Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Alabama
$178,000
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Virginia Tech
$189,560
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Alabama = $125,600 | Virginia Tech = $138,360. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Alabama Top Majors
BusinessNursingEngineeringCommunicationBiologyVirginia Tech Top Majors
EngineeringComputer ScienceBusinessBiologyAgriculture
Need Help Choosing Between Alabama & 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alabama 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, Alabama or Virginia Tech?+
At sticker price, Alabama costs less over 4 years ($178,000 vs $189,560). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Alabama offers an average of $13,100/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 Alabama and Virginia Tech?+
The average SAT score at Alabama is 1260 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 Alabama or Virginia Tech graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Virginia Tech have a higher average starting salary ($68,800 vs $58,400). 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?+
Alabama 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 Alabama and Virginia Tech compare for campus life?+
Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (suburban setting) with a 1,168-acre campus. Virginia Tech is in Blacksburg, Virginia (rural setting) with 2,600 acres. Alabama competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Virginia Tech in NCAA D1.