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University of Maryland vs Virginia Tech

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

44.0% Maryland acceptance
57.0% Virginia Tech acceptance
$29,000 Virginia Tech cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Maryland
College Park, Maryland
Public
Founded
1856
Enrollment
41,200
Setting
Suburban
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia
Public
Founded
1872
Enrollment
38,167
Setting
Rural

At a Glance

Tuition Virginia Tech saves $4,216
Maryland
$40,306
Virginia Tech
$36,090
Acceptance Rate Maryland more selective
Maryland
44.0%
Virginia Tech
57.0%
Graduation Rate Maryland higher
Maryland
88%
Virginia Tech
85%
Avg SAT Score Maryland higher
Maryland
1410
Virginia Tech
1330
Starting Salary Maryland higher
Maryland
$70,900
Virginia Tech
$68,800

Detailed Comparison

Metric Maryland Virginia Tech Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$40,306$36,090Virginia Tech
Tuition (In-State)$11,505$15,478Maryland
Room & Board$14,334$11,300Virginia Tech
Acceptance Rate44.0%57.0%Maryland
Graduation Rate88%85%Maryland
Average SAT14101330Maryland
Student-Faculty Ratio18:114:1Virginia Tech
Enrollment41,20038,167-
Avg Financial Aid$14,200$12,800Maryland
Starting Salary$70,900$68,800Maryland
Endowment$2.3B$2.0BMaryland
Campus Size1,335 acres2,600 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Maryland
$218,560
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Virginia Tech
$189,560
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Maryland = $161,760 | Virginia Tech = $138,360. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Maryland Top Majors

Computer ScienceBiologyEngineeringBusinessCriminology

Virginia Tech Top Majors

EngineeringComputer ScienceBusinessBiologyAgriculture

Campus & Student Life

Setting
MarylandSuburban
Virginia TechRural
Campus Size
Maryland1,335 ac
Virginia Tech2,600 ac
Athletics
MarylandNCAA D1
Virginia TechNCAA D1
Region
MarylandNortheast
Virginia TechSouth
Founded
Maryland1856
Virginia Tech1872
Enrollment
Maryland41,200
Virginia Tech38,167

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Maryland or Virginia Tech harder to get into?+
Maryland is more selective with an acceptance rate of 44.0% compared to 57.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Maryland or Virginia Tech?+
At sticker price, Virginia Tech costs less over 4 years ($189,560 vs $218,560). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Maryland offers an average of $14,200/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 Maryland and Virginia Tech?+
The average SAT score at Maryland is 1410 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 Maryland or Virginia Tech graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Maryland have a higher average starting salary ($70,900 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?+
Maryland has a 18:1 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 Maryland and Virginia Tech compare for campus life?+
Maryland is located in College Park, Maryland (suburban setting) with a 1,335-acre campus. Virginia Tech is in Blacksburg, Virginia (rural setting) with 2,600 acres. Maryland competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Virginia Tech in NCAA D1.