Established in 1872, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is a non-profit public state 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 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 degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 150 years old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 60-70% making this US higher education organization a somewhat 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.