Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University: A Parent's Guide to Admissions, Cost & Outcomes
Blacksburg, Virginia · Public · Moderately selective · CDS 2025-2026
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Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is a public university in Blacksburg, Virginia that admits about 55% of applicants, making it a moderately selective school. The average family pays about $24,953 a year after financial aid, which matters more than the published sticker price. It is best known for Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Computer and Information Sciences, General and Mechanical Engineering, its largest undergraduate programs by number of graduates. About 86% of students graduate within six years. Its most recent Clery Act report shows roughly 1.1 criminal offenses per 1,000 students.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is a public institution located in Blacksburg, Virginia with a moderately selective admissions profile. For the most recent reporting cycle, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University admits about half to three-quarters of applicants, with an overall admission rate of 55%. Admitted students typically post an average SAT of 1364 and an ACT composite around 29. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $24,953 per year, which is the figure most families actually pay rather than the published sticker price.
What GPA does my child need for Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
75% of enrolled students at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University had a high school GPA of 4.0 or above, and the average was 4.06, according to its 2025-2026 Common Data Set.
What does Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University weight in admissions?
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University reports these factor weights in its Common Data Set (2025-2026). What the weights mean
- • Rigor of secondary school record
- • Academic GPA
- • Application essay
- • First generation status
- • Geographical residence
- • State residency
SAT and ACT scores Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University typically admits
The middle-50 SAT Math range is 640–740, with an EBRW midpoint near 650. The middle-50 ACT composite range is 28–32. A score at or above this school's 75th percentile materially improves your child's odds, particularly when paired with a rigorous course load.
| 25th percentile | — |
| 50th percentile | 1364 |
| 75th percentile | — |
| % submitting SAT | 42% |
| 25th percentile | 28 |
| 50th percentile | 30 |
| 75th percentile | 32 |
| % submitting ACT | 8% |
- • Test-optional: Standardized test scores are not required, but may be submitted and considered.
- • Policy detail: Considered if submitted
How much does Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University actually cost?
Published tuition is $15,948 for in-state students and $37,764 for out-of-state, before grants and scholarships. Room and board adds roughly $16,550 annually. After need-based and merit aid, the average family pays a net price of $24,953 per year — the number that actually matters for budgeting. Roughly 15% of students receive Pell Grants.
| In-state tuition | $13,548 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $35,408 |
| Room and board | $16,046 |
| Average net price (after aid) | $24,953 |
| Application fee | $60 (waivers available) |
Application deadlines and early decision data for Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
| Regular deadline | 01-15 |
| Notification date | 03-15 |
| Reply deadline | 05-01 |
| Offers Early Action | Yes |
| EA deadline | November 1 |
Will my child graduate from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
These predict outcomes at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University better than its acceptance rate does. How to read retention and graduation rates
Most popular majors at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
The most popular undergraduate programs at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, measured by the number of students who actually graduate each year, are Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Computer and Information Sciences, General and Mechanical Engineering. Across all programs, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University confers roughly 2,380 bachelor's degrees a year. Graduates of its Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods program report a median income of about $109,446 five years after entering college. What these figures mean
| Major | Graduates / year | Median earnings (5 yrs out) |
|---|---|---|
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | 444 | $109,446 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 366 | $135,082 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 319 | $97,664 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 294 | $101,795 |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services | 252 | $68,867 |
| Biology, General | 250 | $63,097 |
| Psychology, General | 236 | $58,977 |
| Communication and Media Studies | 219 | $65,239 |
Is Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University safe? Campus crime & safety
In its most recent Clery Act report (2024), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University disclosed 35 total criminal offenses across its campus and surrounding public property, about 1.1 per 1,000 students. That figure includes 4 violent offenses and 10 reported sexual assaults or VAWA offenses. Why per-1,000 rates, not counts
What is campus life like at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
About 33% of undergraduates at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University live in campus housing, so a meaningful share of students commute or live off campus. Residential rate and Greek participation shape day-to-day social life and are worth weighing alongside academics and cost.
Other colleges in Virginia parents ask about
- College of William and Mary34% acceptance
- James Madison University72% acceptance
- Old Dominion University90% acceptance
- George Mason University87% acceptance
- Virginia Commonwealth University93% acceptance
- Washington and Lee University14% acceptance
- University of Richmond22% acceptance
- Liberty University99% acceptance
Next steps for Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Common questions parents ask about Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
What GPA do I need for Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
75% of enrolled students at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University had a high school GPA of 4.0 or above, and the average was 4.06, according to its 2025-2026 Common Data Set.
What SAT or ACT score does Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University typically admit?
The middle-50 SAT Math range is 640–740, with an EBRW midpoint near 650. The middle-50 ACT composite range is 28–32.
How much does Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University actually cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University after grants and scholarships is $24,953 per year, against a published in-state tuition of $15,948 and $37,764 out of state. Budget against the net figure.
Is Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University realistic for my child?
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University admits 55% of applicants, so 640–740 SAT Math is target range and below 640 is a reach. Then check the $24,953 average net price against what your family can carry.
What is the acceptance rate at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University accepts about 55% of applicants out of roughly 57,755 who apply each year. That makes it a moderately selective school.
Is Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University test-optional?
Yes. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is test-optional, so SAT and ACT scores are not required, but strong scores can still be submitted and will be considered.
What is the graduation rate at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
About 86% of students at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University graduate within six years, and 69% finish in four years. 95% of freshmen return for sophomore year. Graduation rate predicts real outcomes better than acceptance rate.
What does Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University look for in applicants?
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University rates course rigor, GPA, the application essay and first-generation status as "very important" in its Common Data Set. These are the factors the admissions committee weighs most heavily when reviewing an application.
Is Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University a public or private school, and where is it located?
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is a public institution located in Blacksburg, Virginia.
What are the most popular majors at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
The largest undergraduate majors at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University by annual graduates are Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Computer and Information Sciences, General and Mechanical Engineering. The school awards about 2,380 bachelor's degrees a year in total. These figures come from federal IPEDS completion data.
Is Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University safe? What is its campus crime rate?
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University reported 35 total criminal offenses in its most recent Clery Act disclosure (2024), roughly 1.1 per 1,000 students. Compare the per-1,000 rate rather than the raw total, since larger schools report more incidents.
What is campus life like at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
At Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 33% of undergraduates live on campus, according to its most recent Common Data Set.
Sources: the 2025-2026 Common Data Set submitted by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, the College Scorecard and IPEDS, and Clery Act disclosures. What each source covers