Fall census shows growing enrollment, retention rate
Virginia Tech’s undergraduate student enrollment number is on target with university officials’ goals, student retention remains strong, and the first-year student class entered with the highest GPA ever for an incoming group at Virginia Tech, according to the recently completed fall enrollment census.
“The numbers from our census reveal a university that is strong and has become a destination for students from all over the world,” said Juan Espinoza, vice provost for enrollment management. “Our focus on access and affordability, along with a commitment to solving global challenges, is really resonating with students.”
The census revealed Virginia Tech’s total student population to be 38,857. The student population includes:
- 31,035 undergraduates — 20,271 in-state students and 10,764 out-of-state students
- 7,129 graduate students
- 494 Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine students
- 199 Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine students
- 2,698 international students
The 2024 first-year class of 7,289 students came from a record 52,498 applicants. The university extended offers to 28,758 first-year applicants.
The first-year students came from 66 countries and entered Virginia Tech with an average GPA of 4.11, which represents the highest ever for an incoming group at the university. The average GPA for last year’s group was 4.09.
Retention rates remain a point of emphasis for university officials, and the census displayed positive outcomes as well, with the university’s first-year retention rate coming in at 93.1 percent overall. Last year’s first-year retention rate was 91.9 percent.
Of Virginia Tech’s 31,035 undergraduates, 32.66 percent are underrepresented minorities or underserved students. Among the 2024 incoming class of first-year and transfer students, there are 2,546 underrepresented minorities or underserved students.
