Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Northwestern
$333,540
4-year total (private)
VS
Virginia Tech
$189,560
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Northwestern = $138,980 | Virginia Tech = $138,360. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Northwestern Top Majors
EconomicsJournalismEngineeringComputer SciencePsychologyVirginia Tech Top Majors
EngineeringComputer ScienceBusinessBiologyAgriculture
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northwestern or Virginia Tech harder to get into?+
Northwestern is more selective with an acceptance rate of 7.0% compared to 57.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Northwestern or Virginia Tech?+
At sticker price, Virginia Tech costs less over 4 years ($189,560 vs $333,540). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Northwestern offers an average of $48,640/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 Northwestern and Virginia Tech?+
The average SAT score at Northwestern is 1520 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 Northwestern or Virginia Tech graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Northwestern have a higher average starting salary ($80,600 vs $68,800). 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?+
Northwestern has a 6:1 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 Northwestern and Virginia Tech compare for campus life?+
Northwestern is located in Evanston, Illinois (suburban setting) with a 231-acre campus. Virginia Tech is in Blacksburg, Virginia (rural setting) with 2,600 acres. Northwestern competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Virginia Tech in NCAA D1.