Virginia Tech Vs University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Compare Fees, Placement, Reviews

Compare Virginia Tech Vs University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze Virginia Tech Vs University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.

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Virginia Polytechnic Institute V/s U of I
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About College Accordion Icon V3

Established Year

1872

Size of Campus

2600 Acres

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Accepted Exams

TOEFL+2 More

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Established Year

1867

Size of Campus

6370 Acres

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TOEFL+2 More

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Virginia Polytechnic Institute V/s U of I
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#358

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#70

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Virginia Polytechnic Institute V/s U of I
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Burruss Hall

Cowgill Hall

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Davidson Hall

Lane Hall

Patton Hall

Biocomplexity Institute

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Bishop-Favrao Hall

Eggleston and Owens Halls

English Field

Virginia Tech's Cassell Coliseum

Lane Stadium

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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

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Vibrant multicultural environment, fostering tolerance and global exposure
Stringent safety measures with campus police and emergency protocols

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High living standards, comprehensive healthcare, and excellent infra
Access to diverse recreational activities and and natural attractions

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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

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Student’s views on campus

Views on Virginia Polytechnic Institute campus

Akhil Anand Verified Icon

MS in Environmental Engineering - Batch of 2023

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.

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2024Read more

Aahana Sharma Verified Icon

MS in Chemical Engineering - Batch of 2024

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.

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2024Read more

Anonymous

MS in Statistics - Batch of 2025

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.

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2024Read more

Anonymous

B.Sc in Business Information Technology - Batch of 2027

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.

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2024Read more

Ishanvi

Bachelor of Science in Business - Finance - Batch of 2027

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.

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2024Read more

Anonymous

Master of Science in Civil Engineering - Batch of 2024

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.

Reviewed on 8 Feb 2024Read more

Adithya Harish Verified Icon

Master of Science in Computer Science and Applications - Batch of 2025

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.

Reviewed on 23 Jan 2024Read more

Anonymous

Master of Science in Computer Science and Applications - Batch of 2023

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.

Reviewed on 23 Jan 2024Read more

Anonymous

MS in Mechanical Engineering - Batch of 2024

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.

Reviewed on 14 Jan 2024Read more

Anonymous

MS in Mechanical Engineering - Batch of 2023

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.

Reviewed on 9 Jan 2024Read more

Sanjana Bharadwaj Verified Icon

MS in Computer Engineering - Batch of 2024

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.

Reviewed on 9 Jan 2024Read more

Anonymous

MS in Electrical Engineering - Batch of 2023

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.

Reviewed on 9 Jan 2024Read more

Sudhanva Gokhale Verified Icon

MS in Electrical Engineering - Batch of 2024

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.

Reviewed on 8 Jan 2024Read more

Korada Divya Tarana Verified Icon

MS in Electrical Engineering - Batch of 2024

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.

Reviewed on 6 Dec 2022Read more

Views on U of I campus

Anonymous

Master of Education in Educational Administration and Leadership - Batch of 2026

Offered by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

4.3

A big university in a small town with modern facilities.

Tips: The university is truly awesome, you don't have to worry about that. If you are looking for a calm but fun town to spend your 5 years of the Ph.D, then you are looking at the right place. It's very fresh in here. If you are expecting US city life, then you probably need to go to Chicago, which is around 3 hours away from here. There are many on-campus jobs available and even plenty of off-campus jobs as well. If you are a graduate student, it's even better because you can work with professors on their research projects. The hourly pay is also not bad as the expenses in this town are very low. Overall, I am very satisfied with the environment, people, university culture, eating out options, etc.

Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): In general, there are fewer immigration options in the US. Provided the current scenario, the opportunities are getting even fewer. If I get a chance to permanently immigrate to the US, I would definitely not think twice about it. But the chances are better if you are from a STEM field or Academia.

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2025Read more

Keval Morabia Verified Icon

Professional Master of Computer Science (MCS) - Batch of 2020

Offered by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

4.5

One of the best CS grad schools where I was able to make net positive money during my Masters!

Tips: Do not let cold weather be a reason for not joining UIUC, you get used to it. Apart from the thesis, there is no difference between MS and MS programme and both are considered the same for job applications but the thesis programme helps you improve your profile by getting to work with a professor on a research project. Computer Science programme has decent TA/RA opportunities and if you get one, you get 100% fee waiver and $2500 monthly stipend which is well above the monthly expenses. Post covid, intake to the professional MS programme has significantly increased from ~60 to ~300 resulting in a lot more competition to get a TA/RA.

Likes (Quality of faculty): UIUC has some of the best faculty in Computer Science, many times professors teach content that has been published in books by themselves. UIUC has many diverse professors, a very wide choice of course selection and a lot of flexibility in choosing courses.

Dislikes (Indian Food): Since Urban-Champaign is a college town, there are not that many Indian restaurants and for people who eat Jain food, there are hardly any food options outside. But there are many events in the department buildings where you can occasionally get free Pizzas.

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2024Read more

Akash Singh Verified Icon

Master of Science in Systems and Entrepreneurial Engineering - Batch of 2022

Offered by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Best campustown in USA which gives you most bang for your buck compared to anywhere in states

Tips: Very accommodating culture. It will be the best experience of your life. Teachers are very knowledgeable. MS programme can be tailored to your liking where you can take courses from any department without much restrictions. This happened to be the best experience of my life.

Likes (Safety): Campustown is organized in a manner where all the students converge to Green Street where we have everything needed creating an awesome environment to meet new people and have fun. Cricket lovers can join Cricket Club of Illinois for a rewarding cricket experience and tons of tournaments in summer.

Dislikes (Public transportation): Faculty is very approachable and compassionate. After first semester most Masters student can find a RA or TA position. Try to meet with the faculty and show what drives you to do research and teaching and you will get a way around. The faculty is well-educated and mostly from universities ranked above UIUC.

Reviewed on 28 Feb 2024Read more

Anonymous

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering - Batch of 2024

Offered by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

4.1

Most people and faculty are friendly.

Tips: Champaign is the best town to live in for those coming to the US for the first time. Pros such as low rent, a friendly campus, etc. can be of help. I availed a Research Assistantship which resulted in a tuition fee waiver. Very satisfied with my courses and the University.

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2024Read more

Anonymous

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering - Batch of 2023

Offered by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

3.9

My Review on doing a Masters in UIUC

Tips: Since the university is in Illinois, the weather during the winters is brutal, which most Indians will find difficult to adapt to. Hence I advise you to buy proper winter clothes when winter approaches. The grocery stores on or near campus are also expensive, so you need to learn how to buy food in bulk without wasting anything. UIUC has a large diaspora of not only Indians but other nationalities as well, so socializing is necessary but not tedious. Despite this, feelings of loneliness can set in since everyone will be busy studying for their courses, which one should be prepared for.

Likes (Public transportation): The campus has a functional transportation service which is free for students of UIUC, with plenty of buses there to reach most parts of Champaign-Urban. Despite buses taking more time to reach the destination you wish to go to, the part that is already included in your tuition fees is convenient since one pays $60 as public transportation fees.

Dislikes (Value for money): Since I did my Masters in Aerospace Engineering, finding internships for myself was tedious due to ITAR. And unlike Indian institutes, we have to find internships by ourselves because most companies that come to the career fair look for US citizens only, though I would advise going to the career fair anyway to network.

Reviewed on 25 Jan 2024Read more

Ayush Sharma Verified Icon

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2026

Offered by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

4.3

You will be required to work hard.

Tips: UIUC is a work hard-play hard type of university. If you're into that, then definitely do apply! Also keep in mind that UIUC does not give out many scholarships to international students. The research opportunities are great here, along with more than 1000+ clubs and organizations.

Likes (Public transportation): The bus transportation system is one of the best in the country. The bus system is free for all students, and the bus network extends beyond the campus, to the surrounding Champaign-Urbana area. There are a number of buses, which means there's never a shortage or long waiting time on them. Buses are also more so generally they are quite on time.

Dislikes (Indian Food): There aren't many authentic versions of Indian dishes in the dining halls. Although, you could get Indian food in restaurants outside the campus. Some days, in particular dining halls such as ISR, Indian food is provided in the form of samosas or paneer, however I wouldn't rely on the authenticity.

Reviewed on 7 Jan 2023Read more

Rishabh Asthana Verified Icon

Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2017

Offered by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

4.2

Life changing and worthwhile experience.

Tips: Before you join this university, it is important to prepare beforehand regarding the course curriculum and academic requirements. If possible, get a tour of the campus before you permanently move in and join whatever informative sessions are held. Part- time opportunities are not so great.

Reviewed on 31 May 2024Read more

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