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University of Virginia vs Virginia Tech

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

16.3% UVA acceptance
57.0% Virginia Tech acceptance
$91,224 Virginia Tech cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

UVA
Charlottesville, Virginia
Public
Founded
1819
Enrollment
26,082
Setting
Suburban
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia
Public
Founded
1872
Enrollment
38,167
Setting
Rural

At a Glance

Tuition Virginia Tech saves $19,824
UVA
$55,914
Virginia Tech
$36,090
Acceptance Rate UVA more selective
UVA
16.3%
Virginia Tech
57.0%
Graduation Rate UVA higher
UVA
94%
Virginia Tech
85%
Avg SAT Score UVA higher
UVA
1440
Virginia Tech
1330
Starting Salary UVA higher
UVA
$71,500
Virginia Tech
$68,800

Detailed Comparison

Metric UVA Virginia Tech Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$55,914$36,090Virginia Tech
Tuition (In-State)$20,342$15,478Virginia Tech
Room & Board$14,282$11,300Virginia Tech
Acceptance Rate16.3%57.0%UVA
Graduation Rate94%85%UVA
Average SAT14401330UVA
Student-Faculty Ratio15:114:1Virginia Tech
Enrollment26,08238,167-
Avg Financial Aid$21,700$12,800UVA
Starting Salary$71,500$68,800UVA
Endowment$14.5B$2.0BUVA
Campus Size1,682 acres2,600 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

UVA
$280,784
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Virginia Tech
$189,560
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: UVA = $193,984 | Virginia Tech = $138,360. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

UVA Top Majors

EconomicsBusinessComputer ScienceBiologyPsychology

Virginia Tech Top Majors

EngineeringComputer ScienceBusinessBiologyAgriculture

Campus & Student Life

Setting
UVASuburban
Virginia TechRural
Campus Size
UVA1,682 ac
Virginia Tech2,600 ac
Athletics
UVANCAA D1
Virginia TechNCAA D1
Region
UVASouth
Virginia TechSouth
Founded
UVA1819
Virginia Tech1872
Enrollment
UVA26,082
Virginia Tech38,167

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is UVA or Virginia Tech harder to get into?+
UVA is more selective with an acceptance rate of 16.3% compared to 57.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, UVA or Virginia Tech?+
At sticker price, Virginia Tech costs less over 4 years ($189,560 vs $280,784). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. UVA offers an average of $21,700/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 UVA and Virginia Tech?+
The average SAT score at UVA is 1440 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 UVA or Virginia Tech graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UVA have a higher average starting salary ($71,500 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?+
UVA has a 15:1 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 UVA and Virginia Tech compare for campus life?+
UVA is located in Charlottesville, Virginia (suburban setting) with a 1,682-acre campus. Virginia Tech is in Blacksburg, Virginia (rural setting) with 2,600 acres. UVA competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Virginia Tech in NCAA D1.