Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, VA · founded 1872 · 38,000 students · public research university · ACC

Known for: A leading public research university and senior military college, world-famous for its engineering programs (especially computer science and aerospace), its unique Corps of Cadets military tradition, and its stunning campus in the Appalachian Mountains.

Rankings

U.S. News national: #47
QS World: #362
Times Higher Education: #251
ARWU Shanghai: #201
Forbes: #89

Top programmes

Engineering (Computer, Mechanical, Aerospace, Civil)
Architecture
Business (Pamplin College)
Veterinary Medicine
Agriculture and Life Sciences
Natural Resources

Notable alumni

Homer Hickam — NASA engineer, author of Rocket Boys (October Sky)
Chris Kraft — NASA's first flight director, key figure in the U.S. space program
Clifford A. Cutchins IV — Former CEO of Sovran Bank, prominent banker
B. D. Wong — Tony Award-winning actor (M. Butterfly, Law & Order: SVU)
Charles W. Steger — Former president of Virginia Tech
John D. Warner — Former U.S. Senator from Virginia
Frank Beamer — Legendary Virginia Tech football head coach
Michele J. Sison — U.S. diplomat, former Ambassador to Haiti and Sri Lanka

Traditions

The 'Hokie Pokie' dance at football games
The Corps of Cadets' 'Silver Taps' ceremony
Running onto the field at Lane Stadium to 'Enter Sandman'
Ring Dance (military ball for cadets)

If Virginia Tech were…

As a food: Smithfield ham — Virginia specialty, salt-cured and dependable, with deep regional pride and tradition. Virginia Tech is the Commonwealth's land-grant workhorse — practical, service-oriented, rooted in Appalachian values, and beloved by
As an athlete: Michael Vick — VT legend who electrified college football, brought national attention to Blacksburg, combined raw talent with grit. Virginia Tech punches above its weight in engineering and research, turns out NFL-caliber talent in mul
As a person alive today: Hoda Kotb — VT alum, morning show anchor, radiates warmth and Hokie pride. The university shares that approachable, service-minded, genuinely friendly vibe — not elitist, deeply loyal to its community, and committed to lifting other
As a historical figure: George C. Marshall — VMI grad (sister institution spirit), architect of post-WWII recovery, embodied service and strategic thinking. Virginia Tech's Corps of Cadets tradition, engineering excellence, and commitment to public service echo Mar
As a movie or TV show: Friday Night Lights (TV) — Small-town intensity, football as religion, tight-knit community rallying around shared identity. Virginia Tech in Blacksburg is that same all-in school spirit — Enter Sandman at Lane Stadium, maroon and orange everywher
As a US president: Dwight Eisenhower — Military background, engineering mindset, built infrastructure (Interstate System), pragmatic problem-solver. VT combines Corps of Cadets tradition with top-tier engineering, focuses on practical solutions, and produces
As a city: Raleigh — Mid-sized Southern city, tech hub, surrounded by natural beauty, progressive enclave in a conservative region. Blacksburg is a college town in the Blue Ridge, blending Appalachian tradition with cutting-edge research, ou
As an element: Titanium — Strong, lightweight, used in aerospace and defense, corrosion-resistant and reliable. Virginia Tech engineers build things that fly and fight, the university is resilient (rebuilt after tragedy), and it's the backbone of
As a car: 2016 Ford F-150 Raptor in Burnt Orange — Blacksburg's engineering powerhouse runs on Hokie Spirit and outdoor adventure—rugged, capable, unpretentious, and built to tackle any terrain. The truck that conquered the ACC and still makes time for service projects.

Campus life

Virginia Tech is known for an exceptionally strong sense of community and school spirit, encapsulated by the motto 'Ut Prosim' (That I May Serve). Social life revolves around campus events, a large Greek presence, and legendary football game days in Lane Stadium. The Corps of Cadets adds a distinct military tradition to campus culture.