Deciding on a college can be a challenging experience, as there are many factors to consider before making a final decision. In this comparison, we will be examining two popular universities: Kent State University (KSU) and Virginia Tech. We will be assessing various aspects such as costs, admissions, academics, diversity, student life, campus, and outcomes to help you make an informed decision.
KSU Overview
Kent State University, founded in 1910, is a public research university located in Kent, Ohio. It is well known for its strong emphasis on liberal arts education and offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate programs. With a student population of over 27,000, KSU has a vibrant campus life and a diverse student body.
KSU Costs & Tuition
In-state tuition at Kent State University is $10,312 for the academic year, while out-of-state tuition is $19,014. Room and board costs are estimated at $10,080 per year. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with approximately 75% of enrolled students receiving some form of financial assistance.
KSU Admissions
Kent State University has an acceptance rate of 85%, making it relatively accessible for applicants. The average high school GPA for incoming freshmen is 3.4, and the average ACT score ranges from 21-26. KSU uses a holistic review process when evaluating applications, considering factors such as academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities.
KSU Degrees Offered
KSU offers numerous degrees in various fields of study, including Business, Education, Health Professions, Communication, and Psychology. Students can choose from over 300 undergraduate and graduate programs to find the perfect fit for their career goals.
KSU Academics
Kent State University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1, offering students a more personalized educational experience. With an average class size of 25 students, KSU provides a collaborative learning environment that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
KSU Diversity
KSU values diversity and inclusiveness, with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. The university offers various resources and support services for students from different backgrounds, such as the Center for International and Intercultural Education and the Student Multicultural Center.
KSU Students
Kent State University has a lively campus, with over 400 student organizations and clubs to join. With numerous opportunities for involvement in academics, sports, and extracurricular activities, students can develop leadership skills and create lasting friendships.
KSU Campus
KSU’s picturesque campus spans 866 acres and features modern facilities, green spaces, and a range of amenities for students to enjoy. The university has eight regional campuses across Ohio, providing students with multiple options for pursuing their degrees.
KSU Alumni
Notable alumni from Kent State University include fashion designer Michael Kors, actress Chrissy Metz, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Connie Schultz. KSU has a strong alumni network that offers various resources and opportunities for networking, career development, and lifelong learning.
KSU Rankings
Kent State University is ranked #284 in the National Universities category by U.S. News & World Report. The university also ranks #140 among Top Public Schools and #160 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs.
KSU Outcomes
The 6-year graduation rate at KSU is 60%. According to Payscale, the average early career salary for KSU graduates is $48,800, and the average mid-career salary is $84,700.
Virginia Tech Overview
Virginia Tech, founded in 1872, is a public research university located in Blacksburg, Virginia. Known for its strong focus on engineering and technology, the university offers over 280 undergraduate and graduate programs. With a student population of over 36,000, Virginia Tech provides a supportive environment for academic and personal growth.
Virginia Tech Costs & Tuition
In-state tuition at Virginia Tech is $13,691 for the academic year, while out-of-state tuition is $32,835. Room and board costs are estimated at $9,187 per year. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with approximately 65% of enrolled students receiving some form of financial assistance.
Virginia Tech Admissions
Virginia Tech has an acceptance rate of 70%, making it moderately competitive for applicants. The average high school GPA for incoming freshmen is 4.04, and the average SAT score ranges from 1240-1390. Virginia Tech evaluates applications based on factors such as academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities.
Virginia Tech Degrees Offered
Virginia Tech offers a wide range of degree programs in fields such as Engineering, Business, Social Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Agriculture. Students can choose from over 280 undergraduate and graduate programs to find the right fit for their career goals.
Virginia Tech Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, Virginia Tech offers a more personalized learning experience. The average class size at the university is 27 students, fostering a collaborative and engaging learning environment.
Virginia Tech Diversity
Virginia Tech is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university has students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. Virginia Tech provides numerous resources and support services for students from different backgrounds, such as the Office for Inclusion and Diversity and the International Student Advising Center.
Virginia Tech Students
Students at Virginia Tech have ample opportunities for involvement in academics, sports, and extracurricular activities. With over 800 student organizations and clubs, students can develop leadership skills, explore interests, and build lasting friendships.
Virginia Tech Campus
Virginia Tech’s sprawling 2,600-acre campus features modern facilities, green spaces, and a range of amenities for students to enjoy. The university also operates a satellite campus in the Greater Washington D.C. area, offering additional options for students pursuing their degrees.
Virginia Tech Alumni
Notable alumni from Virginia Tech include astronaut Charles Camarda, actress Hoda Kotb, and NFL player Michael Vick. Virginia Tech’s active alumni network offers resources and opportunities for networking, career development, and lifelong learning.
Virginia Tech Rankings
Virginia Tech is ranked #74 in the National Universities category by U.S. News & World Report. The university also ranks #30 among Top Public Schools and #37 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs.
Virginia Tech Outcomes
The 6-year graduation rate at Virginia Tech is 85%. According to Payscale, the average early career salary for Virginia Tech graduates is $62,100, and the average mid-career salary is $108,800.
KSU vs Virginia Tech Cost Comparision
Comparing the costs of attendance, KSU offers lower in-state tuition ($10,312) than Virginia Tech ($13,691). However, out-of-state tuition at KSU ($19,014) is lower than Virginia Tech’s ($32,835). Room and board costs are relatively similar at both institutions, with KSU at $10,080 and Virginia Tech at $9,187. Financial aid is available at both universities, with a higher percentage of enrolled students receiving assistance at KSU (75%) compared to Virginia Tech (65%).
KSU vs Virginia Tech Admissions Difficulty
Both KSU and Virginia Tech have reasonable acceptance rates, with KSU being more accessible with an 85% acceptance rate compared to Virginia Tech’s 70%. KSU has a lower average high school GPA (3.4) for incoming freshmen than Virginia Tech (4.04). The average ACT score at KSU (21-26) is lower than the average SAT score at Virginia Tech (1240-1390).
KSU vs Virginia Tech Academic Difficulty
Virginia Tech has a lower student-to-faculty ratio (14:1) than KSU (20:1), providing a more personalized learning experience for students. The average class sizes at both universities are similar, with KSU at 25 students and Virginia Tech at 27 students. Both institutions foster collaborative and engaging learning environments, with Virginia Tech having a stronger emphasis on engineering and technology, while KSU focuses on a liberal arts education.
KSU vs Virginia Tech Outcome Comparision
Virginia Tech has a higher 6-year graduation rate (85%) compared to KSU (60%). Additionally, graduates of Virginia Tech tend to earn higher early career salaries ($62,100) and mid-career salaries ($108,800) compared to KSU graduates ($48,800 and $84,700, respectively).
In conclusion, both KSU and Virginia Tech have their strengths and weaknesses. It’s essential to consider factors such as cost, academic offerings, campus life, and post-graduation outcomes when deciding which university is the best fit for your needs and goals.
