Virginia Tech vs University of Delaware (UDel)

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) and University of Delaware (UD) are two highly regarded public research universities with distinct characteristics. Virginia Tech, located in Blacksburg, Virginia, boasts a larger student body and a higher acceptance rate compared to UD, which is situated in Newark, Delaware. Both universities offer a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with Virginia Tech excelling in engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine, while UD is known for its strengths in business, engineering, and health sciences. While Virginia Tech has a predominantly white student population, UD has a more diverse student body. Additionally, Virginia Tech has a slightly higher graduation rate than UD. To help you make an informed decision about your higher education journey, we have compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into these aspects and more, providing valuable insights to guide your choice between these two esteemed institutions.

	University of Delaware	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Overview
Location	Newark, Delaware	Blacksburg, Virginia
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	4-1-4	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	91.0%	92.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	72.3%	56.5%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1155 - 1340	1210 - 1410
ACT range	26 - 31	26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score	31.0%	83.0%
Students submitting ACT score	6.0%	35.0%
Total number of applicants	34,111	42,054
Total number of admissions given out	24,679	23,746
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,617	6,758
Yield rate	18.7%	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: $31,562 Out of state: $53,422	In state: $30,104 Out of state: $49,787
Average net price	$19,122	$20,109
Tuition	In state: $12,980 Out of state: $34,840	In state: $11,750 Out of state: $30,829
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $8,316 Meal plan: $5,426	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)	86.0% Average amount $12,410	58.0% Average amount $8,018
Students receiving federal student loan	48.0% Average amount $5,217	40.0% Average amount $5,316
Students taking out private loans	8.0% Average amount $19,017	9.0% Average amount $20,728

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	19,410 Men 41.9% Women 58.1%	29,760 Men 57.3% Women 42.7%
Graduate students	4,586 Men 46.6% Women 53.4%	7,519 Men 56.5% Women 43.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	63.0%	39.5%
International students	10.3%	9.9%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	6,911	9,471
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Delaware New Jersey New York Pennsylvania Maryland	Virginia Maryland New Jersey North Carolina Pennsylvania

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Education Health Professions Liberal Arts Business	Engineering Business Family and Consumer Sciences Computer and Information Science Natural Resources and Conservation
Students to faculty ratio	15:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	82.3%	86.6%
Dropout rate	15.7%	12.3%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,538 Year 2: $70,176 Year 3: $88,641 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $93,960 Year 2: $86,424 Year 3: $84,710 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $72,283 Year 2: $73,446 Year 3: $77,585 International Business (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $51,769 Year 2: $53,358 Year 3: $77,043 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,848 Year 2: $62,491 Year 3: $76,288 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,752 Year 2: $68,698 Year 3: $75,052 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,605 Year 2: $62,632 Year 3: $74,317 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,693 Year 2: $66,401 Year 3: $73,424 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,395 Year 2: $67,101 Year 3: $73,270 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,257 Year 2: $60,552 Year 3: $73,189	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 the University of Delaware?

Virginia Tech is located in Blacksburg, Virginia, a more rural setting with a strong focus on campus life. The campus is expansive, offering a traditional college town experience. The University of Delaware is situated in Newark, Delaware, which provides a blend of suburban and urban access. While it has a distinct campus, it's closer to major cities like Philadelphia, offering more off-campus opportunities and a slightly different social scene.
How do the academic programs compare at Virginia Tech and the University of Delaware?

Both universities offer a wide range of academic programs. Virginia Tech is particularly strong in engineering, architecture, and agriculture, boasting nationally recognized programs in these fields. The University of Delaware excels in areas like marine science, business, and chemistry. Both institutions have robust liberal arts programs, but the specific strengths and specializations within those programs may vary. Research the specific programs you're interested in to see which university aligns better with your academic goals.
What is the cost of attendance like at Virginia Tech versus the University of Delaware?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, can vary. Generally, both universities offer competitive tuition rates for in-state students. Out-of-state tuition will be higher at both institutions. It's essential to check the most current tuition and fee information on each university's website, as these figures are subject to change. Consider factors like financial aid, scholarships, and living expenses when comparing the overall cost.
How does the student life and campus culture differ between Virginia Tech and the University of Delaware?

Virginia Tech is known for its strong sense of community and school spirit, with a vibrant campus culture centered around athletics, especially football. The university emphasizes traditions and a close-knit environment. The University of Delaware also has a lively campus, with a more diverse student body and a broader range of social activities. While athletics are important, the social scene may be less dominated by a single sport. Consider what type of campus environment best suits your personality and preferences.
What are the research opportunities like at Virginia Tech and the University of Delaware?

Both universities are research-intensive institutions, providing ample opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in research. Virginia Tech has a strong focus on engineering and technology research, with significant funding and state-of-the-art facilities. The University of Delaware excels in areas like marine science and chemistry research, with access to unique resources and facilities. Explore the research interests of faculty in your desired field to determine which university offers the best fit for your research aspirations.
How do the career services and alumni networks compare at Virginia Tech and the University of Delaware?

Both universities offer comprehensive career services to assist students with internships, job searches, and career planning. Virginia Tech's strong engineering and technology programs often lead to robust industry connections and recruitment opportunities. The University of Delaware's location near major cities and its strong business programs provide access to a wide range of career opportunities. Both universities have active alumni networks that can provide valuable support and networking opportunities for students and graduates.
What are the housing options like at Virginia Tech and the University of Delaware?

Both universities offer a variety of on-campus housing options, including traditional residence halls, suites, and apartments. Virginia Tech's housing is primarily on campus, creating a strong sense of community. The University of Delaware also has on-campus housing, with some students choosing to live off-campus in apartments or houses in Newark. The availability and cost of housing can vary, so it's important to research the specific options and application processes at each university.
How does the diversity of the student body compare at Virginia Tech and the University of Delaware?

The University of Delaware generally has a more diverse student body compared to Virginia Tech. Both universities are working to increase diversity and inclusion on campus. Consider the diversity of the student body and the campus climate when making your decision, as this can significantly impact your overall college experience.
Which university is better for a student interested in a specific major, such as engineering or marine science?

Virginia Tech is generally considered stronger in engineering, architecture, and agriculture. The University of Delaware excels in marine science, business, and chemistry. Research the specific programs and faculty within your chosen major at each university to determine which one offers the best resources, research opportunities, and academic environment for your specific interests.
What are the athletic programs like at Virginia Tech and the University of Delaware?

Virginia Tech competes in the NCAA Division I Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), with a strong emphasis on football and other sports. The University of Delaware also competes in Division I, but in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). While both universities have competitive athletic programs, the level of national recognition and the overall athletic culture may differ. Consider your interest in athletics and the importance of school spirit when making your decision.

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