University of Alabama at Birmingham vs. Virginia Tech

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Alabama at Birmingham in Birmingham, AL with Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Virginia Tech is larger than University of Alabama at Birmingham based on total student enrollment (38,857 students vs. 20,905 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Alabama at Birmingham is located in Birmingham, AL (Midsize City setting); Virginia Tech is in Blacksburg, VA (Small City setting).
• University of Alabama at Birmingham is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Tech is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Alabama at Birmingham 18:1; Virginia Tech 17:1.

University of Alabama at Birmingham vs. Virginia Tech Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Alabama at Birmingham or Virginia Tech? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Alabama at Birmingham than Virginia Tech ($17,997 vs. $24,912).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Alabama at Birmingham are 14.4% lower than at Virginia Tech ($14,170 vs. $16,550).
• Virginia Tech is 75.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Alabama at Birmingham (about $6,850 more per year; $15,948.00 vs. $9,098.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 67.4% higher at Virginia Tech than at University of Alabama at Birmingham (about $15,202 more per year; $37,764.00 vs. $22,562.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Alabama at Birmingham than at Virginia Tech (90% vs. 60%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Alabama at Birmingham students is 20.3% larger than aid received by Virginia Tech students ($11,025 vs. $9,168).

University of Alabama at Birmingham vs. Virginia Tech Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Alabama at Birmingham or Virginia Tech? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Virginia Tech and University of Alabama at Birmingham.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Virginia Tech (1370) is 40 points higher than at University of Alabama at Birmingham (1330).
• Incoming Virginia Tech students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 26 at University of Alabama at Birmingham).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Alabama at Birmingham 1210/1450; Virginia Tech 1280/1450.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Alabama at Birmingham 23/30; Virginia Tech 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Alabama at Birmingham - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Virginia Tech - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Alabama at Birmingham Jun 1, 2027; Virginia Tech Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Virginia Tech students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at University of Alabama at Birmingham (3.82).
• University of Alabama at Birmingham has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Virginia Tech (54.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.1% at University of Alabama at Birmingham vs. 25.3% at Virginia Tech.

University of Alabama at Birmingham vs. Virginia Tech Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Alabama at Birmingham and Virginia Tech? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Virginia Tech's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than University of Alabama at Birmingham's (45%).
• Graduates from Virginia Tech earn a median of about $18,600 more per year than University of Alabama at Birmingham graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,000 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Alabama at Birmingham graduates have a $2,466 lower median loan debt than Virginia Tech graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,966).
• Among borrowers, University of Alabama at Birmingham graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Virginia Tech graduates ($222 vs. $247).
• More Virginia Tech graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Alabama at Birmingham students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 52%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.