HomeCompare › IU vs Virginia Tech

Indiana University Bloomington vs Virginia Tech

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

80.0% IU acceptance
57.0% Virginia Tech acceptance
$17,168 Virginia Tech cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

IU
Bloomington, Indiana
Public
Founded
1820
Enrollment
47,527
Setting
Suburban
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia
Public
Founded
1872
Enrollment
38,167
Setting
Rural

At a Glance

Tuition Virginia Tech saves $3,094
IU
$39,184
Virginia Tech
$36,090
Acceptance Rate Virginia Tech more selective
IU
80.0%
Virginia Tech
57.0%
Graduation Rate Virginia Tech higher
IU
80%
Virginia Tech
85%
Avg SAT Score Virginia Tech higher
IU
1240
Virginia Tech
1330
Starting Salary Virginia Tech higher
IU
$58,900
Virginia Tech
$68,800

Detailed Comparison

Metric IU Virginia Tech Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$39,184$36,090Virginia Tech
Tuition (In-State)$11,614$15,478IU
Room & Board$12,498$11,300Virginia Tech
Acceptance Rate80.0%57.0%Virginia Tech
Graduation Rate80%85%Virginia Tech
Average SAT12401330Virginia Tech
Student-Faculty Ratio15:114:1Virginia Tech
Enrollment47,52738,167-
Avg Financial Aid$13,900$12,800IU
Starting Salary$58,900$68,800Virginia Tech
Endowment$3.6B$2.0BIU
Campus Size1,940 acres2,600 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

IU
$206,728
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Virginia Tech
$189,560
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: IU = $151,128 | Virginia Tech = $138,360. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

IU Top Majors

BusinessBiologyPublic HealthInformaticsMedia

Virginia Tech Top Majors

EngineeringComputer ScienceBusinessBiologyAgriculture

Campus & Student Life

Setting
IUSuburban
Virginia TechRural
Campus Size
IU1,940 ac
Virginia Tech2,600 ac
Athletics
IUNCAA D1
Virginia TechNCAA D1
Region
IUMidwest
Virginia TechSouth
Founded
IU1820
Virginia Tech1872
Enrollment
IU47,527
Virginia Tech38,167

Need Help Choosing Between IU & 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 IU or Virginia Tech harder to get into?+
Virginia Tech is more selective with an acceptance rate of 57.0% compared to 80.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, IU or Virginia Tech?+
At sticker price, Virginia Tech costs less over 4 years ($189,560 vs $206,728). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. IU offers an average of $13,900/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 IU and Virginia Tech?+
The average SAT score at IU is 1240 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 IU or Virginia Tech graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Virginia Tech have a higher average starting salary ($68,800 vs $58,900). 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?+
IU has a 15:1 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 IU and Virginia Tech compare for campus life?+
IU is located in Bloomington, Indiana (suburban setting) with a 1,940-acre campus. Virginia Tech is in Blacksburg, Virginia (rural setting) with 2,600 acres. IU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Virginia Tech in NCAA D1.