HomeCompare › FSU vs Virginia Tech

Florida State University vs Virginia Tech

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

25.0% FSU acceptance
57.0% Virginia Tech acceptance
$54,668 FSU cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

FSU
Tallahassee, Florida
Public
Founded
1851
Enrollment
46,944
Setting
Urban
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia
Public
Founded
1872
Enrollment
38,167
Setting
Rural

At a Glance

Tuition FSU saves $14,407
FSU
$21,683
Virginia Tech
$36,090
Acceptance Rate FSU more selective
FSU
25.0%
Virginia Tech
57.0%
Graduation Rate Virginia Tech higher
FSU
83%
Virginia Tech
85%
Avg SAT Score Virginia Tech higher
FSU
1310
Virginia Tech
1330
Starting Salary Virginia Tech higher
FSU
$59,800
Virginia Tech
$68,800

Detailed Comparison

Metric FSU Virginia Tech Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$21,683$36,090FSU
Tuition (In-State)$6,517$15,478FSU
Room & Board$12,040$11,300Virginia Tech
Acceptance Rate25.0%57.0%FSU
Graduation Rate83%85%Virginia Tech
Average SAT13101330Virginia Tech
Student-Faculty Ratio21:114:1Virginia Tech
Enrollment46,94438,167-
Avg Financial Aid$12,400$12,800Virginia Tech
Starting Salary$59,800$68,800Virginia Tech
Endowment$1.1B$2.0BVirginia Tech
Campus Size1,427 acres2,600 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

FSU
$134,892
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Virginia Tech
$189,560
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: FSU = $85,292 | Virginia Tech = $138,360. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

FSU Top Majors

BusinessPsychologyBiologyCriminologyEngineering

Virginia Tech Top Majors

EngineeringComputer ScienceBusinessBiologyAgriculture

Campus & Student Life

Setting
FSUUrban
Virginia TechRural
Campus Size
FSU1,427 ac
Virginia Tech2,600 ac
Athletics
FSUNCAA D1
Virginia TechNCAA D1
Region
FSUSouth
Virginia TechSouth
Founded
FSU1851
Virginia Tech1872
Enrollment
FSU46,944
Virginia Tech38,167

Need Help Choosing Between FSU & Virginia Tech?

Get free personalized guidance from college admissions experts. Application strategy, essay reviews, and financial aid help.

Get Free College Guidance →
✓ 100% free consultation ✓ Expert admissions advisors ✓ No obligation

Helpful Resources

Tools and services to help with your college journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FSU or Virginia Tech harder to get into?+
FSU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 25.0% compared to 57.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, FSU or Virginia Tech?+
At sticker price, FSU costs less over 4 years ($134,892 vs $189,560). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. FSU 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 FSU and Virginia Tech?+
The average SAT score at FSU is 1310 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 FSU or Virginia Tech graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Virginia Tech have a higher average starting salary ($68,800 vs $59,800). 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?+
FSU has a 21:1 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 FSU and Virginia Tech compare for campus life?+
FSU is located in Tallahassee, Florida (urban setting) with a 1,427-acre campus. Virginia Tech is in Blacksburg, Virginia (rural setting) with 2,600 acres. FSU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Virginia Tech in NCAA D1.