College Comparison
Penn State vs Virginia Tech: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Penn State
University Park, PA
School
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Penn State | Virginia Tech |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 54.2%wins | 57.0% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1220–1400 | 1240–1420wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–32 | 27–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $40,188 | $36,694wins |
| Avg Net Price | $32,598 | $23,790wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $63,435 | $81,698wins |
| Graduation Rate | 85.7% | 86.3%wins |
| Retention Rate | 92.0%wins | 91.8% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 15:1wins | 17:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 41,862wins | 30,435 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Virginia Tech edges out Penn State on 5 of 9 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
Penn State Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 54.2%
- ✓Retention Rate: 92.0%
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 15:1
- ✓Total Enrollment: 41,862
Virginia Tech Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1240–1420
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $36,694
- ✓Avg Net Price: $23,790
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $81,698
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.