University of Virginia
About University of Virginia
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
UVA is a public flagship research university in Charlottesville, Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson. It is one of the top public universities in the country, with highly ranked programs in business, law, engineering, and medicine. The campus, known as the Grounds, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Founded
1819
Location
Charlottesville, Virginia
Students
26,121
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
16.8%
Very selective
Graduation Rate
95.6%
Above national average
In-State Tuition
$21,803
Out-of-state: $59,512
Avg Net Price
$21,565
After financial aid
SAT Average
1480
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$86,863
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Highly Selective
About 6 students apply for every seat
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$75
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 5
University of Virginia admits about 16.8% of applicants, with an average SAT around 1480. Strong academics are a must, and your essays and activities will make the difference.
SAT Scores
1480/ 1600
ACT Scores
34/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Excellent
95.6% complete their degree within six years
Retention
97.6%
4-Year Grad
89%
6-Year Grad
94%
Teaching Quality
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
96.1%
$/Student
$26.6K
Class Size
Medium
89% graduate on time, and 97.6% of freshmen return for sophomore year. Students who come here tend to stay and finish.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$21,803
In-State
$59,512
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$14,800
Books & Supplies
$1,480
Total Cost of Attendance
$39,926
After Financial Aid
$21,565
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$8,174
Receive Grants
15.6%
Take Loans
20%
The full cost of attendance is about $39,926/yr for in-state students, including $14,800 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $21,565. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $59,512.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of Virginia fund their education.
While in School
15.6%
Get Grants
Free money
20%
Take Loans
Must repay
$75,580
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$17,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$186/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 20% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $17,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of Virginia.
Gender
56.1%
Female
44%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
17,597
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
8,524
Graduates
15.8%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
3.5%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 56% of the student body. 15.8% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
UVA's 1,682-acre campus, designed by Thomas Jefferson, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site centered around the Lawn and Rotunda. The Grounds (never say "campus") blend Jeffersonian architecture with modern facilities, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Campus Setting
Suburb: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
17,597
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +UNESCO World Heritage Site — historically stunning
- +Blue Ridge Mountain views and outdoor recreation
- +Strong school spirit and tradition culture
- +Charlottesville has a charming downtown with great restaurants
Cons
- -Greek life heavily influences social scene
- -Car helpful for off-campus activities
- -Hot and humid summers if staying for research
- -Some buildings show their age and need renovation
UVA is the only university in the US that's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jefferson designed it as an "Academical Village" — and that community feel persists. Just remember: it's the Grounds, not the campus.
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
University of Virginia fields 15 varsity teams with 939 student athletes, about 5% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Atlantic Coast
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
15
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
939
5% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
54% / 46%
503
Men
436
Women
11
Men's Teams
12
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of University of Virginiaearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$86,863
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
—
1098 grads
Economics
$75K
492 grads
1yr Earnings
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
$94K
406 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$23K
299 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General
$98K
297 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$36K
242 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $72K six years out, climb to $65K by year eight, and reach $87K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University of Virginia
What is the acceptance rate at University of Virginia?▾
How much does University of Virginia cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at University of Virginia?▾
How much do University of Virginia graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.