Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA
Quick Facts
“Ut Prosim (Latin)”("That I May Serve")
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Virginia Tech: Where innovation, service, and a vibrant community converge in Blacksburg.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, widely known as Virginia Tech, stands as a dynamic public land-grant research university with a rich history rooted in its founding in 1872. Nestled in Blacksburg, Virginia, it has grown from the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College into a premier institution dedicated to academic excellence and service, a commitment powerfully encapsulated in its Latin motto, "Ut Prosim" – "That I May Serve." With over 38,000 students, Virginia Tech offers a vibrant academic atmosphere, robust research opportunities, and a strong sense of community that prepares its graduates for impactful careers.
As an "R1: Doctoral University" recognized for its very high research spending, Virginia Tech is a hub of discovery, providing 280 diverse undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Beyond the academic rigor, students dive into an engaging campus culture, cheering on the spirited Virginia Tech Hokies in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Division I athletics, and participating in the esteemed Corps of Cadets, which upholds the university's unique status as a senior military college. This blend of demanding academics, hands-on research, and a profound service ethic empowers students to innovate and lead in an ever-changing world.
Virginia Tech's journey is a tapestry woven with significant milestones and evolving traditions. From its early days as a military institute established under the Morrill Act, it expanded its reach, admitting its first female civilian day students in 1921. While its history includes periods of reevaluation and change, such as the removal of the Confederate flag from athletic events in the late 1960s, the university continuously strives to foster an inclusive and forward-thinking environment. Today, Virginia Tech continues to expand its physical and academic footprint, including strategic partnerships like the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute, solidifying its role as a pivotal center for learning, innovation, and service.
Key Highlights
- ✦"Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve) Motto: A core principle emphasizing service and community impact.
- ✦"R1: Doctoral University": Classified among universities with very high research spending and doctorate production.
- ✦Significant Enrollment: Educates over 38,000 students across 280 undergraduate and graduate programs.
- ✦High Research Spending: Brought in over $500 million in research expenditures in 2014.
- ✦Senior Military College: Features a prominent Corps of Cadets ROTC program, with ranks projected to increase to 1,400.
- ✦Division I Athletics: Home of the Virginia Tech Hokies, competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
- ✦Historic Land-Grant Institution: Established in 1872 under the Morrill Act, dedicated to practical and applied education.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
1 notable schools within Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute
Created through a strategic partnership with the Carilion Clinic.
Find Scholarships at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.
Start Your Free Search