Reviewed on Apr 19, 2025(Enrolled 2021)
What Students Say
Likes
- Top 5 Colleges for Experimental Aerodynamics in the US Virginia Tech is one of the best colleges that specialize in experimental aerodynamics, where you are able to get the best education and study under the most respected professors in the field. Very high-level research opportunities are also available. My main lab was a NASA wind tunnel which is one of the largest university owned wind tunnels in the USA.
- Government Contracts for Grad Student Scholarships and Funding Scholarships and research funding are mainly provided through government agencies like NASA, US Air Force, Office of Naval Research etc. Most of these academic contracts are not restricted to US citizens which means that with the right skills, international students like us Indians are able to obtain them. Virginia Tech prides itself in the involvement of high-level, cutting-edge projects for defence industries and major and upcoming commercial aerospace companies.
- Cutting-Edge Labs and Equipment At Virginia Tech, students have access to state-of-the-art labs and equipment. The technical assistance provided at these facilities is top-notch. Students are also provided the chance to attend conferences, workshops, and be part of professional organizations as a part of the graduate school with all expenses covered.
Dislikes
- Harsh Winter Weather The winters are extremely cold, with a lot of snow, so you’ll need to be prepared for some tough weather conditions.
- Challenging Projects and Courses The projects and courses are very demanding, requiring a significant amount of time and effort focused on academics. No other dislikes as I did not face any other issue.
Course Curriculum
10
- I believe the graduate level courses offered are quite challenging. There’s a noticeable jump in difficulty from undergraduate to graduate-level classes, and it takes more effort to understand certain concepts. The coursework here is less theoretical and more hands-on, with a strong emphasis on coding assignments and application-based problems. There weren't many direct formula-based questions during the two years I studied there. Most of the learning is through problem-solving and practical application. This way students are actively trying to debug and understand the basics rather than memorizing.
- One of the most positive aspects is how math-intensive and broad the coursework is. Because of that, the skills you gain can be applied across various domains. For instance, in subjects like aerodynamics and structural analysis, the curriculum starts with the basics and gradually builds up to complex problems, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
- However, these courses can be quite time-consuming. It requires a lot of effort, discipline, and focus. Since most of the time is spent on research during the weekdays. Weekends are the only other free time that is available to work on academics with full focus. While that’s not necessarily a negative, it does mean students need to manage their schedules well to balance both academics and research.
Admission Experience
- Applied into:-
Arizona State University - Accepted
University at Buffalo – Accepted
North Carolina State University - Accepted
Pennsylvania State University - Accepted
University of Florida - Accepted with scholarship
Virginia Tech - AcceptedOhio State University - Rejected
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign (UIUC) - Rejected
University of Colorado Boulder - Rejected
University of Southern California - Rejected
Texas A&M - Rejected - I believe the primary reason I wasn't accepted into the colleges I applied to is that my undergraduate GPA was fairly average (8.0/10). There were also other factors at play. My GRE score of 315 was in the average range as well. Additionally, I pursued my master's degree shortly after the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a lot of uncertainty. Many colleges were still uncertain about their admissions policies and the number of students they could accept, which contributed to the overall confusion and may have influenced their decisions.
- That said, I’d like to highlight that despite having an average GPA, I managed to secure a 50% scholarship along with a monthly stipend, which meant I only had to pay about $4,000 per semester for my entire education while also being able to pay for my own rent and other expenses. Thanks to my strong research projects, internships, and international exposure (including conferences and a summer program), I was able to land both a research assistant and a teaching assistant position.
- I also believe that many of the colleges that rejected me didn’t focus on the areas of research I emphasized in my Statement of Purpose. I mentioned my interest in aerodynamics and my desire to pursue experimental work, but unfortunately, the programs I applied to didn’t have the facilities or projects aligned with my research goals.
- Virginia Tech is ranked 11th among the best aerospace universities in the U.S., outperforming many of the colleges I applied to, so an acceptance from them seemed like a no-brainer. I had also spoken to some seniors via LinkedIn who shared their positive experiences about the research and academics in the areas I’m interested in. The program’s structure, which requires students to take at least one course from each of the three specializations, is something I find extremely beneficial for broadening academic exposure. These specializations include Aerodynamics and Hydrodynamics, Vehicle Structures, and Vehicle Dynamics and Controls.
- Interestingly, the textbooks I studied during my undergraduate in Aeronautical Engineering were written by professors from Virginia Tech. The university boasts an excellent alumni network, and it has a partnership with Boeing, one of the biggest aerospace companies. Through this partnership, they’ve developed their own campus and provided job opportunities, with a Virginia Tech alumnus even serving as the CEO.
- Virginia Tech holds a strong position in aerospace conferences, with its professors often serving as chairs for many sessions. The experimental aerodynamics research that I want to pursue is among the best at Virginia Tech, with substantial funding, facilities, and equipment to support it. Additionally, the fees are relatively lower since it’s a state-owned university in Virginia, and the city itself is ranked as one of the safest places to live in the U.S.
- I applied to Virginia Tech through their online portal, and the application fee was $75. I had to submit my school mark sheets and college transcripts, along with three letters of recommendation from my references, who provided the letters when requested. Additionally, I submitted my GRE and TOEFL scores as part of the application process. I applied through the Early Decision scheme, which meant I had to submit my application well before most other college deadlines. This is supposed to give me an edge over other applicants, although I’m not entirely sure how the selection process for early applications works.
- Virginia Tech requires a minimum TOEFL score of 90, with at least 20 in each section—Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. While the graduate program currently does not require GRE scores, submitting a high score, particularly in the quantitative section, is beneficial for being competitive with other applicants. They also have a minimum GPA requirement of 3.00 for undergraduate studies.
- I applied for the Fall 2021 intake. From what I read and also heard from others, graduating in May, which aligns with the fall intake, offers better job opportunities. In contrast, students who join in the spring usually graduate in December, which falls during the holiday season in the U.S. Hiring tends to slow down around that time, and most companies wait until after their Q1 financial report (around March), before making significant hires.
- I submitted my application at the end of November and received my acceptance by February 3rd, so the entire process took about three months.
Class Schedule
10
- Typically, we had two or three classes a day, each lasting about 60 to 90 minutes. Class timings varied but were usually between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Some courses met three times a week, while others had four sessions depending on the number of credits. (A 3 credit course would meet thrice a week). Each class had around 30 students, and in my Fall 2021 intake, there were about 10 Indian students in my program.
- Students take up courses based on their likings and specialization. Therefore its never always the same people that you see in one class present in the other. Sometimes the advisors also recommend what courses needs to be taken to keep up with the research in the labs.
Faculty
10
- The faculty-to-student ratio is approximately 1:10. Because of this low ratio, I felt we received more individual attention—whether during office hours or when we had doubts about the subject. Questions were addressed more quickly and thoroughly, and it also allowed professors to take on more students in their research groups.
- The teaching methodology is excellent. It’s designed for real learning, not just memorization. Concepts tend to stick with you longer thanks to the nature of the assignments and exams, which are application-heavy. There’s hardly any rote learning involved. In my opinion, the coursework is more than sufficient to prepare someone for a job—but that also depends on the individual. If a student has a solid foundation and builds on what’s being taught, it’s definitely enough to secure a good position.
- Professors are also quite supportive when it comes to networking. They help connect students with industry professionals and organizations.
- Personally, Dr. Nathan Alexander, who has been my advisor and mentor, played a huge role in shaping my journey. He helped me grow from a student into a more confident and capable engineer. He’s been incredibly patient in explaining new concepts and has offered the right support and guidance whenever I needed it. His kindness and encouragement helped me settle in and get up to speed.
- Dr. William Devenport, who was on my thesis committee and part of my research group, also provided valuable insights—especially when dealing with tricky technical topics. He, too, has been very kind and supportive throughout my time in the program.
Campus Life
10
- Virginia Tech is often described as a campus town, meaning the entire town is centered around the university. Because of this, we have access to several large libraries, numerous indoor and outdoor sports facilities for all kinds of sports, and even our own hospital. There are also various other medical services available in and around campus.
- The campus is always buzzing with life—music concerts, dance parties, and cultural events happen regularly. Thanks to our large international community, festivals from different cultures are celebrated throughout the year. Since Virginia Tech is also known as a military-friendly school, there are unique events and celebrations organized by the ROTC and Corps of Cadets. Honestly, there’s something going on every week, so it’s tough to keep track of everything!
- There are plenty of clubs for both technical and non-technical interests. I personally joined a hiking group that explores various mountain trails around Virginia. I was also involved in a research group called CREATe, which focuses on aerodynamic research. As part of CREATe, we held book and journal review sessions, gave quick two-minute research presentations, and even organized potlucks, sports events, and more.
Part Time Jobs
- While I’m not sure about the exact numbers, it’s generally more common for PhD students to receive TA or RA positions. For master’s students, it’s less common. Based on my experience, around 2 out of 5 students had either a TA or RA role.
- For those awarded a 50% scholarship, the typical monthly stipend is around $1,400. Students with a 100% scholarship usually receive about $2,800 per month.
- Other off-campus job options include working in dining services or taking on administrative roles in the library. These positions typically pay around $15 per hour, with a cap of 20 work hours per week.
- It’s more competitive to secure TA or RA positions since those depend on academic performance and relevant research experience. On the other hand, dining service jobs are relatively easier to get, as long as there are vacancies. Most students who apply and have decent communication skills are able to secure those roles.
- Students typically earn between $14 to $18 per hour, depending on the work schedule and days they’re available. If you have good communication skills, it’s fairly easy to land an hourly paid job. Dining services are the most popular place for student employment. They usually post hiring notices, and the process includes a short interview with the manager, where they explain the job responsibilities.
- Having volunteering experience or any operations or management-related roles on your resume can give you an edge. Most students start out working on the grill or in food prep, but promotions are quite fast—you can move up to positions like cashier fairly quickly. It’s important to note that part-time jobs in the U.S. are generally restricted to on-campus roles until you graduate.
Placement
8
- The Aerospace Engineering program at Virginia Tech was particularly challenging with a lot of ups and downs. In the U.S., most core aerospace jobs are restricted to U.S. citizens due to security and export control regulations. As a result, international students often find it hard to even secure interviews in these companies as they are mostly rejected during the resume shortlisting itself. While most American students from my class were employed after graduation due to the nature and abundance of defense jobs, international students faced significantly more challenges. But that is how the Aerospace job market is in the US and people know what to expect.
- Statistics wise, about 80% of my class (mainly US citizens) did secure jobs after graduation. Many of my Indian friends and other international students chose to continue to pursue their PhD's after graduating with a Master's degree. The average starting salary for graduates ranged between $80,000 and $100,000 for entry level graduate positions.
- Most job opportunities for my classmates came through referrals from their professors networks or Virginia tech alumni. While campus hiring does happen twice a year, it is generally limited in the aerospace sector for international students due to defense regulations. Networking plays a significant role and I’ve seen my classmates land roles simply by reaching out to the right people and maintaining those professional connections.
- Some of my classmates were hired by companies like Honda, Cummins, Torc, Boeing, and Joby, mostly in Mechanical or Test Engineering roles. Others found positions in major aerospace companies such as Collins Aerospace, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, SpaceX, Tesla, Honda, Volvo, NASA, the Department of Defense, and Lockheed Martin.
Accommodation
Off Campus
10
- I found my accommodation through online websites. The monthly rent was $750, which included electricity, water, garbage disposal, and internet. The apartment came with several amenities like a private bathroom, a swimming pool, study and collaboration rooms, a fire pit, barbecue grills, coffee machines, daily nutrition bars, a game room, TV rooms, and a small library.
- Initially, I struggled to find suitable roommates, but eventually, I met a few other Indian students living on the same floor, and I ended up moving in with them.
- My apartment was about 10 minutes away from campus by bus. Most Indian students, however, lived on the other side of town in a larger, gated community-style housing setup.
Exams
- For the graduate program, only the TOEFL or IELTS is required to demonstrate English proficiency. The GRE is optional—scores can be submitted, but they’re not mandatory.
- The required documents include an updated resume, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. There was no interview process for the master’s program. However, PhD applicants are typically required to go through an interview as part of the admission process.
Fees
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Description Charge in $
Athletic Fee, Fall 192.00
Cmwlth Facility & Equipment 302.00
Grad Out-of-State Tui, Fall 14,633.50
Grad Out-of-State UF Diff -7,373.00
Health Fee, Fall 292.50
Immigration Services Fee, Fall 275.00
Late Payment Fee 125.00
Library Fee, Fall 52.50
Rec Sports Fee, Fall 175.50
Student Activity Fee, Fall 255.50
Student Services Fee, Fall 155.00
Supplemental Engineer Fee, Fall 1,000.00
Technology Fee, Fall 40.00
Transportation Services Fee 118.00
UF GR Diff Immigration Ser Fee -275.00
Electronic Funds Transfer Pmt 5,792.00
Tuition Remission Fall -4,176.50 -
The fee is charged per semester, and there are two semesters in a year. My monthly expenses were under $1,250. Rent was $750 and covered everything—electricity, internet, water, garbage, and so on. I spent around $400 a month on food, including groceries and the occasional takeout. I didn’t have any extra transportation costs since that was included in the university fees. Health insurance was also covered by the college as part of my scholarship.
Scholarship
- Yes, I received a scholarship through a grant from the Office of Naval Research (ONR), under grant number N00014-19-1-2109. The eligibility was based on having a background in experimental aerodynamics and aeroacoustics research, and it was intended to support a master’s student working in those areas.
- I held two different positions in the two years of my course. In my first year, I worked as a Research Assistant in the CREATe (Center for Renewable Energy and Aerodynamic Technology) lab and received a monthly stipend of $1,200. In my second year, I worked as a Teaching Assistant for two courses, Thermodynamics & Marine Propulsion as well as Experiments for Aerospace Design and received a monthly stipend of $1,400. The scholarship also included a 50% tuition waiver, so I ended up paying about $5,000 per semester.
- A couple of my classmates also received scholarships. Some of them received it for the entire duration of their program, which is generally two years for a Mater's Thesis track. Others received it for just one of the year. There isn’t a fixed number of scholarships available. It usually depends on the funding or grants that professors has in a given year and funding for Teaching Assistant positions depend upon how many people have enrolled in that class and if help is required for those sessions. But based on my experience, I’d say about 2 out of every 5 students in my class received some form of scholarship.
