Virginia Tech, located in Blacksburg, Virginia, is a large public research institution that enrolls nearly 37,000 students. The school has a selective acceptance rate of about 56–58%, making admission competitive, but possible for qualified applicants. Virginia Tech is well-known for its programs in Engineering, Architecture, Agriculture, and Business. The school has an average graduation rate of 83–85%, while graduates of Virginia Tech enjoy early career salaries of approximately INR 50–55 lakhs annually (USD $60,000–66,000).
Clemson University, located in Clemson, South Carolina, is a public research university that enrolls about 27,000 students. The school has a more selective acceptance rate, which is close to 47–49%. Clemson is best known for its programs in Engineering, Business, Agriculture, and Health Sciences. The school’s average graduation rate is close to 81–83%, while graduates of Clemson University enjoy early career wages of INR 46–52 lakhs annually (USD $55,000–62,000).
| Virginia Tech | Clemson University | |
|---|---|---|
| ranking (overall) | # 251 Times Higher Education 2026 # 358 QS World University 2026 # 281 Center for World University Rankings 2025 | # 951 QS World University 2026 # 575 Center for World University Rankings 2025 # 951 QS World University 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 31 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 451 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 351 for Law by QS World University 2025 | # 77 for Engineering by US News 2024 |
| Programs | UG Programs -95 PG Programs -64 Doctorate Programs -1 | UG Programs -55 PG Programs -55 |
| Acceptance Rate | 55.0 % | 38.1 % |
| Exam Score | Duolingo-115 IELTS-6.5 PTE-59 SAT-1100 TOEFL-90 | Duolingo-105 GRE-300 IELTS-6.5 SAT-1220 TOEFL-80 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 33857 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 23670 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 16990 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 35362 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 22976 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 13284 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Graduate Employability Rankings- #363(QS – World University Rankings 2023) #62(US news an world report-Best National University) ; Top recruiters: Booz, Allen and Hamilton, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Virginia Tech, Lockheed Martin Corp, Capital One Financial Corp; Average Salaries are as follows:
| Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows: Bachelor of Science: $89,000 Masters in Science: $83,000 Doctorate: $50,000 Bachelor of Arts: $43,000 |
| application requirements | Academic transcripts; GMAT/ GRE scores for graduate admission; 3 LORs; Sop; Resume; Proof of English language proficiency. | Submit academic credentials Submit scores of entrance exams Submit English language proficiency test scores Check program specific requirements |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 8.3/10 Read 5 reviews | 7.6/10 Read 13 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 176 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 # 301 for Business by QS World University 2025 | # 300 for Business by QS World University 2026 # 95 for Business by US News 2025 |
| exam scores | GMAT - 600/800GRE - 308/340IELTS - 7.5/9PTE - 53/90TOEFL - 96/120 | Duolingo - 115/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 54/90TOEFL - 80/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -29448 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -63654 |
| application dates | Jul 1, 2024 (Application Deadline For Fall Intake) Dec 1, 2024 (Application Deadline For Spring Intake) May 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Summer Intake) | Feb 15, 2026 (Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake) Apr 15, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) Oct 15, 2026 (Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Virginia Tech | Clemson University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1872 | 1889 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 13:1:1 | 16:1 |
| Male:Female | 55% Male, 0% Female | 51% Male, 49% Female |
| Location Facts | Main campus located in Blacksburg; about 40 miles southwest of Roanoke, Virginia; situated on a plateau between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains; includes 213 buildings, 2,600 acres, and an airport | Clemson's 1,400-acre campus is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The campus now borders Lake Hartwell. |
| Library | The libraries offer everything from technology-rich spaces, exhibits, and collections to services for managing research data and scholarship. The libraries also assist students and faculty in publishing scholarly works and offer consulting on a wide array of learning, research, and creative activities. They have three libraries on the Virginia Tech campus. It includes:
| Clemson Libraries serves the students, faculty, and staff of Clemson University, as well as members of the community. This includes visitors from community groups and K-12 schools and programs. |
| Campus Life | Globber Connect for students to participate in 100+ student clubs; Globberfest (Annual festival), VT Engage (service-learning and civic engagement center); Recreational Sports Department with 39 intramural sports, on-campus gyms, aquatic centers, more than 100 group exercises classes; Cultural & Community Centers; Women’s Center; Cranwell International Center; Schiffert Health Center; Hokie Wellness that offers peer-led workshops; Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets (VTCC)- military component of the student body. | A walk across Clemson’s campus transports visitors from rolling hills to Death Valley and farther still to Lake Hartwell. The sound of the carillon greets those within earshot of Tillman Hall, and often, the sight of an orange and purple sunset signals the end of a day spent in Clemson. Clemson has six campus media organizations. Clemson offers 31 club sports. With 27 residence halls and on-campus apartments, Clemson students can choose the style, location and amenities for their home at Clemson. Clemson Dining provides fuel for students to pursue their goals every day. With 26 on-campus dining options, there’s always a seat at the table for students on campus. Clemson University’s highest priority is making sure that students feel welcome and safe while they are on campus. Clemson students have access to a variety of resources to help recover from illness, maintain their health and reach their mental and physical health goals. From Counseling and Psychological Services to Redfern Health Center, a variety of certified health professionals are available to support the well-being of every student. Group fitness classes, personal training, intramural sports teams, club sports, outdoor recreation and over 250,000 square feet of state-of-the-art facilities give Clemson students the option of exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains or exercising on campus. |
| Hostel | #Housing - $13330 | #Housing - $8208 |
| Famous Alumni | 250,000+ living alumni; Hoda Kotb (American-Egyptian broadcaster); Homer Hickam (American author); Bruce Smith (American football player); Jim Buckmaster (CEO of Craigslist Inc.); Charles Camarda (American engineer); Kevin Jones (Former American football player); Rob Wittman (U.S. Representative); Bill Dally (American computer scientist); Collette Wolfe (American actress); Steven Mollenkopf (Chief Executive of Qualcomm). | Major Rudolf Anderson Jr. Class of 1948, was the only person killed by enemy fire during the Cuban Missile Crisis. |
| City Life | Blacksburg- incorporated town in Montgomery County, Virginia; Blacksburg has about 43,000 residents and is located in the New River Valley, which is Virginia’s fastest growing region west of Richmond. The city and region get high marks from outdoor enthusiasts and were named the No. 3 new tech hub by Axios. Although there’s always something happening at Virginia Tech, sometimes it’s nice to get off campus and into the outdoors. Southwest Virginia offers great hiking and biking, scenic lakes and drives, and all kinds of festivals. Famous attractions- Armory Art Gallery, Caboose Park, Kent Square, Hahn Horticulture Garden and Lyric Theatre; Annual town events include the International Street Fair and Parade, Steppin’ Out (town’s first annual street festival); Unemployment rate: 3% (Dec 2022). | Clemson is located in Pickens and Anderson counties. The city, in large part, revolves around the presence of the University. In 2015, the Princeton Review named Clemson as #1 in the US for “town-and-gown” relations with its University. There are approximately 16,649 people living in Clemson. Clemson borders Lake Hartwell, one of the Southeast’s largest and most popular recreation lakes.art, revolves around the presence of the University. The median income in Clemson, SC is $39,241 and the median home value is $236,549. Living in Clemson offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Clemson there are a lot of bars and parks. Many young professionals live in Clemson and residents tend to be conservative. The public schools in Clemson are highly rated. |
| Weather |
Virginia Tech vs Clemson University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Virginia Tech is included among the top 300 universities in the world, known for its strong programs in Engineering, Architecture, Agriculture, and Business. It has a growing international reputation for its applied research and innovation. Clemson University is included among the top 400 universities worldwide and is recognized for its programs in Engineering, Business, Agriculture, and Health Sciences, with a strong focus on regional research strengths.
General Information
Virginia Tech is a large public research university, located on a suburban campus in Blacksburg, Virginia, with over 280 offered degrees, and serves more than 37,000 students. Clemson University is noticeably smaller, educating about 27,000 students, and offers an education with a strong research and applied learning focus, situated on a traditional campus environment in South Carolina.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Virginia Tech has a moderate admission selection process with an acceptance rate around 56–58%, and receives a significant volume of in-state, out-of-state, and international applicants. Clemson University has a slightly more selective admission process with an acceptance rate around 47–49%, and also draws students that are searching for smaller class sizes and a strong public research environment.
Research Impact & Facilities
Virginia Tech is a Carnegie R1 research university with considerable research funding, mostly in engineering, agriculture, and applied sciences. It operates state-of-the-art labs, research centers, and partnerships with industries worldwide. Clemson University is also a Carnegie R1 research university and has an applied project focus and experiential learning through internships and regional industry connections, with growing emphasis on larger research endeavors.
Cost & Financial Aid
For international students, Virginia Tech’s tuition averages between USD $33,000–35,000 per year; Clemson University’s tuition is slightly higher and averages between USD $38,000–40,000 per year. Both Virginia Tech and Clemson offer scholarships for international students, with Clemson offering merit awards and Virginia Tech providing state need and merit-based aid.
Career Destinations & Graduates’ Success
Virginia Tech graduates usually enter engineering, architecture, agriculture, and business careers, benefitting from the university’s reputation and a large alumni base. Clemson University graduates tend to move forward into careers in engineering, business, health sciences, and agriculture, benefitting from South Carolina’s growing industries and the university’s strong regional connections.
