Virginia Tech ranks among the nation’s best universities, according to U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges 2017.”

The annual rankings evaluate schools’ overall academic performance, as well as how they fare when it comes to specific programs of study and academic offerings.

Overall, Virginia Tech ranks No. 27 among public institutions and No. 74 among all national universities, tying with American University, Clark University, Texas A&M University, and University of Massachusetts – Amherst.

The university was also recognized on the list of schools with “Academic Programs to Look For,” noted for “Internships/Co-Ops.” Virginia Tech was also dubbed as one of the newsmagazine’s “A+ Schools for B Students,” meaning spirit and hard work are prized among applicants as a way to attract a broad and engaged student body.

 “We offer an excellent education for all students, including those who are first in their family to attend college and those whose academic achievement may mature in college,” said Thanassis Rikakis, executive vice president and provost. “The way we do that is to provide an education that is both deep and broad, includes opportunities to learn by doing, and is infused with a spirit of service. Our new Pathways program will assure that students have a vibrant, flexible general education experience and integrate their learning over their entire lifetime.”

Virginia Tech’s commitment to learning by doing is reflected in being named to a list of schools that require or encourage students to apply what they are learning in the classroom to work in the real world.  

All students are encouraged to seek career-related real world experience whether through internships, cooperative education programs, undergraduate research, or field studies. Career and Professional Development has advisors to guide students through the process.

In addition to its overall rankings, two of Virginia Tech’s colleges were recognized as standouts in their fields.

The College of Engineering ranks No. 16 among undergraduate engineering schools where the highest degree is a doctorate. The college was also highlighted as having one of the best industrial/manufacturing programs. The Pamplin College of Business ranked No. 43 in a listing of top undergraduate business programs.

The individual college rankings released by U.S. News & World Report are based on peer assessment surveys of deans and senior faculty at accredited business and engineering schools. Overall university rankings, which have been published annually since 1983, are compiled based on a number of criteria, including peer assessment, retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, graduation rates, and alumni giving.

For more details on the rankings, including how Virginia Tech ranked in other areas, visit U.S. News & World Report's website.

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Written by Annie McCallum

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