia Tech has a slightly lower student-faculty ratio of 14:1 compared to Penn State’s 15:1, which may indicate more personalized attention and support for students at Virginia Tech.
However, when comparing the two schools’ undergraduate engineering program rankings, Penn State is ranked slightly higher at #39 compared to Virginia Tech’s #27. Ultimately, the academic difficulty will depend on the specific program and each student’s individual experience.
Virginia Tech vs Penn State University Outcome Comparison
Both Virginia Tech and Penn State University have strong outcomes for their graduates, with high graduation rates and job placement rates within six months of graduation. Virginia Tech boasts an 84% six-year graduation rate and a 91% job placement rate, while Penn State has an 85% graduation rate and a 94% job placement rate. While both universities provide excellent opportunities for their graduates, the slight edge goes to Penn State in terms of overall outcomes.
