Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
UPenn
$328,008
4-year total (private)
VS
Virginia Tech
$189,560
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: UPenn = $111,768 | Virginia Tech = $138,360. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
UPenn Top Majors
FinanceEconomicsNursingComputer ScienceBiologyVirginia Tech Top Majors
EngineeringComputer ScienceBusinessBiologyAgriculture
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is UPenn or Virginia Tech harder to get into?+
UPenn is more selective with an acceptance rate of 5.4% compared to 57.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, UPenn or Virginia Tech?+
At sticker price, Virginia Tech costs less over 4 years ($189,560 vs $328,008). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. UPenn offers an average of $54,060/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 UPenn and Virginia Tech?+
The average SAT score at UPenn is 1530 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 UPenn or Virginia Tech graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UPenn have a higher average starting salary ($92,800 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?+
UPenn 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 UPenn and Virginia Tech compare for campus life?+
UPenn is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with a 299-acre campus. Virginia Tech is in Blacksburg, Virginia (rural setting) with 2,600 acres. UPenn competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Virginia Tech in NCAA D1.