Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is a public university institution in Blacksburg, established in 1872. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) is a public land-grant research university founded in 1872, located in Blacksburg, Virginia. With over 38,000 students and 280 degree programs, it is classified as an R1 Doctoral University and maintains senior military college status through its Corps of Cadets.