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Arizona State University vs Virginia Tech

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

88.0% ASU acceptance
57.0% Virginia Tech acceptance
$8,760 ASU cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

ASU
Tempe, Arizona
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
83,446
Setting
Urban
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia
Public
Founded
1872
Enrollment
38,167
Setting
Rural

At a Glance

Tuition ASU saves $4,890
ASU
$31,200
Virginia Tech
$36,090
Acceptance Rate Virginia Tech more selective
ASU
88.0%
Virginia Tech
57.0%
Graduation Rate Virginia Tech higher
ASU
69%
Virginia Tech
85%
Avg SAT Score Virginia Tech higher
ASU
1230
Virginia Tech
1330
Starting Salary Virginia Tech higher
ASU
$60,100
Virginia Tech
$68,800

Detailed Comparison

Metric ASU Virginia Tech Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$31,200$36,090ASU
Tuition (In-State)$12,479$15,478ASU
Room & Board$14,000$11,300Virginia Tech
Acceptance Rate88.0%57.0%Virginia Tech
Graduation Rate69%85%Virginia Tech
Average SAT12301330Virginia Tech
Student-Faculty Ratio18:114:1Virginia Tech
Enrollment83,44638,167-
Avg Financial Aid$12,400$12,800Virginia Tech
Starting Salary$60,100$68,800Virginia Tech
Endowment$1.5B$2.0BVirginia Tech
Campus Size1,695 acres2,600 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

ASU
$180,800
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Virginia Tech
$189,560
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: ASU = $131,200 | Virginia Tech = $138,360. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

ASU Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringPsychologyBiologySupply Chain

Virginia Tech Top Majors

EngineeringComputer ScienceBusinessBiologyAgriculture

Campus & Student Life

Setting
ASUUrban
Virginia TechRural
Campus Size
ASU1,695 ac
Virginia Tech2,600 ac
Athletics
ASUNCAA D1
Virginia TechNCAA D1
Region
ASUWest
Virginia TechSouth
Founded
ASU1885
Virginia Tech1872
Enrollment
ASU83,446
Virginia Tech38,167

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is ASU or Virginia Tech harder to get into?+
Virginia Tech is more selective with an acceptance rate of 57.0% compared to 88.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, ASU or Virginia Tech?+
At sticker price, ASU costs less over 4 years ($180,800 vs $189,560). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. ASU offers an average of $12,400/year in aid while Virginia Tech offers $12,800/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for ASU and Virginia Tech?+
The average SAT score at ASU is 1230 and at Virginia Tech it is 1330. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do ASU or Virginia Tech graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Virginia Tech have a higher average starting salary ($68,800 vs $60,100). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
ASU has a 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Virginia Tech has 14:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do ASU and Virginia Tech compare for campus life?+
ASU is located in Tempe, Arizona (urban setting) with a 1,695-acre campus. Virginia Tech is in Blacksburg, Virginia (rural setting) with 2,600 acres. ASU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Virginia Tech in NCAA D1.