Virginia Tech's published cost of attendance reaches $32,040 per year, including $15,478 in in-state tuition, $36,694 for out-of-state students, $14,888 for room and board, and $2,620 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $23,790 after financial aid, representing savings of $8,250 annually.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $32,040 |
| Tuition and Fees | $36,694 |
| Room and Board | $14,888 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,620 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$8,250 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $23,790 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $13,536 |
| $30–48k | $14,891 |
| $48–75k | $19,660 |
| $75–110k | $26,533 |
| $110k+ | $30,568 |
Virginia Tech's published cost of attendance reaches $32,040 per year, including $15,478 in in-state tuition, $36,694 for out-of-state students, $14,888 for room and board, and $2,620 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $23,790 after financial aid, representing savings of $8,250 annually. Net costs vary significantly by family income, ranging from $13,536 for families earning under $30,000 to $30,568 for families earning over $110,000.
This $17,032 gap between lowest and highest income tiers reflects Virginia Tech's progressive aid structure that concentrates support toward lower-income families. Compared to peer institutions with a median net price of $15,590, Virginia Tech costs $8,200 more annually, reflecting higher costs typical of selective public research universities. The net price structure demonstrates that while sticker prices appear high, most families pay substantially less through need-based aid, work-study opportunities, and merit scholarships.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Virginia Tech graduates carry median debt of $21,500, with debt levels ranging from $11,000 at the 25th percentile to $28,000 at the 75th percentile. The median debt level ranks at the 58th percentile nationally, placing it above average but within manageable ranges for most graduates.
Compared to peer institutions with median debt of $20,000, Virginia Tech graduates borrow $1,500 more annually, a modest difference reflecting the university's higher net costs. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 indicates that typical graduates dedicate roughly 26% of their annual earnings to total educational debt, well within sustainable ranges for long-term financial health.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Virginia Tech graduates earn $21,155 more annually than peers at similar institutions, despite carrying $1,500 additional debt, creating a favorable return on educational investment. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 indicates sustainable borrowing levels relative to career earning potential.
Median earnings of $81,698 rank at the 94th percentile nationally, demonstrating strong labor market outcomes that justify educational costs for most graduates. However, graduates earn $10,017 below expectations relative to their student demographics, suggesting that outcomes, while strong in absolute terms, may not fully reflect the potential of Virginia Tech's highly qualified student body.
The combination of above-peer earnings, manageable debt levels, and consistent career outcomes across multiple program areas creates positive investment conditions. Virginia Tech's particular strength in high-earning STEM fields, combined with strong alumni networks in technology and engineering sectors, supports long-term career advancement that enhances return on investment beyond initial salary figures.
Virginia Tech enrolls 15.0% Pell-eligible students, indicating moderate representation of lower-income families compared to less selective public institutions. The substantial gap between sticker price ($32,040) and average net price ($23,790) demonstrates meaningful financial aid distribution across income levels.
Net pricing by income tier shows concentrated aid toward families earning under $48,000, who pay between $13,536 and $14,891 annually. Middle-income families earning $48,000-$75,000 pay $19,660, while upper-middle income families face costs approaching $26,533-$30,568.
This progressive structure indicates that Virginia Tech directs aid strategically based on financial need rather than distributing uniformly across all students. The 15.0% Pell share reflects the intersection of competitive admission standards with aid policies that make the university accessible to some lower-income students, though less extensively than at broader-access institutions.
Parent PLUS borrowers take median debt of $30,555, resulting in monthly payments around $402. The combination of moderate debt levels with strong earnings outcomes creates favorable conditions for debt repayment across most career paths, particularly in Virginia Tech's signature engineering and technology fields where starting salaries exceed $70,000.
