Virginia Tech (VT) vs. Penn State University (PSU) Overview
You’re wrestling with a tough question: “Should I go toVirginia Tech (VT)orPenn State University (PSU)?“
Virginia Tech (VT)
Penn State University (PSU)
$12,485
In-state Tuition
$17,514
In-state Tuition
$20,172
Net Price
$29,226
Net Price
25327
Undergraduates
40179
Undergraduates
73
Acceptance Rate
51
Acceptance Rate
Blacksburg
City Name
University Park
City Name
Can you get in?
Calculate Your Chances
Can you get in?
Calculate Your Chances
This complete guide analyzes both the quantitative and qualitative differences between Virginia Tech (VT) and Penn State University (PSU). This comparison is particularly valuable at understanding the cultural nuances between the colleges since it uses student videos to capture the “vibes” of campus - these videos are exclusively available on CampusReel :)
Differences between Virginia Tech (VT) and Penn State University (PSU)
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s go through a general overview of the high-level differences between Virginia Tech (VT) and Penn State University (PSU). The table below summarizes some of the most important statistics around competitiveness, costs, etc.
| Virginia Tech (VT) | Penn State University (PSU) | |
|---|---|---|
| In-state Tuition | $12,485 | $17,514 |
| Net Price | $20,172 | $29,226 |
| Average Financial Aid | $5,416 | $7,736 |
| Total Undergraduates | 25327 | 40179 |
| Average SAT Scores | 1100 - 1320 | 1090 - 1300 |
| Acceptance Rate | 73 | 51 |
| Location | 210 Burruss Hall 800 Drillfield Dr. | 201 Old Main |
| City Name | Blacksburg | University Park |
WARNINGS: Based on net price alone, Virginia Tech (VT) is the cheaper option. However, this sticker price may not adequately represent the difference in living costs between Blacksburg and University Park.Virginia Tech (VT)is in a South Atlantic andPenn State University (PSU)is in a Mid-Atlantic - sometimes off campus meals and housing costs can dramatically vary between schools
Is Virginia Tech (VT) or Penn State University (PSU) Harder to get into? Which school is easier to get into?
If you’re looking at acceptance rate alone, then Penn State University (PSU) is more difficult to get into. However, each college is looking to fill its incoming class with a variety of students with different strengths, backgrounds, etc.
Therefore, the acceptance rate alone is not a good indicator that Penn State University (PSU) is a better school or will be more difficult for you specifically to get into. On the flipside, Virginia Tech (VT) is easier to get into based on acceptance rate alone.
You can use the below college admissions predictor to determine your likelihood of acceptance at either school.
How Do Virginia Tech (VT) Dorms Compare to housing Options at Penn State University (PSU)?
Both colleges provide on-campus living options. Virginia Tech (VT) charges for on-campus living, while Penn State University (PSU) charges N/A for on-campus living. Most importantly, though, check out the video below for a sample of dorm tours at each school.
How does Virginia Tech (VT) social life compare to Penn State University (PSU)?
It’s tough to understand the nuances of social life with data alone. That’s why we’ve brought in real student videos to show how Virginia Tech (VT) social life differs from Penn State University (PSU).
Virginia Tech (VT)andPenn State University (PSU)student body differences
The table below helps demonstrate the student body differences as well.
| Virginia Tech (VT), % | Penn State University (PSU),% | |
|---|---|---|
| White | 67.74 | 68.61 |
| Hispanic | 5.48 | 5.949999999999999 |
| Black | 3.7600000000000002 | 4.19 |
| Foreign | 5.76 | 10.66 |
| Others | 17.3 | 10.6 |
How different is the Virginia Tech (VT) campus compared to Penn State University (PSU) campus?
TheVirginia Tech (VT)campus is located in Blacksburg, VA and is characterized as City: Small (population less than 100,000). ThePenn State University (PSU)campus is located in University Park, PA and is characterized as City: Small (population less than 100,000).
Which school gives more financial aid?
Virginia Tech (VT) provides $5,416 whereas Penn State University (PSU) provides an average of $7,736.
How does Virginia Tech (VT) academics compare to Penn State University (PSU)?
When analyzing academics between Virginia Tech (VT) and Penn State University (PSU) we’ll look at both what current students are studying and also where they end up after graduation. After all, college should prepare you for a career! Analyzing each school’s outcomes is super valuable to understand the value of the degree.
| Majors | Virginia Tech (VT) | Penn State University (PSU) |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture agriculture operations and related sciences | 239 | 320 |
| Natural resources and conservation | 162 | 102 |
| Architecture and related services | 107 | 74 |
| Area ethnic cultural gender and group studies | N/A | 32 |
| Communication journalism and related programs | 178 | 831 |
| Computer and information sciences and support services | 198 | 956 |
| Communications technologies technicians and support services | N/A | N/A |
| Personal and culinary services | N/A | N/A |
| Engineering | 1568 | 1886 |
| Education | N/A | 346 |
| Engineering technologies and engineering related fields | 18 | N/A |
| Foreign languages literatures and linguistics | 48 | 156 |
| Family and consumer sciences human sciences | 507 | 118 |
| Legal professions and studies | N/A | 1 |
| English language and literature letters | 85 | 107 |
| Liberal arts and sciences general studies and humanities | N/A | 6 |
| Library science | N/A | N/A |
| Biological and biomedical sciences | 442 | 667 |
| Mathematics and statistics | 134 | 215 |
| Military technologies and applied sciences | N/A | N/A |
| Multi interdisciplinary studies | 3 | 251 |
| Parks recreation leisure and fitness studies | N/A | 374 |
| Philosophy and religious studies | 14 | 24 |
| Theology and religious vocations | N/A | N/A |
| Physical sciences | 163 | 386 |
| Science technologies technicians | N/A | 28 |
| Psychology | 190 | 369 |
| Hmlnd scrt lw enfrcmnt frfghtng and rltd prtctv srvc | N/A | 241 |
| Public administration and social service professions | 3 | N/A |
| Social sciences | 476 | 858 |
| Construction trades | N/A | N/A |
| Mechanic and repair technologies technicians | N/A | N/A |
| Precision production | N/A | N/A |
| Transportation and materials moving | N/A | N/A |
| Visual and performing arts | 145 | 189 |
| Health professions and related programs | N/A | 693 |
| Business management marketing and related support services | 1205 | 1878 |
Which is better: Virginia Tech (VT) or Penn State University (PSU)?
We’ve compared dorm life, costs, outcomes and more to provide the most complete comparison between Virginia Tech (VT) and Penn State University (PSU). But, you’re smart enough to know that numbers paint a terrible picture for truly understanding what each college and community is like. And, the real answer to which school is better is: the school that’s right for you. No matter who you ask, if they know what they’re talking about, the answer is the same: the “better” school is whatever is the best fit for you personally. That’s why it’s extremely important to check out all the videos on CampusReel for each school.
For more comparisons of Virginia Tech (VT) check these out:
Virginia Tech (VT) vs AuburnVirginia Tech (VT) vs Georgia Southern University (GSU)Virginia Tech (VT) vs Ole MissVirginia Tech (VT) vs Mississippi State University (MSU)Virginia Tech (VT) vs UNCGVirginia Tech (VT) vs University of South Carolina-Columbia (USC)Virginia Tech (VT) vs The University of Tennessee-Knoxville (UTK)Virginia Tech (VT) vs JMUVirginia Tech (VT) vs VCUVirginia Tech (VT) vs West Virginia University (WVU)Virginia Tech (VT) vs KSU
For more comparison of Penn State University (PSU) check these out:
Penn State University (PSU) vs University of Maryland-College Park (UMD)Penn State University (PSU) vs Rutgers UniversityPenn State University (PSU) vs HunterPenn State University (PSU) vs University at BuffaloPenn State University (PSU) vs SUNY Stony BrookPenn State University (PSU) vs University of PittsburghPenn State University (PSU) vs Temple University (TU)
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Virginia Tech (VT) vs. Penn State University (PSU) Overview
The comparison between Virginia Tech (VT) and Penn State University (PSU) encompasses various aspects such as in-state tuition, net price, acceptance rates, student body differences, campus locations, financial aid, housing options, social life, and academic programs. The analysis includes both quantitative and qualitative differences between the two universities, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the cultural nuances and overall experience at each institution.
In-state Tuition and Net Price
- In-state Tuition: Virginia Tech (VT) has an in-state tuition of $12,485, while Penn State University (PSU) has an in-state tuition of $17,514 [[1]].
- Net Price: The net price for Virginia Tech (VT) is $20,172, whereas for Penn State University (PSU) it is $29,226 [[1]].
- Living Costs: It's important to note that the sticker price may not adequately represent the difference in living costs between Blacksburg and University Park, as off-campus meals and housing costs can vary between the schools [[1]].
Acceptance Rate and Admissions
- Acceptance Rate: Virginia Tech (VT) has an acceptance rate of 73%, while Penn State University (PSU) has an acceptance rate of 51% [[1]].
- Admissions Predictor: The acceptance rate alone is not a good indicator that Penn State University (PSU) is a better school or will be more difficult for you specifically to get into. Each college is looking to fill its incoming class with a variety of students with different strengths and backgrounds [[1]].
Housing Options and Social Life
- Dorms and Housing: Both colleges provide on-campus living options. Virginia Tech (VT) charges for on-campus living, while Penn State University (PSU) charges N/A for on-campus living. It's recommended to check out the available dorm tours and videos for a better understanding of housing options at each school [[1]].
- Social Life: Real student videos are available to show how the social life at Virginia Tech (VT) differs from Penn State University (PSU) [[1]].
Student Body Differences and Campus Locations
- Student Body Differences: The student body at Virginia Tech (VT) and Penn State University (PSU) exhibits differences in racial and ethnic composition [[1]].
- Campus Locations: Virginia Tech (VT) is located in Blacksburg, VA, characterized as a small city, while Penn State University (PSU) is located in University Park, PA, also characterized as a small city [[1]].
Financial Aid and Academics
- Financial Aid: Virginia Tech (VT) provides an average of $5,416 in financial aid, while Penn State University (PSU) provides an average of $7,736 [[1]].
- Academic Programs: The comparison of academic programs between the two universities covers a wide range of majors, including agriculture, natural resources, architecture, communication, computer and information sciences, engineering, languages, psychology, health professions, and more [[1]].
Conclusion
The decision of whether Virginia Tech (VT) or Penn State University (PSU) is better ultimately depends on the individual's personal fit and preferences. It's essential to consider various factors such as campus culture, academic programs, social life, and financial aspects to make an informed decision. Additionally, exploring real student experiences through available videos and campus tours can provide valuable insights into the overall college experience at each institution.
