Virginia Tech vs URI-Kingston

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) and the University of Rhode Island (URI) are two distinct universities with unique offerings. Virginia Tech, located in Blacksburg, Virginia, boasts a larger student body and a higher acceptance rate compared to URI, which is situated in Kingston, Rhode Island. While both institutions excel in various academic disciplines, Virginia Tech is renowned for its engineering and agricultural programs, while URI is known for its marine and environmental sciences. Explore the comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details about these universities, including their acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, graduation rates, and more, to determine which institution aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	University of Rhode Island	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Overview
Location	Kingston, Rhode Island	Blacksburg, Virginia
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	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	85.0%	92.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	76.5%	56.5%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $65	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1090 - 1290	1210 - 1410
ACT range	25 - 30	26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score	30.0%	83.0%
Students submitting ACT score	3.0%	35.0%
Total number of applicants	25,105	42,054
Total number of admissions given out	19,196	23,746
Admitted students who chose to enroll	3,340	6,758
Yield rate	17.4%	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: $31,614 Out of state: $49,636	In state: $30,104 Out of state: $49,787
Average net price	$20,496	$20,109
Tuition	In state: $13,250 Out of state: $31,272	In state: $11,750 Out of state: $30,829
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $8,340 Meal plan: $5,500	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)	94.0% Average amount $12,949	58.0% Average amount $8,018
Students receiving federal student loan	61.0% Average amount $5,252	40.0% Average amount $5,316
Students taking out private loans	18.0% Average amount $18,913	9.0% Average amount $20,728

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	14,744 Men 43.3% Women 56.7%	29,760 Men 57.3% Women 42.7%
Graduate students	2,767 Men 37.5% Women 62.5%	7,519 Men 56.5% Women 43.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	60.3%	39.5%
International students	2.7%	9.9%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	5,523	9,471
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Rhode Island Mississippi Connecticut New York New Jersey	Virginia Maryland New Jersey North Carolina Pennsylvania

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Engineering Biological and Biomedical Sciences Family and Consumer Sciences	Engineering Business Family and Consumer Sciences Computer and Information Science Natural Resources and Conservation
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	70.0%	86.6%
Dropout rate	28.7%	12.3%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $95,221 Year 2: $113,894 Year 3: $119,883 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $102,532 Year 2: $109,286 Year 3: $115,106 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $78,037 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $86,487 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,976 Year 2: $71,473 Year 3: $86,408 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,309 Year 2: $67,995 Year 3: $79,045 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,134 Year 2: $72,693 Year 3: $78,528 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $60,485 Year 2: $65,557 Year 3: $77,404 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $73,720 Year 3: $75,985 Ocean Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,071 Year 2: $63,600 Year 3: $73,268 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,907 Year 2: $63,880 Year 3: $72,515	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 Rhode Island?

Virginia Tech is located in Blacksburg, Virginia, a more rural setting with a strong college-town atmosphere. The campus is expansive, offering a blend of historic architecture and modern facilities. The University of Rhode Island (URI) is situated in Kingston, Rhode Island, closer to the coast and offering easier access to beaches and the ocean. URI's campus is also large, but the surrounding area provides more opportunities for coastal recreation and access to larger cities like Providence and Boston.
How do the academic programs compare at Virginia Tech and URI?

Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Virginia Tech is particularly well-known for its strong engineering, architecture, and agricultural programs. URI excels in marine science, oceanography, pharmacy, and nursing. While both offer strong liberal arts programs, the specific strengths of each institution lie in these distinct areas. Consider your intended major and research the specific departments at each university to determine the best fit.
What is the cost of attendance like at Virginia Tech versus URI?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, varies. Generally, in-state tuition at both universities is more affordable than out-of-state tuition. Research the current tuition rates and financial aid opportunities at both Virginia Tech and URI. Consider factors like scholarships, grants, and potential living expenses in each location to get a comprehensive understanding of the overall cost.
How does the student life and campus culture differ between the two universities?

Virginia Tech has a very strong sense of community and school spirit, with a focus on traditions and a vibrant campus life. Athletics, particularly football, play a significant role in the campus culture. URI also has a strong sense of community, but the culture is often described as more relaxed and beach-oriented, reflecting its coastal location. Both universities offer a wide variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities, but the overall vibe differs based on the location and student body.
What are the research opportunities like at Virginia Tech and URI?

Both universities are research-intensive institutions, offering numerous opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in research. Virginia Tech has a strong focus on engineering, technology, and agricultural research, with significant funding and state-of-the-art facilities. URI is a leader in marine research, oceanography, and environmental science, with access to coastal research facilities and partnerships. The availability of research opportunities will depend on your field of study, so research the specific departments and faculty at each university.
How do the career services and alumni networks compare?

Both universities have robust career services departments that assist students with career planning, internships, and job placement. Virginia Tech's strong engineering and technology programs often lead to opportunities in those fields, and the university has a large and active alumni network. URI's location near major cities and its strengths in marine science and pharmacy provide access to diverse career paths. Research the specific career services resources and alumni networks related to your field of interest at each university.
What are the admission requirements and selectivity of Virginia Tech and URI?

Both universities are selective, but the admission requirements and selectivity levels may differ. Virginia Tech generally has higher average SAT/ACT scores and a more competitive applicant pool. URI's admission standards are also competitive, but the specific requirements and acceptance rates can vary. Review the most recent admission statistics, including average GPA, test scores, and acceptance rates, for both universities to assess your chances of admission.
How does the availability of on-campus housing compare?

Both Virginia Tech and URI offer on-campus housing options for students. However, the availability and types of housing may vary. Virginia Tech has a large number of on-campus residence halls, while URI also provides a variety of housing options. It's important to research the specific housing options, costs, and application processes at each university to determine which best suits your needs and preferences. Apply early, as housing can be competitive.
What are the transportation options on and around the campuses?

Virginia Tech has a comprehensive transportation system, including buses and shuttles, to navigate the large campus and surrounding areas. Blacksburg is a smaller town, so walking and biking are also common. URI offers a campus bus system and is located in a region with public transportation options. The proximity to the coast and larger cities provides additional transportation choices. Consider your transportation needs and preferences when choosing a university.
Which university is better for a student interested in a specific field, such as engineering or marine science?

Virginia Tech is generally considered stronger in engineering, architecture, and agriculture. URI excels in marine science, oceanography, and pharmacy. Research the specific departments, faculty, and research opportunities within your chosen field at each university to determine which one aligns best with your academic and career goals. Consider factors like program rankings, faculty expertise, and available resources.

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