Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, widely known as Virginia Tech, is a public, land-grant, and senior military research university founded in 1872 in Blacksburg, Virginia. Nestled on a sprawling 2,600-acre campus, it maintains a blend of Gothic architecture built from distinctive native limestone, known as Hokie Stone, alongside modern facilities—including its own airport. As an R1-rated institution with around 38,000 students, Virginia Tech combines world-class academic offerings, a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, and a commitment to its motto Ut Prosim (“That I May Serve”).

Academically, Virginia Tech is organized into nine colleges and a graduate school, offering more than 110 undergraduate majors and over 120 graduate programs. It’s nationally recognized for its engineering, agriculture, veterinary medicine, architecture, and business schools. With over $453 million in annual research expenditure and significant facilities like the Stability Wind Tunnel and multiple agricultural research farms, the university thrives on innovation and real-world impact.

Student life at Virginia Tech is robust and spirited. With 800+ student clubs, honor societies, fraternities, and sororities, students enjoy a lively community enriched by traditions and service. Athletics is a major part of campus culture, featuring the Hokies—complete with live mascot HokieBird—and tier-one facilities like Lane Stadium. The university’s newer Innovation Campus in Alexandria further enhances its presence, offering graduate students cutting-edge programs in close proximity to global tech firms.