Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, Virginia · Public · 54.8% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 89/100 · Strong Value
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Strong ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $15,948/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $37,764/yr |
| Average net price | $24,953/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $99,812 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $81,698 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $50,400 |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $228 |
| Estimated payback period | 5.1 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 86.2% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 30,923 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,689 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,670 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,894 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,835 |
| $110,001+ | $34,201 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $144,103 | A |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $108,726 | B+ |
| Finance and Financial Management | $102,902 | B+ |
| Mechanical Engineering | $96,376 | B+ |
| Biology | $61,703 | D |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services | $74,005 | D |
| Marketing | $86,338 | B |
| Psychology | $56,365 | C |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | $106,633 | B+ |
| Civil Engineering | $88,142 | B+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is $15,948/year ($37,764/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $24,953/year, or roughly $99,812 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $11,689/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $34,201/year.
The median graduate leaves with $21,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $228 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $81,698 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.43 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 82.8% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 85.9% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 83.5% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 86.6% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 54.8% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 640-740 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 640-710 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 28-32 |
| Enrollment | 30,923 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 15.3% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $14,162 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (this school) | 89 | $24,953 | $81,698 |
| William & Mary | 91 | $19,096 | $73,490 |
| Purdue University-Main Campus | 91 | $14,600 | $72,424 |
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick | 83 | $24,406 | $74,479 |
| Florida International University | 81 | $9,288 | $60,249 |
| Christopher Newport University | 64 | $23,015 | $60,509 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $24,953 per year ($99,812 over four years), graduates earn a median of $81,698 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback period at roughly 5.1 years - a solid return on the investment.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, a 86.2% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings, high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $21,500 is very manageable against $81,698 in annual earnings - well within the financial advisor rule of thumb that total debt should not exceed first-year salary.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.