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Ohio State University vs Virginia Tech

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

52.0% Ohio State acceptance
57.0% Virginia Tech acceptance
$13,040 Virginia Tech cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Ohio State
Columbus, Ohio
Public
Founded
1870
Enrollment
61,369
Setting
Urban
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia
Public
Founded
1872
Enrollment
38,167
Setting
Rural

At a Glance

Tuition Virginia Tech saves $632
Ohio State
$36,722
Virginia Tech
$36,090
Acceptance Rate Ohio State more selective
Ohio State
52.0%
Virginia Tech
57.0%
Graduation Rate Virginia Tech higher
Ohio State
84%
Virginia Tech
85%
Avg SAT Score Ohio State higher
Ohio State
1340
Virginia Tech
1330
Starting Salary Virginia Tech higher
Ohio State
$63,500
Virginia Tech
$68,800

Detailed Comparison

Metric Ohio State Virginia Tech Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$36,722$36,090Virginia Tech
Tuition (In-State)$12,485$15,478Ohio State
Room & Board$13,928$11,300Virginia Tech
Acceptance Rate52.0%57.0%Ohio State
Graduation Rate84%85%Virginia Tech
Average SAT13401330Ohio State
Student-Faculty Ratio19:114:1Virginia Tech
Enrollment61,36938,167-
Avg Financial Aid$14,830$12,800Ohio State
Starting Salary$63,500$68,800Virginia Tech
Endowment$7.6B$2.0BOhio State
Campus Size1,665 acres2,600 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Ohio State
$202,600
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Virginia Tech
$189,560
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Ohio State = $143,280 | Virginia Tech = $138,360. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Ohio State Top Majors

BusinessPsychologyBiologyCommunicationEngineering

Virginia Tech Top Majors

EngineeringComputer ScienceBusinessBiologyAgriculture

Campus & Student Life

Setting
Ohio StateUrban
Virginia TechRural
Campus Size
Ohio State1,665 ac
Virginia Tech2,600 ac
Athletics
Ohio StateNCAA D1
Virginia TechNCAA D1
Region
Ohio StateMidwest
Virginia TechSouth
Founded
Ohio State1870
Virginia Tech1872
Enrollment
Ohio State61,369
Virginia Tech38,167

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ohio State or Virginia Tech harder to get into?+
Ohio State is more selective with an acceptance rate of 52.0% compared to 57.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Ohio State or Virginia Tech?+
At sticker price, Virginia Tech costs less over 4 years ($189,560 vs $202,600). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Ohio State offers an average of $14,830/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 Ohio State and Virginia Tech?+
The average SAT score at Ohio State is 1340 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 Ohio State or Virginia Tech graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Virginia Tech have a higher average starting salary ($68,800 vs $63,500). 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?+
Ohio State has a 19:1 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 Ohio State and Virginia Tech compare for campus life?+
Ohio State is located in Columbus, Ohio (urban setting) with a 1,665-acre campus. Virginia Tech is in Blacksburg, Virginia (rural setting) with 2,600 acres. Ohio State competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Virginia Tech in NCAA D1.