University Of Virginia-Main Campus

University of Virginia admits approximately 16.9% of applicants, making it among the most selective public universities in the United States. This translates to roughly 1 in 6 applicants receiving an offer of admission, placing substantial pressure on the application process even for highly qualified candidates.

The peer median admission rate of 78.1% illustrates the dramatic difference between UVA's selectivity and typical four-year public institutions. This 61-percentage-point gap positions UVA closer to elite private universities than standard public flagships in terms of admission difficulty.

Even students with exceptional academic credentials face meaningful uncertainty in the admission process due to the volume of highly qualified applicants competing for limited seats. The university's Highly Selective tier designation reflects admission standards that eliminate the vast majority of applicants before reaching the evaluation stage.

Students considering UVA should understand that admission competitiveness extends well beyond minimum academic thresholds, requiring exceptional achievement across multiple dimensions. For this reason, prospective applicants should build comprehensive college lists that include institutions with higher acceptance rates but comparable post-graduation outcomes.

The high selectivity means that even students who would thrive academically and personally at UVA may not receive admission, making strategic application planning essential for college-bound students targeting similar outcomes.

University of Virginia's published cost of attendance reaches $38,132 per year for in-state students, including $20,986 in tuition, $13,940 for room and board, and $1,480 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face significantly higher costs with tuition of $58,014.

However, the average student pays $22,881 after financial aid, representing $15,251 in aid savings from the sticker price. This net price sits $7,291 above the peer median of $15,590, creating affordability challenges particularly for middle-income families who may not qualify for substantial need-based aid.

The gap between published cost and actual net price demonstrates UVA's commitment to need-based financial aid, though the above-peer pricing indicates that educational access requires significant financial resources for many families. Net price variation across income levels ranges from $10,123 for lowest-income families to $34,777 for highest-income families, a spread of $24,654 that reflects progressive aid targeting.

For families earning above $110,000, the net price approaches the full cost of attendance, meaning upper-middle-income students often pay close to sticker price. The cost structure positions UVA as a premium public option that delivers strong outcomes but requires substantial family financial commitment outside the lowest income ranges.

UVA graduates demonstrate impressive earnings growth and strong workforce preparation across multiple time horizons. Median earnings rise from $72,359 six years after enrollment to $80,156 at eight years and $86,863 at ten years, representing 20% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes reflect a substantial ten-year cohort of 2,265 graduates, providing high confidence in reported figures. The institution ranks in the 96th percentile for median earnings nationally, with graduates earning $26,320 more than the peer median of $60,543.

Earnings span from $59,194 at the 25th percentile to $130,294 at the 75th percentile, a 2.2:1 ratio reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory. Low-income graduates achieve particularly strong outcomes at $84,500, demonstrating UVA's effectiveness in supporting economic advancement for students from lower-income backgrounds.

Approximately 24.1% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both immediate workforce entry and advanced education. The steady earnings progression and high absolute levels position UVA graduates favorably in competitive job markets.

University of Virginia offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive outcome tracking. Systems Engineering stands out with the #1 national ranking and median earnings of $113,099 among 126 graduates, achieving a perfect 100.0 value score.

Artificial Intelligence ranks #6 nationally and #1 in Virginia, producing 187 graduates with exceptional median earnings of $136,620. International Relations and Affairs ranks #2 nationally with strong earnings of $78,563 and an outstanding 98.6 value score among 270 graduates.

Psychology ranks #4 nationally with 224 graduates earning $60,347, while English Language and Literature achieves #6 nationally with earnings of $54,107. Applied Economics represents UVA's largest program with 511 graduates earning $80,369, ranking #53 nationally.

Actuarial Science demonstrates strong performance at #6 nationally with earnings of $93,565 among 346 graduates, reflecting the institution's strength across multiple high-value disciplines.