University of Virginia-Main Campus: 18.7% Acceptance Rate

18.7%Acceptance

$20,986Tuition

17,315Students

95%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$86,863Earnings

#1 in VirginiaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Virginia-Main Campus

Thomas Jefferson's architectural vision shapes daily life for 17,315 students at this strong public research university in Charlottesville. The Rotunda anchors a campus that has educated presidents like Woodrow Wilson and cultural icons like Tina Fey. Only 18.66% of applicants gain admission to join the Cavaliers. Students need strong credentials, with the middle 50% scoring between 1400-1540 on the SAT. The honor code runs deep here, reflecting Jefferson's ideals about student self-governance.

The financial picture looks compelling for most families. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,123 net annually, while those from higher-income households face steeper costs up to $34,777. Graduates earn a median $86,863 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $17,500 manageable with monthly payments around $186. The 95.30% six-year graduation rate suggests students finish what they start.

Two-thirds of students come from Virginia, creating a strong state identity despite the 56.58% female, 50.45% white student body. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures access to professors at this research powerhouse. With 23 varsity sports and the heated Virginia Tech rivalry, school spirit runs high among the 789 student-athletes and broader campus community.

Academics & Faculty

Thomas Jefferson's vision for public education created one of America's top research universities, where students pursue rigorous academics across highly ranked programs. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally, contributing to an strong 95.3% six-year graduation rate. UVA's business school consistently ranks among the top five nationally, while the engineering and medical schools attract top talent. The university excels in public policy, economics, and English literature. Students benefit from extensive research opportunities typically reserved for graduate programs. The honor system, student-run since 1842, shapes academic integrity across all disciplines. Competition for admission reflects the quality, with only 18.7% of applicants accepted.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 95.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 95.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 95.3%
Retention Rate: 97.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $86,863
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Law.	Doctoral	$162,255
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$155,263
Management Information Systems and Services.	Master	$144,240
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Doctoral	$117,572
Business/Commerce, General.	Master	$107,256
Computer Software and Media Applications.	Master	$101,406
Systems Engineering.	Master	$95,739
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$92,077
Computer Engineering.	Bachelor	$90,146
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$89,869

View all 210 programs →

Campus Life

Thomas Jefferson's architectural vision shapes daily life at UVA, where students walk through the historic Lawn and attend classes in buildings designed by the third president himself. With housing capacity for 7,363 students and total enrollment of 17,315, about 43% of students live on campus. Charlottesville sits in Virginia's Blue Ridge foothills, requiring both winter coats for January lows and shorts for humid summers that stretch into September.

The Honor Code runs deep here, creating a culture where students leave laptops unattended and take unproctored exams. Students dress up for football games against rival Virginia Tech, donning ties and sundresses in a tradition that sets UVA apart from typical college game days. With 67% of students coming from Virginia, many head home on weekends, but those who stay explore Charlottesville's downtown mall or hike nearby trails. The semester system allows for longer winter and summer breaks, and with a 97% retention rate, students clearly find their rhythm in this blend of Southern tradition and academic rigor.

Setting: Suburb-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 7,363 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

322 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	86	4	1	1
Stalking	40	16	1	0
Rape	21	13	3	0
Aggravated Assault	24	2	2	3
Fondling	25	1	5	0
Dating Violence	20	10	0	0
Burglary	14	2	6	0
Domestic Violence	12	0	3	0
Robbery	4	0	0	0
Arson	2	0	0	0
Murder	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 26°–45°F
July Avg: 66°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 47.7"
Annual Snowfall: 16.3"

Student Demographics

Thomas Jefferson's university draws ambitious students who value both academic prestige and Virginia tradition. Two-thirds of students come from in-state, reflecting UVA's role as Virginia's flagship public university. The student body skews female at 57%, typical of top universities where women increasingly dominate admissions. With nearly 20% Asian students, the demographics reflect the school's strength in competitive fields like business and engineering. Only 14% receive Pell Grants, indicating a relatively affluent student population despite the public university mission. Students here embrace the honor code culture Jefferson envisioned.

Men: 43.4%
Women: 56.6%
White: 50.5%
Black: 7.6%
Hispanic: 7.4%
Asian: 19.1%
In-State Students: 67.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 13.7%

Location

University of Virginia sits in Charlottesville, a classic college town about 120 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. The city revolves around the university, with 17,315 students making up a significant portion of the local population. Charlottesville sits in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering students access to hiking trails and scenic drives along Skyline Drive. The historic downtown pedestrian mall connects directly to campus, creating a seamless blend of academic and social life. Local wineries and Civil War battlefields dot the surrounding Virginia Piedmont region. The area maintains a distinctly Southern charm while attracting visitors from across the mid-Atlantic. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare University of Virginia with similar schools in the region.

Address: Charlottesville, Virginia 22903-2628

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $86,863
Median Earnings (5 years): $85,639
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $56,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 85.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $186/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $17,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Virginia-Main Campus?

University of Virginia accepts 18.66% of applicants, making it highly competitive for admission. Students typically need strong test scores, with the middle 50% scoring between 1400-1540 on the SAT. The university maintains its selectivity while enrolling 17,315 students across its historic Charlottesville campus.

How much does University of Virginia-Main Campus cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $22,881 after aid, though this varies by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,123 on average, while those from higher-income families pay closer to the full cost. Graduates leave with a median debt of only $17,500, reflecting the university's strong financial aid programs.

What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Virginia-Main Campus?

The student-faculty ratio is 15:1, providing reasonable access to professors at this major research university. UVA combines the resources of a large institution with Jefferson's vision of academic excellence. The 97.34% retention rate shows students find the academic environment engaging enough to stay.

What do University of Virginia-Main Campus graduates earn after college?

Graduates earn a median of $86,863 ten years after graduation, reflecting strong career outcomes. The employment rate reaches 94.5%, and most graduates successfully repay their loans at an 85.72% rate. UVA's strong alumni network, including presidents and business leaders, helps open doors for recent graduates.

Where do students live at University of Virginia-Main Campus?

The university houses 7,363 students on campus, creating a active residential community in Charlottesville. Room and board costs $13,940, and the campus centers around Jefferson's iconic Rotunda design. About 67% of students come from Virginia, giving the campus a strong state identity while attracting talented students nationwide.

Is University of Virginia-Main Campus known for athletics?

UVA competes in NCAA Division I with 23 varsity sports and 789 student-athletes representing the Cavaliers. The university awards $23,873,725 in athletic scholarships across all sports programs. The Cavaliers are particularly known for their rivalry with Virginia Tech and strong traditions in both academics and athletics that reflect Jefferson's ideal of developing the whole person.