Virginia Tech ranked sixth among all U.S. public schools and first among all Virginia schools in the 2025 Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranking of the U.S. Colleges released Thursday.

Overall, Virginia Tech landed at No. 19 among all 500 universities included in the ranking that focuses on two key metrics: how much a school improves students’ chances of graduating and their future earnings and the overall student experience, according to the Wall Street Journal.

“Virginia Tech’s focus on engaged and diverse learning experiences that provide our graduates with a competitive advantage in their fields is reflected in this ranking among the nation’s top public universities,” said Executive Vice President and Provost Cyril Clarke. “The opportunity for our graduates to be highly recruited and compensated by top companies around the world is clearly enhanced by the value of their Virginia Tech degree.”

Real-world experiences – such as internships, study abroad, and undergraduate research opportunities – are a hallmark of a Virginia Tech education across all its colleges, readying students for their careers and building the critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills they’ll need. Opportunities to connect and learn from a vast network of Hokie alumni around the globe support both students and graduates along the way.

Key support now comes from Virginia Tech Advantage, the university’s commitment to remove barriers for students’ success and ensure that they have access to those real-world experiences.

“This recognition is a testament to the lifelong value of a Virginia Tech education,” said Senior Vice President for Advancement Charlie Phlegar. “By equipping students with the tools to succeed both academically and professionally, we are not only enhancing their career potential but also fostering a vibrant alumni community that remains deeply connected to and supportive of the university.”

Virginia Tech is among 25 new schools listed among the top 50 this year after the Wall Street Journal and its research partners College Pulse and Statista fine-tuned its calculations related to future financial success, according to the Wall Street Journal.

More information about Virginia Tech’s rankings can be found online.