Established in 1872, the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Blacksburg (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Virginia. Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) is a very large-sized (Buydiploma enrollment range: 35,000-39,999 students) coeducational US 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's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the Buydiploma degree levels and areas of study table below for further details. This 152-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 50-59% making this US higher education organization an averagely selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. Virginia Tech also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.