Virginia Tech vs LSU-A&M

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) and Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College (LSU) are two prominent public universities with distinct characteristics. Virginia Tech, located in Blacksburg, Virginia, boasts a lower acceptance rate of 69% compared to LSU's 79% in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Both universities offer a diverse range of undergraduate programs, with Virginia Tech excelling in engineering, computer science, and business, while LSU is renowned for its strengths in agriculture, engineering, and business. The student body demographics also vary, with Virginia Tech having a slightly higher percentage of male students (56%) than LSU (53%). While Virginia Tech boasts a higher graduation rate of 84%, LSU follows closely behind with a respectable 79%. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve deeper into the differences between these two esteemed institutions and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Overview
Location	Baton Rouge, Louisiana	Blacksburg, Virginia
Campus setting	City: Midsize	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	83.0%	92.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	70.9%	56.5%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1130 - 1320	1210 - 1410
ACT range	23 - 29	26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score	12.0%	83.0%
Students submitting ACT score	88.0%	35.0%
Total number of applicants	36,561	42,054
Total number of admissions given out	25,907	23,746
Admitted students who chose to enroll	7,045	6,758
Yield rate	27.2%	28.5%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	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: $35,810 Out of state: $52,487	In state: $30,104 Out of state: $49,787
Average net price	$21,010	$20,109
Tuition	$8,038	In state: $11,750 Out of state: $30,829
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $8,720 Meal plan: $4,434	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)	93.0% Average amount $13,235	58.0% Average amount $8,018
Students receiving federal student loan	29.0% Average amount $5,433	40.0% Average amount $5,316
Students taking out private loans	4.0% Average amount $19,954	9.0% Average amount $20,728

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	29,273 Men 45.3% Women 54.7%	29,760 Men 57.3% Women 42.7%
Graduate students	6,639 Men 39.7% Women 60.3%	7,519 Men 56.5% Women 43.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	32.6%	39.5%
International students	4.2%	9.9%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	8,657	9,471
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Louisiana Texas Georgia Florida California	Virginia Maryland New Jersey North Carolina Pennsylvania

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Engineering Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences Public Administration and Social Service	Engineering Business Family and Consumer Sciences Computer and Information Science Natural Resources and Conservation
Students to faculty ratio	22:1	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	69.0%	86.6%
Dropout rate	29.0%	12.3%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Veterinary Medicine (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,490 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $88,967 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $80,305 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $87,944 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,811 Year 2: $71,402 Year 3: $83,027 Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $75,560 Year 2: $60,099 Year 3: $80,274 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,032 Year 2: $68,965 Year 3: $79,563 Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,541 Year 2: $67,101 Year 3: $77,603 International Business (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $39,643 Year 2: $43,575 Year 3: $69,597 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,301 Year 2: $61,330 Year 3: $68,763 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $53,429 Year 2: $52,107 Year 3: $67,944 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $54,915 Year 2: $55,964 Year 3: $65,757	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 key differences in location and campus environment between Virginia Tech and LSU?

Virginia Tech is located in Blacksburg, Virginia, a more rural setting in the Appalachian Mountains. The campus has a classic collegiate feel with a strong emphasis on community and a distinct four-season climate. LSU is situated in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a city with a more subtropical climate. The LSU campus is known for its beautiful live oaks, a vibrant social scene, and a strong connection to Louisiana culture.
How do the academic programs compare at Virginia Tech and LSU?

Both universities offer a wide range of academic programs. Virginia Tech is particularly strong in engineering, architecture, and agriculture, with a growing reputation in computer science. LSU excels in petroleum engineering, coastal studies, and its strong programs in business and law. Both universities have robust liberal arts programs, but the specific strengths vary based on the department.
What is the cost of attendance like at Virginia Tech versus LSU?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, varies depending on residency status. Generally, both universities offer competitive tuition rates for in-state students. Out-of-state tuition tends to be higher at both institutions. It's best to consult the official university websites for the most up-to-date and specific cost information, including potential financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
How does the student life and social scene differ between Virginia Tech and LSU?

Student life at Virginia Tech centers around a strong sense of community, with a focus on campus traditions and outdoor activities. The Corps of Cadets adds a unique element to the social environment. LSU is known for its lively social scene, with a strong emphasis on Greek life, tailgating, and a vibrant nightlife. Both universities offer a wide variety of student organizations and activities.
What are the athletic programs like at Virginia Tech and LSU?

Both universities have highly competitive athletic programs. LSU is a powerhouse in football, baseball, and gymnastics, with a history of national championships. Virginia Tech is known for its strong football and basketball programs, and its wrestling program is consistently ranked nationally. Both schools offer a wide range of other varsity sports and intramural activities.
What are the career prospects for graduates of Virginia Tech and LSU?

Graduates from both Virginia Tech and LSU are highly sought after by employers. Virginia Tech graduates often find opportunities in engineering, technology, architecture, and government, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic region. LSU graduates have strong career prospects in the energy sector, business, law, and government, with a focus on the Gulf Coast region and beyond. Career services at both universities provide resources for job searching, internships, and career development.
How do the campus cultures and traditions differ at Virginia Tech and LSU?

Virginia Tech has a strong emphasis on tradition, including the Hokie spirit, the Corps of Cadets, and the iconic Drillfield. The campus culture is known for its strong sense of community and school pride. LSU is known for its passionate fanbase, tailgating traditions, and the iconic Mike the Tiger. The campus culture is vibrant and deeply rooted in Louisiana culture.
What are the research opportunities like at Virginia Tech and LSU?

Both universities are major research institutions. Virginia Tech has a strong focus on engineering, computer science, and agricultural research, with numerous research centers and institutes. LSU is a leader in coastal studies, energy research, and agricultural sciences, with significant research funding and opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.
How does the diversity of the student body compare at Virginia Tech and LSU?

Both universities are working to increase the diversity of their student bodies. While both have a diverse student population, the specific demographics may vary. It's recommended to check the most recent enrollment statistics on each university's website for the most up-to-date information on student diversity.
Which university is a better fit for me, Virginia Tech or LSU?

The best fit depends on your individual preferences and academic goals. If you prefer a more rural setting, a strong engineering program, and a focus on community, Virginia Tech might be a good choice. If you prefer a warmer climate, a vibrant social scene, and strong programs in business and the energy sector, LSU might be a better fit. Consider visiting both campuses, if possible, and researching the specific programs and opportunities that align with your interests.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.