Duke University Vs Virginia Tech: Compare Fees, Placement, Reviews
Compare Duke University Vs Virginia Tech based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze Duke University Vs Virginia Tech on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.
Compare Duke University Vs Virginia Tech based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze Duke University Vs Virginia Tech on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.
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Duke University V/s Virginia TechStudent Ratings
Rating of colleges
4/5
20 Verified Reviews
3.4 Internships- 4.3 Part time work
- 3.6 Post study jobs
- 4.6 Quality of faculty
- 4.7 Student Life
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4.1/5
14 Verified Reviews- 3.8 Internships
- 4.2 Part time work
- 4.1 Post study jobs
- 4.5 Quality of faculty
- 4.5 Student Life
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Duke University V/s Virginia TechCourse Comparison
5 Popular courses in colleges
Duke University V/s Virginia Tech MS
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Duke University V/s Virginia Tech M.A.
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Duke University V/s Virginia Tech B.Sc.
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Duke University V/s Virginia Tech B.E. / B.Tech
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Other courses
- MBA/PGDM (2 courses)
- Certificate (1 course)
- MEng (15 courses)
- BBA (4 courses)
- Executive MBA/PGDM (2 courses)
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- MEng (12 courses)
- BBA (13 courses)
- Executive MBA/PGDM (1 course)
- B.A. (32 courses)
- MFA (3 courses)
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Duke University V/s Virginia TechCollege Comparison
About College
Established Year
1838
Number of Campus
1
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
9000 Acres
Accepted Exams
TOEFL+4 More
Established Year
1872
Number of Campus
1
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
2600 Acres
Accepted Exams
TOEFL+3 More
Established Year
-/-
Number of Campus
-/-
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
-/-
Accepted Exams
-/-
Duke University V/s Virginia TechCampus Comparison
Campus videos & images
Duke University
The Value of a Duke Education
Dining at Duke
Faces at Duke’s Fuqua School of Business
Inspiring Engineers: Real-World Design
Duke University Aerial View
Duke Chapel
Pratt School of Engineering
Fuqua School of Business
Fuqua School of Business
Edens Quad building
Duke University West Campus
Duke University West Union Building
Duke University Hospital
Duke University Medical Center
Duke University West Campus Inside
Library
Laboratory
Bursac Lab
Keohane Residence Hall
Trinity Residence Hall
Cafeteria
Duke's Fuqua School of Business Classroom
Wallace Wade Stadium
Cameron Indoor Stadium
Virginia Tech Campus
Virginia Tech
Residence Life
Get Ready
Virginia Tech
Burruss Hall
Cowgill Hall
The Graduate Life Center
Davidson Hall
Lane Hall
Patton Hall
Biocomplexity Institute
Norris Hall houses
Bishop-Favrao Hall
Eggleston and Owens Halls
English Field
Virginia Tech's Cassell Coliseum
Lane StadiumGet a detailed campus view, add a college
Country Facts
Study in USA
Top Ranked and Reputed Universities
Diverse range of world-renowned institutions, offering cutting-edge program- Access to top-notch faculty, resources, and extensive alumni networks
Campus Culture and Safety- Vibrant multicultural environment, fostering tolerance and global exposure
- Stringent safety measures with campus police and emergency protocols
Good Quality of Life- High living standards, comprehensive healthcare, and excellent infra
- Access to diverse recreational activities and and natural attractions
Study in USA
Top Ranked and Reputed Universities- Diverse range of world-renowned institutions, offering cutting-edge program
- Access to top-notch faculty, resources, and extensive alumni networks
Campus Culture and Safety- Vibrant multicultural environment, fostering tolerance and global exposure
- Stringent safety measures with campus police and emergency protocols
Good Quality of Life- High living standards, comprehensive healthcare, and excellent infra
- Access to diverse recreational activities and and natural attractions
Get a detailed view about the country. Add a college!
Student’s views on campus
Views on Duke University campus
A
Anonymous
Master of Engineering Management - Batch of 2025
4.3
The universe is diverse and worth the money totally.
Tips: The university is great and gives you lots of great experiences. There are sometimes scholarships too. The quality of the faculty here is very good. There are no limits to the learning you can do at this university. It can be a bit daunting with the job market, but if we push through, maybe we can make this happen.
Dislikes (Indian Food): The food is a bit pricey since the restaurants are not really Indian, but if you have a part-time job, it's still affordable. Plus, there are food coupons available from the university sometimes. Overall, the cost of food is on the pricier side, but it is in reach.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 2000
Prepping time for classes46 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 80000
S
Samyak Jain
Master of Engineering Management - Batch of 2025
4.3
Campus is beautiful and well-connected to the city, and Duke buses are free of cost.
Tips: Before you commit to this university, it is important to do your research on the types of careers that are offered with a degree from this university. You also need to make sure that this university offers courses that would help you in the career path that you wish to follow. You should also ensure that the courses are flexible and that the teaching environment is well-suited to your learning style and preferences. You should also ensure that the courses would not take up too much of your time, and that you have plenty of time left over to pursue other interests and extracurricular activities. It’s also a good idea to prepare a plan of when and how to get to classes, so that you will always be on time. Duke offers buses and night transit from major off-campus housing to all academic locations, so buses are very good and sufficient. Cabs are also an option if you want to go out somewhere. The campus is beautiful and well-connected to the city, and Duke buses are free of cost. The job market is competitive, and the job search is very challenging. Salaries start around 80,000 per year, and go as high as 150,000 depending on job level.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1500
Prepping time for classes27 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 109900
A
Anonymous
Master of Engineering Management - Batch of 2025
4.3
There are a bunch of opportunities, so keep looking around until you find one that's right for you.
Tips: There are a few scholarship opportunities, so make sure you apply early. Part-time work can be secured while you are in India. Make sure to avail yourself of that option if you can. And you need to start networking as early as you can. There are lots of on-campus events where you can meet industry folks. The campus is beautiful and has a garden that’s a tourist attraction. And the fall semester has a Duke football tailgate event, which is pretty great as well. If you are looking for a college with great sports teams, great facilities, and a great student community, then consider Duke University.
Dislikes (Part time work): There are tons of options available for part-time work, most of which can be found on the Duke-specific job site, Jobx. The other option is to look for a TA position. This means you start emailing professors early on and following up.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 900
Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 97500
A
Anonymous
Master of Engineering Management - Batch of 2026
3.8
Great student life and strong academics.
Tips: Duke University offers incredible academic and professional opportunities, with readily available part-time work options and strong support systems. I received a scholarship based on academic merit and financial need which helped cover some living expenses.
Likes (Student Life): Duke has a vibrant campus life with plenty of social events, clubs, and activities that cater to a wide range of interests. There are frequent parties, cultural events, and student-led initiatives that make it easy to meet new people and stay engaged outside the classroom.
Dislikes (Public transportation): The main mode of transport available is the bus, which limits flexibility and convenience when trying to explore the city or travel beyond campus. While the campus is somewhat connected to key parts of the city through bus routes, there aren't other options available like subways or trams.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1325
Prepping time for classes24 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 80275
A
Anonymous
Master of Engineering Management - Batch of 2026
3.9
You have to find internships on your own through job portals and connections with people.
Tips: There is very little diversity in the MEM program, and you need to prepare yourself to connect with people outside of the program. Make sure to take full advantage of the different clubs at Duke and join as per your liking. Attend all the fun events on campus and try to stay on campus as much as possible.
Likes (Student Life): Duke has the best college experience because of the basketball team and a lot of international diversity on campus. There are a lot of fun events happening around campus. The campus is very beautiful and aesthetic, and you can stay on campus for the entire day.
Dislikes (Internships): The career fair at Duke is not that helpful as there are very few companies that participate, and ones who participate mostly don't sponsor. You have to find internships on your own through job portals and connections with people over LinkedIn for referrals.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 10000
Prepping time for classes23 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
Master of Engineering Management - Batch of 2026
4
Fun, sports-oriented school that gives a great environment for students.
Tips: Learn about Duke Basketball and the NBA history from Duke. Most of the college's history relies on this, and it's easier to understand and relate to it. Attend as many events and games as possible, even if they clash with your exams and classes. This is once in a lifetime experience.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1075
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 90600
A
Anonymous
Master of Engineering Management - Batch of 2026
3.8
The campus has a lively atmosphere with so many events.
Tips: There was a culture shift, it took some time for me to understand how things were going and adjust to it accordingly. The biggest challenge was getting used to the assignment, and it needs to be done to ace it further. It is a good college to be in.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 7450
Prepping time for classes50 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 101400
M
Meera Kumaar
Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering - Batch of 2025
3.8
Duke is good but there is not much help to international students with job networking events.
Tips: The Indian community at Duke is strong, so the transition to life on campus was pretty easy. I secured a merit scholarship automatically when I applied. I do a lot of my own cooking, but there are a few good Indian restaurants close to Duke that offer all kinds of amazing options for a decent price. I've even gotten two meals out of some dishes, so if you don't want to cook, you've got great alternatives. Also, there are other options not far away if you're down for a short drive. I’m happy with Duke, but I wish it provided more help to international students with job networking events or something of that nature.
Dislikes (Public transportation): Public transportation is not very reliable and not too safe. Using Duke's buses is helpful and a game-changer. Since most events and necessities happen around Duke, it is manageable without a car and just by using the university transport. Otherwise, having a car is very important.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1300
Prepping time for classes34 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 75175
A
Anonymous
Master of Engineering Management - Batch of 2025
3.6
Comfortable learning environment, diverse courses and highly qualified faculty.
Tips: Duke is a great university. You can get everything that you desire here. The sports are amazing, the facilities are great as well. They provide scholarships to a lot of individuals who apply. It is directly connected to your applications, and no need to apply separately.
Likes (Indian Food): The food here is super diverse, and there are many Indian options for students. There are a number of different Indian places in Cary and Raleigh, but there are also restaurants that serve Indian cuisine at the campus food court. Most of the food I've tried there has been pretty delicious, and they have a whole separate market that has authentic Indian food for sale as well.
Dislikes (Safety): The apartments are gated, but not all of them. Some are very unsafe and have no security. There have been shootings across various off-campus housing. The public transport is a little risky, and a lot of homeless people and addicts live close to the West campus.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1850
Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
Master of Engineering Management - Batch of 2025
3.6
The tuition is quite high but the experience is worth it.
Tips: Take courses outside of your programme as they add a lot more value than you expect them to. The tuition is quite high, but I think it is worth it. The faculty and the courses make up for it all.
Likes (Student Life): There's always an event happening at one place or another, they try to make students' lives as enriching as possible. The college provides amazing resources to all students. There's also events to de-stress and relax for when you are worried about internship search etc.
Dislikes (Safety): The public transport here is not very safe. There's also often shooting and muggings happening around Durham. The campus itself is very safe, but outside, you always have to be on high alert. Many students have reported hearing gunshots late into the night, and some have seen people pull out a gun while they were walking.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1400
Prepping time for classes29 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 112550
A
Anonymous
M.S in Biomedical Engineering - Batch of 2026
4.3
College life is great. We have sports, events and many on-campus extracurricular activities.
Tips: The university itself has an Indian place, so you definitely won't be going hungry. There is truly a lot to enjoy at Duke. The sports are amazing, the facilities are great as well. The faculty is highly knowledgeable and helpful.
Likes (Indian Food): There is an abundance of food that caters to multiple tastes from all over the world. You can find many options for South Asian and North Asian cuisine, and there’s even some Mexican and Southern food, too.
Dislikes (Public transportation): The public transportation here is not very reliable. There are only a few buses that come infrequently, and there are no buses at all on weekends. The buses are irregular and randomly decide not to show up. There are no trains or subways, so the only option is buses, which is bad.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1925
Prepping time for classes12 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 87525
A
Anonymous
Master of Engineering Management - Batch of 2026
4.1
A transformative journey with good opportunities.
Tips: While the academic environment is intellectually stimulating and paced with opportunities, it also demands a high level of independence, especially with internships, living in an apartment, etc. I received a scholarship, and the scholarship amount and who gets it will be decided by the admissions committee. You don't have to do anything additional. I am highly satisfied with the course, the country and the university. The exposure, diverse community and academic community will help you grow both personally and academically.
Likes (Student Life): Duke offers an incredible, vibrant and well-rounded experience beyond academics. A typical day for me involves attending classes, working part-time, going to the gym and spending time with friends. The campus is always buzzing with activity, from social mixers to game nights. There is something happening on campus almost every day. The range of student clubs is impressive, whether you are into consulting or dance, you have a student club for everything.
Dislikes (Internships): Duke Career Services is amazing and does a lot of great work behind the scenes, like organising career fairs and resume support. However, no explicit support is provided, like companies coming to campus to hire us, which makes it difficult to find an internship, as the burden falls on you.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1575
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 100025
P
Purva Malhotra
Master of Arts in History - Batch of 2023
4
The faculty is understanding, friendly will guide you to achieve your career goals.
Tips: My favourite part of college has been the professors and how involved and encouraging they are. They have made this college a supportive and inclusive environment. Aside from this, the campus amenities such as housing, food and transport are much better than you'd expect. The public transportation is very flexible, accessible and affordable to travel and explore the city.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 4675
Prepping time for classes28 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 75950
J
Jatinveer
Master of Biostatistics - Batch of 2024
3.7
Good energy and a promising campus.
Tips: Students should know that Duke has a very holistic and all-rounder approach to education. You will have to be focused on your academic commitments as the environment is pretty competitive and classes are rigorous. But you will also get to be a part of many cultural activities and exchange programs to broaden your horizons.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 4675
Prepping time for classes29 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 84450
A
Anonymous
Master of Management in Foundations Of Business - Batch of 2024
4
Good experience overall, more beneficial for students with a non-business background
Tips: Great environment for international folks. Everyone here embrace diversity and inclusion. It was not an easy transition to move from a happening city to a calmer place like Durham but the events at Duke made up for the lack of places to explore around. The course is more useful if you come from a non-business background. Placements have not been great due to the job market.
Likes (Part time work): Lots of opportunities to do on-campus work. The community is welcoming to hire international students and no problems have been faced regarding it so far. Manageable workload depending on your role. TA roles are also available for students on the colleges' own job portals.
Dislikes (Safety): The city in which the college is situated has a high crime rate but students and gate communities are well protected with security & constant patrolling. The campus is extremely safe at any time. No good or bad experiences so far on or off campus, but always stay alert.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1300
Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
Master of Engineering Management - Batch of 2023
4.4
The Duke name helps in getting opportunities.
Tips: Not a major cultural shift, since this course attracts a lot of Indians. You should be actively participating in activities around you or you will miss out. I did not receive any scholarships. The university was very satisfactory, it offers guidance, security, and a platform to make the best of your career. As for the programme, it's as good as you make of it. It is designed to give you an introduction to most things, not a deep drive, it opens new horizons of thinking and changes your perspectives on decision-making and your approach, but there is a lot of self-effort required.
Likes (Student Life): Attending lectures, participating in the various activities going in the campus, from information sessions to painting sessions. I attended about 3 events each week. All kinds of clubs are present, from data, and sustainable energy, to mediation and music clubs.
Dislikes (Internships): The Career Center does provide guidance but it is limited and the students are expected to do most of the work. The availability of internships changes every year, during my first year, we had to scour a lot, during my second year I saw the incoming batch getting lots of calls by October itself. Overall, the location is good for the search, the Duke name helps, but it's mostly dependent on the market situation during that time.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1100
Prepping time for classes17 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
Master of Environmental Management/Master of Engineering Management - Batch of 2023
4.4
Duke- A fun and memorable experience
Tips: Students coming here should research more about the course and be open to change. I would advise on networking with peers and alumni for advice and support. Explore the campus for fun activities and make use of the resources available. Overall, I would ask students to focus on their job search and proactively look for opportunities.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 700
Prepping time for classes11 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 91375
A
Anonymous
Master of Engineering Management - Batch of 2023
3
Great opportunity, but be clear and aware.
Tips: Make sure you have a clear goal in mind what you want to achieve after graduation. Keep aside a certain amount for living expenses, as finding an on-campus job is tricky. Most master's programs do not have diversity, so do not be shocked if you do not see it here.
Likes (Indian Food): One can get a good Indian meal in the $10-$20 range. There are good restaurants, and Indian groceries are pretty accessible. Check out Lime & Lemon, Indian Monsoon, and Anjappar in Carry as a few good options. Eating out in the US regularly can burn a hole in your pockets, so make sure you know or learn how to cook.
Dislikes (Public transportation): The US is heavy on the individualistic culture; hence, there is a lack of decent public transportation. The bus arrives in an hour, so you must plan your visits accordingly. Make sure you stay within the vicinity of the campus to make things easy for you. Public transportation is free for the residents of Durham.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1100
Prepping time for classes26 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 110000
A
Anonymous
Master of Engineering Management - Batch of 2024
3.7
The alumni network is resourceful.
Tips: Great quality of academics and a very competitive environment. Friendly professors and a wide variety of streams to choose from. Flexibility in the course structure and great help from peers. Extensive alumni network. Can be better at helping in the job search.
Likes (Quality of faculty): Extraordinary faculty members with lots of real-world and teaching experience. Great curriculum design with practical training. Flexible and adaptive according to students' requirements. Feedback-based curriculum updates and lots of industry networking will be helpful for job search.
Dislikes (Safety): Multiple incidents near my residential area which is located 10 minutes away from the campus. Very unsafe at night especially with no public transport available after 9. No nearby restaurants and sparsely populated which increases the number of people getting out during the night for dinner and getting robbed.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1000
Prepping time for classes50 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
S
Sanchit Patra
Master of Engineering Management - Batch of 2023
4.2
Best faculty, course and campus blend you will ever see.
Tips: Coming to the US for the first time will be a big culture shift. It does take time to adjust to the people living here but one will soon adjust. The classes and assignments do take up a lot of time. The best part of Duke is the flexibility of choosing courses and catering to one's own needs. Scholarships are rarely available. The course is value for money because of the faculty members and the network you develop here.
Likes (Student Life): Best part about the campus is the architecture. Built in a gothic style it shows a blend of modern and old architecture. Students have classes mostly in West Campus which is new and has a lot of eateries and work stations. Campus is always with multiple events going around all day throughout the campus.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): Being closer to Raleigh and Carry helps Durham's case here. Durham is a small town with limited resources for long term settlement but a great place to stay short-term. Durham is located in the Triangle area which is growing really fast offices of big tech firms popping up. Meta, Google etc. have their office space being built. You will find companies like Toshiba and Lenovo have their main branches in RTC area.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1300
Prepping time for classes22 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
Views on Virginia Tech campus
A
Akhil Anand
MS in Environmental Engineering - Batch of 2023
Offered by Virginia Tech
4.1
The university helps you to grow and be independent.
Tips: I did experience a cultural shift in a good way. The people here are more open and friendly and there is a lot of mutual respect one holds for others including strangers. On the same token, the environment is a lot more competitive and lonelier so that can be tricky to navigate.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 4250
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 82900
A
Aahana Sharma
MS in Chemical Engineering - Batch of 2024
Offered by Virginia Tech
3.8
It was a fulfilling and enlightening experience.
Tips: Students should enjoy their time here and try to avoid getting too stressed as the academic pressure can be intense and it is recommended that you keep a healthy work-life balance. Talk to your professors and keep up your classroom engagement as these points can matter. The faculty is very helpful and understanding and will provide you with every insight required to succeed in your career.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 4250
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 92925
A
Anonymous
MS in Statistics - Batch of 2025
Offered by Virginia Tech
4.2
It is one of a kind experience worth reminiscing about.
Tips: Students should take advantage of their time here by collaborating on projects, going to the career fair and engaging with their peer group as the Virginia Tech experience is also essential to build yourself for the workforce. It would be wise to come with a scholarship that too for one of the programs that is ranked highly among the university.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 4200
Prepping time for classes29 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
B.Sc in Business Information Technology - Batch of 2027
Offered by Virginia Tech
4.2
It has been above my expectations and you get to expect great student life at VT.
Tips: I initially used to think that Virginia Teach would be a very academic environment with less time for anything else but here you are encouraged to explore your interests outside of the classroom be it sports, volunteer ship or a hobby, you can really make the best out of everything that campus has to offer while getting a good quality education.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 5150
Prepping time for classes29 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 87525
I
Ishanvi
Bachelor of Science in Business - Finance - Batch of 2027
Offered by Virginia Tech
4.2
A great ideal mix of academic and extra curricular activities.
Tips: I have been having a pretty good time so far at Virginia Tech as the campus is a truly lively and inclusive place. Try to stand out in classes as that will benefit you in the long run especially as you can take advantage of the numerous research opportunities present. The faculty is great and understanding so don't hesitate to ask any questions.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 4900
Prepping time for classes29 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 77500
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Civil Engineering - Batch of 2024
Offered by Virginia Tech
3.8
Internships are easily available. Civil department is good.
Tips: I have become a lot more independent. A cultural shock I experienced was the small talk and greetings with strangers, which is not practised in India. I had a scholarship. I got it as I was a research assistant and a teaching assistant for 2 semesters. I am highly satisfied with the course however it gets stressful at times.
Likes (Internships): There are a lot of good opportunities for Civil Engineering. Since Virginia Tech is highly reputed in the civil department, it is not very difficult to find an internship. The internships available are very much relevant to the field of study. There are a lot of options available.
Dislikes (Indian Food): There is just one Indian restaurant in Blacksburg, which is not that great and is overpriced. There are a lot of other options like Mexican, Chinese, American, Korean, Thai etc. However no good Indian restaurants. The nearest good one is 40 minutes car ride away.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 900
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 75350
Adithya Harish
Master of Science in Computer Science and Applications - Batch of 2025
Offered by Virginia Tech
3.5
A review on MS CS at Virginia Tech
Tips: The MS thesis programme has good funding options than the MEng one. Be interview-ready before you join college. The college and academic curriculum will satisfy you. If you get a TA/RA, apart from a tuition waiver you will be paid 2000$ a month. Contact professors once you get admitted.
Likes (Part time work): The college has good academic finding options like TA/RA. Also, there are plenty of dining jobs. TA/RA comes with a tuition waiver while dining jobs pay 17$ per hour which can cover your living expenses. Time management can be pretty tight as you need to spend 2-3 hrs a day.
Dislikes (Indian Food): The town is in Blacksburg. It's a pretty small town and there are no Indian restaurants. The nearest big city is Washington DC. So in the college town, there aren't any authentic Indian restaurants. But it has good American food. I prefer cooking myself.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 800
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 94475
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Computer Science and Applications - Batch of 2023
Offered by Virginia Tech
3.9
Great course, nice little university town
Tips: It would be good to apply to graduate assistantships before hand, there are many opportunities but one needs to apply before the start of the semester. The university and courses is nice, but courses can get full at times to book sooner. Most courses are not so hectic and can be easily managed. Do spend time finding and communicating with an advisory for your MS thesis before you come here. Living expenses are not so much and there are many cheaper options too but students should start finding housing sooner in March or April for Fall. Focus on finding internships from the very start otherwise, it can be tough to get one.
Likes (Student Life): The university is nice, it is a university town. There are regular events held and activities are available for hiking or laser tag. Regular events happen and are updated online or via weekly emails. There are numerous student clubs as well and they also hold their own activities throughout the semester. There are places to sit on the campus and have a sunny daybreak or just study on the hill. Study spaces on the campus are also nice and peaceful. The downtown is walkable and one can get quick coffee or lunch.
Dislikes (Internships): Usually internships are sought for off-campus and most opportunities on campus are for citizens but students do get a place via campus as well but that's much less in number. In the USA beyond a certain ranking, all universities are on par when finding internships and one has to ensure their profile is strong enough.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1250
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
MS in Mechanical Engineering - Batch of 2024
Offered by Virginia Tech
4.2
VT is a good place to be, find your friends circle. Attend events, and don't be shy.
Tips: VT is a very good Engineering college. All engineering programs are good. Decent chance for getting funding, through TAships and RAships ( higher if you are doing a thesis, significantly low chance for non-thesis programs). TA and RA cover tuition fees, provide a stipend of around 2500$ per month, and health insurance. Getting a TA is kind of based on your profile, TOEFL score etc., so there is not much you can do ( like mailing someone) to get a TA. If you see any mail asking for TAs, just apply and wait. To get an RA you should try to mail pros and try to show your interest in joining their groups for doing your thesis, and there is a possibility that they'll reply back. Sometimes your proof can talk to the depth and can get you TA funding as well. Sometimes a grading wage position can help you get a TA in a later semester. Pretty easy to find wage positions on campus, dining plays around 16-18$/hr, grading around 11-12$/hr etc. VT's research is pretty good, I would ask people to choose colleges wisely, and not just over brand value. It feels nice when you get admitted from say a very huge brand college say U. Mich Ann Arbor, but you will have to take an insane amount of loan, for doing the same course work and research as VT. The brand value might have a slight difference in job search, but with some extra work, it is quite possible to land jobs all over the country for both VT and U. Mich. As far as internships, job search, starts early. VT has career counselling for free, use it. Careers fairs have not helped me personally, but it might, you never know, so attend them. It's a good experience. LinkedIn Glassdoor etc. Helps. A lot of VT alumni can be found in companies if you want a referral etc.
Likes (Public transportation): There are free buses all the time ( that is needed). You can go to any part of the city, with insanely good frequency ( during semester days). You can also travel to nearby places for free, and to go to Washington DC pay 40$ which is also not bad. So transportation is pretty good. Nice biking trails as well.
Dislikes (Indian Food): There are a couple Indian based restaurants, and they are not that good, given the price. Indian grocery is also relatively expensive, yet it is essential to make good food. You can find Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean food. A couple of good Nepali places as well. There are always subs, sandwiches, pizzas and burgers. Nice diners, and bars as well.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 700
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
MS in Mechanical Engineering - Batch of 2023
Offered by Virginia Tech
3.8
College lacks post graduation resources and courses. Research are interesting.
Tips: I think ME is a developing department still and lacks some options in Robotics specialisation. On the other hand, bio-hybrid and Material Science has developed a lot and the faculty has some exciting research with a lot of exposure. Good resources for interdisciplinary studies.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 825
Prepping time for classes13 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
S
Sanjana Bharadwaj
MS in Computer Engineering - Batch of 2024
Offered by Virginia Tech
4.2
Virginia Tech is wonderful inside out.
Tips: Blacksburg is not your regular city, it is a college town, so I would not expect a lot in terms of city vibe and events. All the people are super helpful, right from the graduate school to the international centre, all advisors are considerate. I managed to get a teaching assistantship at the ECE department which helped cover my monthly expenses. Overall, VT is a great place, a beautiful campus, good professors and research-oriented.
Likes (Public transportation): Blacksburg Transmit (the official public transportation) is very convenient for students. We have buses running every 15 minutes (during regular college) and at 30-minute intervals (during break) and it connects to every part of the city. And to top it all off, it's completely free.
Dislikes (Indian Food): There aren't many Indian restaurants in Blacksburg. We'd have to travel to the closest city, Roanoke (1 hour by bus) to get decent Indian restaurants. The ones in town are not that good. A Nepali place opened up just recently, which does have some decent Indian food options. However, on a regular basis, I usually prefer to cook at home.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1700
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
MS in Electrical Engineering - Batch of 2023
Offered by Virginia Tech
3.4
A great academic and research University filled with opportunities
Tips: I experienced a cultural shift from India because here the accessibility of purchasing items is less. For example, buying stationery, clothes etc. has limited options. Mainly because Blackburg town is in a remote area. We only have a few groceries here. I got a teaching assistantship during my course. I got it with my admission offer. I think one of the reasons for getting it was that previously, I had taught students of 9th and 10th grade at an NGO. Also, if you have good grades and academic knowledge, your chances of getting these scholarships are high. I also got a research assistantship for one semester by working under a Professor. The course is high-ranked, the university is well-equipped for research and the education is worthy. There is a fast-paced environment here and every course that we take involves many practical deliverables.
Likes (Value for money): The ranking of Virginia Teach is good for Industrial and Systems Engineering and especially for Human Factors concentration. The faculty and research laboratories are equipped with instruments to carry out research. So, overall, it can provide a good return on investment. Hence, I gave it a good rating.
Dislikes (Indian Food): There are two restaurants nearby which offer Indian food. First one is India Garden which provides Indian curries at the price of around $16-17. The curry comes with a price. However, the other options like Naan, roti are expensive. Also, the taste of the food is not that great but potion size was good. The second restaurant, Humro Kitchen offers some options like Momos and many Indian Curries. There also each item is priced between $15-20. However, the potion size is small and the taste is also not good. I prefer to cook at home myself. Also, I take frozen Chapatis from Oasis Asian Market.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1100
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 75000
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Sudhanva Gokhale
MS in Electrical Engineering - Batch of 2024
Offered by Virginia Tech
4.8
Virginia Tech - The best college for international students
Tips: On campus jobs are always available. Multiple internships and co-ops are allowed (with no courses-conditions involved). The weather is pleasant. Public transportation is the best. Low rent rates and great availability of apartments. Safe university town. Top 4 for Power Electronics (Electrical Engineering). Best University for international students, hands down.
Likes (Permanent Immigration): I believe if you have a Ph.D. in STEM courses it is easier for you to get citizenship (given that you have your other requirements fulfilled). It is a research-oriented school so easier to get Ph.D.s.
Dislikes (Indian Food): Indian restaurants in the city are not that good. They do not offer authentic Indian food, but Indian students should stay away from outside food anyway. There is a grocery store called 'Oasis' which has a lot of eastern Asian grocery options but moderate variety when it comes to Indian groceries.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 700
Prepping time for classes50 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 84600
Korada Divya Tarana
MS in Electrical Engineering - Batch of 2024
Offered by Virginia Tech
4.7
Academically Excellent, Beautiful Campus, Welcoming and Supportive
Tips: VT campus in Blacksburg is academically oriented with excellent curriculum. Students aiming to study and focus on their master's degree might find this place perfectly suitable. I can’t think of any disadvantages of the campus unless you want a city life. Also, it would be great if students can apply before deadlines and acquire some assistantship since there are ample opportunities.
Likes (Student Life): Blacksburg is absolutely beautiful, on top of that the campus is gorgeous surrounded with college buildings, it’s a scenic park everywhere. Students can always choose flexible courses and manage studies with part time and outings on weekends if they are good at time management.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): Virginia Tech has one of the biggest career fair events in the country. I find it convenient for students to find a company that can sponsor visa since there are many options available. Of course it’s always the student's choice if they are willing to find companies without sponsorship.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 798
Prepping time for classes14 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 118378
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