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University of Texas at Austin vs Virginia Tech

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

29.0% UT Austin acceptance
57.0% Virginia Tech acceptance
$23,840 Virginia Tech cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

UT Austin
Austin, Texas
Public
Founded
1883
Enrollment
52,384
Setting
Urban
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia
Public
Founded
1872
Enrollment
38,167
Setting
Rural

At a Glance

Tuition Virginia Tech saves $4,980
UT Austin
$41,070
Virginia Tech
$36,090
Acceptance Rate UT Austin more selective
UT Austin
29.0%
Virginia Tech
57.0%
Graduation Rate UT Austin higher
UT Austin
87%
Virginia Tech
85%
Avg SAT Score UT Austin higher
UT Austin
1370
Virginia Tech
1330
Starting Salary Virginia Tech higher
UT Austin
$68,500
Virginia Tech
$68,800

Detailed Comparison

Metric UT Austin Virginia Tech Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$41,070$36,090Virginia Tech
Tuition (In-State)$11,448$15,478UT Austin
Room & Board$12,280$11,300Virginia Tech
Acceptance Rate29.0%57.0%UT Austin
Graduation Rate87%85%UT Austin
Average SAT13701330UT Austin
Student-Faculty Ratio17:114:1Virginia Tech
Enrollment52,38438,167-
Avg Financial Aid$14,990$12,800UT Austin
Starting Salary$68,500$68,800Virginia Tech
Endowment$44.9B$2.0BUT Austin
Campus Size431 acres2,600 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

UT Austin
$213,400
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Virginia Tech
$189,560
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: UT Austin = $153,440 | Virginia Tech = $138,360. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

UT Austin Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringComputer ScienceBiologyCommunication

Virginia Tech Top Majors

EngineeringComputer ScienceBusinessBiologyAgriculture

Campus & Student Life

Setting
UT AustinUrban
Virginia TechRural
Campus Size
UT Austin431 ac
Virginia Tech2,600 ac
Athletics
UT AustinNCAA D1
Virginia TechNCAA D1
Region
UT AustinSouth
Virginia TechSouth
Founded
UT Austin1883
Virginia Tech1872
Enrollment
UT Austin52,384
Virginia Tech38,167

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is UT Austin or Virginia Tech harder to get into?+
UT Austin is more selective with an acceptance rate of 29.0% compared to 57.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, UT Austin or Virginia Tech?+
At sticker price, Virginia Tech costs less over 4 years ($189,560 vs $213,400). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. UT Austin offers an average of $14,990/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 UT Austin and Virginia Tech?+
The average SAT score at UT Austin is 1370 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 UT Austin or Virginia Tech graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Virginia Tech have a higher average starting salary ($68,800 vs $68,500). 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?+
UT Austin has a 17:1 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 UT Austin and Virginia Tech compare for campus life?+
UT Austin is located in Austin, Texas (urban setting) with a 431-acre campus. Virginia Tech is in Blacksburg, Virginia (rural setting) with 2,600 acres. UT Austin competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Virginia Tech in NCAA D1.