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Virginia Tech vs Yale University

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

57.0% Virginia Tech acceptance
4.4% Yale acceptance
$146,040 Virginia Tech cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia
Public
Founded
1872
Enrollment
38,167
Setting
Rural
Yale
New Haven, Connecticut
Private
Founded
1701
Enrollment
14,776
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Virginia Tech saves $28,610
Virginia Tech
$36,090
Yale
$64,700
Acceptance Rate Yale more selective
Virginia Tech
57.0%
Yale
4.4%
Graduation Rate Yale higher
Virginia Tech
85%
Yale
96%
Avg SAT Score Yale higher
Virginia Tech
1330
Yale
1540
Starting Salary Yale higher
Virginia Tech
$68,800
Yale
$83,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric Virginia Tech Yale Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$36,090$64,700Virginia Tech
Tuition (In-State)$15,478$64,700Virginia Tech
Room & Board$11,300$19,200Virginia Tech
Acceptance Rate57.0%4.4%Yale
Graduation Rate85%96%Yale
Average SAT13301540Yale
Student-Faculty Ratio14:14:1Yale
Enrollment38,16714,776-
Avg Financial Aid$12,800$57,410Yale
Starting Salary$68,800$83,200Yale
Endowment$2.0B$41.4BYale
Campus Size2,600 acres373 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Virginia Tech
$189,560
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Yale
$335,600
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Virginia Tech = $138,360 | Yale = $105,960. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Virginia Tech Top Majors

EngineeringComputer ScienceBusinessBiologyAgriculture

Yale Top Majors

EconomicsPolitical ScienceHistoryComputer ScienceBiology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
Virginia TechRural
YaleUrban
Campus Size
Virginia Tech2,600 ac
Yale373 ac
Athletics
Virginia TechNCAA D1
YaleNCAA D1
Region
Virginia TechSouth
YaleNortheast
Founded
Virginia Tech1872
Yale1701
Enrollment
Virginia Tech38,167
Yale14,776

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Virginia Tech or Yale harder to get into?+
Yale is more selective with an acceptance rate of 4.4% compared to 57.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Virginia Tech or Yale?+
At sticker price, Virginia Tech costs less over 4 years ($189,560 vs $335,600). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Virginia Tech offers an average of $12,800/year in aid while Yale offers $57,410/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Virginia Tech and Yale?+
The average SAT score at Virginia Tech is 1330 and at Yale it is 1540. 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 Virginia Tech or Yale graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Yale have a higher average starting salary ($83,200 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?+
Virginia Tech has a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Yale has 4:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Virginia Tech and Yale compare for campus life?+
Virginia Tech is located in Blacksburg, Virginia (rural setting) with a 2,600-acre campus. Yale is in New Haven, Connecticut (urban setting) with 373 acres. Virginia Tech competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Yale in NCAA D1.