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Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA

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Quick Facts

Ut Prosim (Latin)("That I May Serve")

1872
Founded
Public land-grant research senior military university
Type
30,435
Total Students
$15K
Tuition (In-State)
$37K
Tuition (Out-State)
$24K
Avg Net Price
57%
Acceptance Rate
86%
Graduation Rate
6-year
92%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification

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

1872
Founded as the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College under the Morrill Act.
1896
Name changed to Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute.
1921
Admitted its first female students as civilian day students.
1944
Officially renamed Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI).
1969
Display of the Confederate flag at athletic events ended after a student resolution.
1986
Acquired Kentland Farm for agricultural research, amidst controversy over the land swap process.
2001
Acquired 326 acres of the Heth Farm, increasing the College Farm to over 3,000 acres.
2007
Campus was the site of a tragic mass shooting.
2014
Brought in over $500 million in research expenditures.
2018
Corps of Cadets enrollment reached 1,127, the largest since the mid-1960s.
🏛️
154 Years
of Excellence

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.

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