Established in 1872, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium-sized town of Blacksburg (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Virginia. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) is a very large (uniRank enrollment range: 30,000-34,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 147 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 70-80% making this US higher education organization a somewhat selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.