Virginia Tech vs The University of Tennessee-Knoxville (UTK)

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) and The University of Tennessee-Knoxville (UTK) are two prominent public research universities located in the vibrant college towns of Blacksburg, Virginia, and Knoxville, Tennessee, respectively. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence and offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, they also possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. This side-by-side comparison delves into the key differences between Virginia Tech and UTK, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Whether you're a prospective student seeking the ideal academic environment or a researcher seeking collaborative opportunities, this comprehensive analysis will help you identify the institution that best aligns with your aspirations and goals.

	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Overview
Location	Knoxville, Tennessee	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	88.0%	92.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	74.9%	56.5%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $60	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1170 - 1340	1210 - 1410
ACT range	25 - 31	26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score	16.0%	83.0%
Students submitting ACT score	62.0%	35.0%
Total number of applicants	29,909	42,054
Total number of admissions given out	22,413	23,746
Admitted students who chose to enroll	5,948	6,758
Yield rate	26.5%	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: $32,658 Out of state: $51,078	In state: $30,104 Out of state: $49,787
Average net price	$21,512	$20,109
Tuition	In state: $11,332 Out of state: $29,522	In state: $11,750 Out of state: $30,829
Room & board	$12,150	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)	91.0% Average amount $10,884	58.0% Average amount $8,018
Students receiving federal student loan	30.0% Average amount $5,160	40.0% Average amount $5,316
Students taking out private loans	7.0% Average amount $19,631	9.0% Average amount $20,728

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	25,067 Men 46.0% Women 54.0%	29,760 Men 57.3% Women 42.7%
Graduate students	6,634 Men 43.3% Women 56.7%	7,519 Men 56.5% Women 43.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	39.5%
International students	3.3%	9.9%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	8,365	9,471
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Virginia Maryland New Jersey North Carolina Pennsylvania

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Business Public Administration and Social Service Communication and Journalism Health Professions	Engineering Business Family and Consumer Sciences Computer and Information Science Natural Resources and Conservation
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	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	72.1%	86.6%
Dropout rate	8.8%	12.3%
Transferred out	18.0%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $138,932 Year 3: $149,763 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $121,650 Year 3: $124,189 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,024 Year 2: $99,662 Year 3: $108,614 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $101,446 Year 2: $99,251 Year 3: $108,409 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $98,080 Year 2: $91,502 Year 3: $90,345 Nuclear Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $51,780 Year 2: $75,204 Year 3: $83,022 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $77,968 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $82,289 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $52,711 Year 2: $66,653 Year 3: $77,746 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,868 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $77,015 Civil Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $63,642 Year 2: $66,541 Year 3: $76,731	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 the University of Tennessee-Knoxville (UTK)?

Virginia Tech, located in Blacksburg, Virginia, is a public land-grant university known for its strong engineering, technology, and agriculture programs. It has a more rural setting and a strong emphasis on experiential learning. UTK, situated in Knoxville, Tennessee, is also a public land-grant university, but it offers a broader range of programs, including strong business, communication, and arts & sciences departments. UTK has a more urban feel and a larger student body.
Which university is better known for its engineering programs: Virginia Tech or UTK?

Virginia Tech is widely recognized as having a stronger and more prestigious engineering program compared to UTK. While UTK has a solid engineering program, Virginia Tech's reputation and resources in engineering are generally considered superior.
How do the campus environments differ between Virginia Tech and UTK?

Virginia Tech's campus is located in a more rural, college-town setting in Blacksburg, offering a close-knit community feel. UTK's campus is situated in the city of Knoxville, providing students with access to urban amenities and a more diverse environment. UTK's campus is also closer to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
What are the typical class sizes at Virginia Tech and UTK?

Both universities have a mix of large lecture halls and smaller, more intimate classes. Generally, introductory courses at both institutions tend to be larger. However, as students progress in their majors, class sizes typically decrease. Virginia Tech has a slightly lower student-to-faculty ratio, which may translate to slightly smaller upper-level classes on average.
How do the costs of attending Virginia Tech and UTK compare?

The cost of attendance varies depending on residency status (in-state vs. out-of-state). Generally, Virginia Tech and UTK have comparable tuition and fees for in-state students. Out-of-state tuition tends to be higher at both institutions. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition and fee schedules.
What are the popular majors at Virginia Tech and UTK?

At Virginia Tech, popular majors include engineering (various disciplines), computer science, business, and agriculture. At UTK, popular majors include business administration, communication, engineering, and biology.
What is the student life like at Virginia Tech and UTK?

Both universities offer a vibrant student life with numerous clubs, organizations, and activities. Virginia Tech is known for its strong school spirit and traditions, particularly related to its Corps of Cadets and athletic events. UTK also has a strong school spirit, especially surrounding its athletic programs, and offers a wider range of cultural and entertainment options due to its urban location.
How do the research opportunities compare between Virginia Tech and UTK?

Both Virginia Tech and UTK are research universities with ample opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to get involved in research. Virginia Tech has a stronger focus on engineering and technology-related research, while UTK offers a broader range of research opportunities across various disciplines, including the social sciences and humanities.
Which university has a stronger focus on athletics?

Both Virginia Tech and UTK have strong athletic programs and are members of major athletic conferences (ACC and SEC, respectively). UTK, particularly in football and women's basketball, has a long and storied athletic tradition. Virginia Tech also has a passionate fan base and competitive teams across various sports. The perceived 'strength' depends on the specific sport and recent performance.
What are the career prospects like for graduates of Virginia Tech and UTK?

Graduates from both Virginia Tech and UTK are well-regarded by employers. Virginia Tech graduates are highly sought after in engineering, technology, and related fields. UTK graduates find opportunities in a wider range of industries, including business, communication, and the arts. Both universities have strong career services departments to assist students with internships and job placement.
How do the acceptance rates compare between Virginia Tech and UTK?

Acceptance rates can fluctuate year to year, but generally, Virginia Tech tends to have a slightly more selective admissions process than UTK. It's best to check the official admissions websites of both universities for the most current acceptance rate data.
What are some unique aspects of Virginia Tech that UTK doesn't offer?

Virginia Tech's Corps of Cadets program is a distinctive feature, offering a leadership development experience not found at UTK. Virginia Tech also has a stronger emphasis on experiential learning through its 'Ut Prosim' (That I May Serve) motto, which is integrated into many academic programs and extracurricular activities.
What are some unique aspects of UTK that Virginia Tech doesn't offer?

UTK's location in Knoxville provides students with access to a larger city with more diverse cultural and entertainment options. UTK also has a stronger presence in certain academic areas, such as communication and journalism, compared to Virginia Tech. Its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers unique recreational opportunities.

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