Virginia Tech vs Auburn

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) and Auburn University stand as two prominent institutions of higher learning, each offering a unique educational experience. Virginia Tech, nestled in the scenic town of Blacksburg, Virginia, boasts a higher acceptance rate (70%) compared to Auburn University's 84%. Both universities offer a diverse range of academic programs, with Virginia Tech excelling in engineering, computer science, and agriculture, while Auburn University shines in engineering, business, and veterinary medicine. Explore the detailed comparison table to delve into further distinctions, including student body demographics, graduation rates, and additional factors that may influence your decision in choosing the ideal academic destination that aligns with your aspirations and goals.

	Auburn University	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Overview
Location	Auburn, Alabama	Blacksburg, Virginia
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	93.0%	92.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	71.2%	56.5%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $60	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $75
SAT range	N/A	1210 - 1410
ACT range	N/A	26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score		83.0%
Students submitting ACT score		35.0%
Total number of applicants	27,619	42,054
Total number of admissions given out	19,660	23,746
Admitted students who chose to enroll	5,311	6,758
Yield rate	27.0%	28.5%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $33,650 Out of state: $53,810	In state: $30,104 Out of state: $49,787
Average net price	$23,873	$20,109
Tuition	In state: $10,080 Out of state: $30,240	In state: $11,750 Out of state: $30,829
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $8,892 Meal plan: $5,704	Room/dormitory: $5,890 Meal plan: $4,736
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan Other alternative tuition plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	69.0% Average amount $10,448	58.0% Average amount $8,018
Students receiving federal student loan	27.0% Average amount $5,232	40.0% Average amount $5,316
Students taking out private loans	5.0% Average amount $24,894	9.0% Average amount $20,728

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	24,931 Men 50.5% Women 49.5%	29,760 Men 57.3% Women 42.7%
Graduate students	6,595 Men 46.7% Women 53.3%	7,519 Men 56.5% Women 43.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Low
Out-of-state students	43.6%	39.5%
International students	7.0%	9.9%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	4,823	9,471
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Alabama Georgia Florida Tennessee Texas	Virginia Maryland New Jersey North Carolina Pennsylvania

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Education Health Professions Business Agriculture	Engineering Business Family and Consumer Sciences Computer and Information Science Natural Resources and Conservation
Students to faculty ratio	20:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	80.9%	86.6%
Dropout rate	4.4%	12.3%
Transferred out	13.0%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $109,330 Year 2: $119,954 Year 3: $122,981 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $106,330 Year 2: $114,892 Year 3: $119,917 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $90,962 Year 2: $93,520 Year 3: $96,107 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $80,045 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $94,852 Architectural Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,488 Year 2: $70,456 Year 3: $86,080 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $75,285 Year 2: $74,576 Year 3: $83,134 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,127 Year 2: $68,778 Year 3: $77,684 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,274 Year 2: $65,753 Year 3: $75,817 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,558 Year 2: $65,170 Year 3: $75,401 Real Estate Development (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $70,456 Year 3: $74,364	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $105,287 Year 2: $113,246 Year 3: $125,427 Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $97,383 Year 2: $96,691 Year 3: $106,931 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $82,448 Year 2: $88,678 Year 3: $96,747 Veterinary Medicine (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $76,172 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $93,580 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $75,104 Year 2: $78,488 Year 3: $90,164 Public Administration (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $59,370 Year 2: $75,518 Year 3: $87,658 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $81,573 Year 2: $91,211 Year 3: $84,990 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $80,460 Year 2: $73,635 Year 3: $83,712 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,805 Year 2: $73,272 Year 3: $82,738 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,610 Year 2: $70,680 Year 3: $81,822

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Virginia Tech and Auburn University?

Virginia Tech (VT) and Auburn University (AU) are both large, public land-grant universities with strong engineering programs, but they differ in location, campus culture, and specific academic strengths. VT is located in Blacksburg, Virginia, in the Appalachian Mountains, offering a more secluded and outdoorsy environment. Auburn is situated in Auburn, Alabama, a more traditional college town with a warmer climate. While both have excellent engineering programs, VT is particularly renowned for its aerospace and civil engineering, while Auburn is known for its architecture, veterinary medicine, and agricultural programs. VT has a strong military tradition reflected in its Corps of Cadets, while Auburn's spirit is deeply rooted in its Southern heritage and traditions.
How do the academic programs at Virginia Tech and Auburn University compare?

Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Virginia Tech excels in engineering, architecture, agriculture, and business. Its Pamplin College of Business and College of Engineering are highly ranked. Auburn University also has strong engineering programs, particularly in aerospace and chemical engineering. Additionally, Auburn is known for its College of Veterinary Medicine, College of Architecture, Design and Construction, and its agricultural sciences programs. Consider your specific academic interests when comparing the two, as one may have a stronger reputation or more specialized programs in your field.
What is the campus environment like at Virginia Tech versus Auburn University?

Virginia Tech's campus is located in the scenic Appalachian Mountains, offering a more secluded and outdoorsy feel. The student body is known for its strong sense of community and school spirit, often expressed through traditions and Hokie pride. Auburn University's campus is located in a classic college town, with a more traditional Southern atmosphere. Auburn is known for its friendly and welcoming environment, strong Greek life, and passionate sports fans, particularly for football. The climate is also a factor; Virginia Tech experiences colder winters, while Auburn has a warmer, more temperate climate.
How do the costs of attending Virginia Tech and Auburn University compare?

The cost of attendance varies depending on residency status (in-state vs. out-of-state). Generally, both universities have similar tuition and fees for in-state students. However, out-of-state tuition at Virginia Tech tends to be slightly higher than at Auburn University. Be sure to check the most recent tuition and fee schedules on each university's website for the most accurate information. Also, consider the cost of living in Blacksburg, Virginia, versus Auburn, Alabama, as this can impact your overall expenses.
What are the admission requirements for Virginia Tech and Auburn University?

Both Virginia Tech and Auburn University have selective admissions processes. They consider factors such as high school GPA, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities. Virginia Tech tends to place a slightly higher emphasis on standardized test scores and academic rigor, while Auburn University considers a broader range of factors, including leadership experience and community involvement. Check each university's admissions website for specific requirements and average admitted student profiles.
What are the career opportunities available to graduates of Virginia Tech and Auburn University?

Graduates from both Virginia Tech and Auburn University have access to a wide range of career opportunities. Virginia Tech's strong engineering and business programs lead to opportunities in technology, manufacturing, consulting, and finance. Auburn University's graduates find employment in engineering, architecture, construction, veterinary medicine, agriculture, and business. Both universities have strong career services departments that provide resources such as career counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs. The specific opportunities available will depend on your major and career goals.
How do the sports cultures differ between Virginia Tech and Auburn University?

Both universities have passionate sports fans, but their athletic strengths and traditions differ. Virginia Tech is known for its football program, its spirited fan base (the Hokie Nation), and its unique entrance to Lane Stadium. Auburn University is also renowned for its football program, with a rich history and tradition. The Auburn Creed and the Eagle Flight before games are iconic. While both have strong basketball programs, Auburn's basketball program has seen more recent success. Consider which sports are most important to you when comparing the two universities.
What kind of research opportunities are available at Virginia Tech and Auburn University?

Both Virginia Tech and Auburn University are research-intensive universities with numerous opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to get involved in research. Virginia Tech has strong research programs in engineering, science, and technology, with many opportunities for students to work with faculty on cutting-edge projects. Auburn University also has significant research activity, particularly in engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine. Look into specific research labs and faculty within your field of interest at both universities to see which aligns best with your goals.
How do the locations of Virginia Tech and Auburn University impact student life?

Virginia Tech's location in Blacksburg, Virginia, offers a more secluded and outdoorsy experience. Students have access to hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities in the surrounding Appalachian Mountains. Blacksburg is a smaller town, so student life is centered around the university. Auburn University's location in Auburn, Alabama, provides a more traditional college town experience. Auburn is a larger town with more amenities and entertainment options. The warmer climate allows for more outdoor activities year-round. Consider your preference for a more secluded or a more vibrant town when making your decision.
What are some unique traditions at Virginia Tech and Auburn University?

Virginia Tech has several unique traditions, including the Hokie Stone, the Corps of Cadets, and the Gobbler cheer. The Virginia Tech ring is also a significant symbol of Hokie pride. Auburn University is known for its Southern traditions, such as rolling Toomer's Corner with toilet paper after victories, the Auburn Creed, and the Eagle Flight before football games. These traditions contribute to the unique campus culture and sense of community at each university.

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