Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA

Total Enrollment

38,294

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

293

293 programs

Full-Time Students

29,626

878 part-time

Total FTE

37,846

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

17:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

602

Certificate Graduates

Short-term specialized training

11215

Total Recent Graduates

With 38,294 students, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 293 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 29,626 (97.1%)

97.1%

Part-Time Students 878 (2.9%)

Total Students 30,504

Predominantly full-time students (97.1%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time

Part-Time

A majority of students (77.4%) attend full-time, with a significant part-time population balancing work and studies.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Women

43.3%

16,575 students

Men

56.7%

21,719 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group

White

55.3%

21,171 students

White

55.3% (21,171)

Asian

11.4% (4,372)

International Students

10.5% (4,011)

Hispanic/Latino

9.4% (3,589)

Black/African American

5.8% (2,231)

Two or More Races

4.9% (1,892)

American Indian/Alaska Native

0.1% (36)

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0.1% (30)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 38,294 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 55% of the student body (21,171 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

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How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

30,504 students

57% Men, 43% Women

29,626 Full-time 878 Part-time

Diversity Index: 63% • Minority Students: 29%

Graduate students

7,790 students

55% Men, 45% Women

5,807 Full-time 1,983 Part-time

Diversity Index: 68% • Minority Students: 17%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

35,433

All full-time students

20,017 men, 15,416 women

Diversity: 66%

FT Undergraduate

29,626

Full-time undergraduate

16,827 men, 12,799 women

Diversity: 63%

FT Degree-Seeking

29,582

Full-time degree/certificate-seeking

16,807 men, 12,775 women

Diversity: 63%

FT First-Time

7,180

Full-time first-time students

3,940 men, 3,240 women

Diversity: 64%

FT Continuing

22,402

Full-time continuing students

12,867 men, 9,535 women

Diversity: 62%

FT Transfer

1,076

Full-time transfer students

709 men, 367 women

Diversity: 64%

FT Continuing

21,326

Full-time other continuing

12,158 men, 9,168 women

Diversity: 62%

FT Non-Degree

Full-time non-degree seeking

20 men, 24 women

Diversity: 34%

FT Graduate

5,807

Full-time graduate students

3,190 men, 2,617 women

Diversity: 66%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

2,861

All part-time students

1,702 men, 1,159 women

Diversity: 63%

PT Undergraduate

878

Part-time undergraduate

604 men, 274 women

Diversity: 64%

PT Degree-Seeking

853

Part-time degree/certificate-seeking

592 men, 261 women

Diversity: 63%

PT First-Time

Part-time first-time students

9 men, 7 women

Diversity: 72%

PT Continuing

837

Part-time continuing students

583 men, 254 women

Diversity: 63%

PT Transfer

Part-time transfer students

16 men, 10 women

Diversity: 62%

PT Continuing

811

Part-time other continuing

567 men, 244 women

Diversity: 63%

PT Non-Degree

Part-time non-degree seeking

12 men, 13 women

Diversity: 68%

PT Graduate

1,983

Part-time graduate students

1,098 men, 885 women

Diversity: 62%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

17,717

White

1,876

Black/African American

3,138

Hispanic/Latino

3,889

Asian

1,378

International

Diversity Index: 63% Minority Students: 29%

Graduate students

3,454

White

355

Black/African American

451

Hispanic/Latino

483

Asian

2,633

International

Diversity Index: 68% Minority Students: 17%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

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Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Explore More About Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

College Overview

General information

Programs & Degrees

Available study options

Admissions

Requirements & process

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large institution with 38,294 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.

• Study Patterns: Primarily full-time students (77.4%) in a traditional academic setting.

• Academic Intensity: 37,846 FTE students indicates predominantly full-time academic commitment.

• Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 63% taking some online courses.

• Academic Environment: Good student-faculty ratio (17:1) allows for meaningful instructor interaction.

• Student Diversity: Moderately diverse student community fostering inclusive learning environment.

• Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.

• Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

5402316994

Address

210 Burruss Hall, 800 Drillfield Dr.

Blacksburg, VA 24061-0131

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

• Working adults seeking career changes
• Recent high school graduates
• Military veterans using education benefits
• Students upgrading skills in their field
• Individuals seeking fast-track credentials