Students at the University of Virginia achieve exceptional long-term financial success, with graduates earning more than 97% of peers at similar institutions nationwide.
The university consistently delivers top-tier outcomes for students from all backgrounds, including some of the strongest earnings results for low-income students among public universities.
Azimuth ranks the University of Virginia-Main Campus 8th out of 729 public four-year institutions nationwide, placing it in the top 1.1% nationally for overall value. UVA stands out as a flagship research university that consistently delivers exceptional long-term outcomes while maintaining the accessibility and affordability advantages of public higher education. With a 97th percentile ranking for earnings and a mobility score in the top 7% nationally, UVA represents one of the strongest combinations of prestige and practical value among public universities.
What makes UVA particularly compelling is its ability to generate outstanding financial returns across a diverse range of academic programs. Graduates earn a median of $86,863 ten years after enrollment, with many programs leading to six-figure early career outcomes. The university's strength spans from high-earning technical fields like artificial intelligence to traditionally strong liberal arts programs, reflecting both academic breadth and consistent employer recognition.
As Virginia's flagship public research university, UVA offers the academic reputation and alumni network typically associated with elite private institutions, but at public university pricing for Virginia residents. The combination of strong outcomes, reasonable debt levels, and access to high-mobility career paths makes UVA an exceptional choice for students who can navigate the admissions process and want both immediate career prospects and long-term financial security.
The University of Virginia's program portfolio demonstrates exceptional breadth and consistent quality across diverse fields of study. Applied Economics leads in aggregate return, combining substantial enrollment of 511 graduates with strong median earnings of $62,409, making it a cornerstone program that balances scale with solid financial outcomes. Biology represents UVA's largest single program with 281 graduates, though its $27,729 median earnings reflect the pre-professional nature of many students who continue to medical school or graduate programs.
Artificial Intelligence stands out as UVA's highest-earning program, with 187 graduates achieving median earnings of $92,077, demonstrating the university's strength in cutting-edge technical fields. Even traditionally lower-earning programs like English Language and Literature maintain respectable outcomes at $32,092, reflecting UVA's ability to prepare students across disciplines for competitive career paths.
The university's program mix reflects both traditional liberal arts strength and modern professional preparation. Strong enrollment across economics, biology, artificial intelligence, and literature demonstrates UVA's comprehensive academic portfolio, while consistent employer recognition helps explain why graduates across fields achieve earnings that place the university in the top 3% nationally for long-term financial outcomes.
The University of Virginia delivers exceptional long-term financial outcomes that place it among the top public universities nationwide. Graduates earn a median of $86,863 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 97th percentile nationally and reflecting consistently strong employer demand across multiple industries. This performance spans both early career milestones and long-term trajectory, with many graduates reaching six-figure earnings within their first decade of work.
Program-level outcomes show particular strength in high-return fields. Applied Economics stands out as UVA's highest aggregate return major, combining strong enrollment of 511 graduates with solid median earnings of $62,409. Artificial Intelligence represents the university's highest-earning program, with 187 graduates achieving median earnings of $92,077 in early career years. Even traditionally lower-earning fields like English Language and Literature maintain respectable outcomes at $32,092, while Biology graduates at $27,729 often continue to medical school or other advanced programs that boost long-term earning potential.
The university's broad academic portfolio supports diverse career pathways, from technology and finance to consulting and research. UVA's strong alumni network and employer relationships, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic region and nationally, help explain why graduates consistently achieve earnings that reflect both the institution's academic reputation and its practical career preparation across multiple fields of study.
Affordability at the University of Virginia varies significantly by family income, reflecting both the institution's commitment to access and the realities of flagship university pricing. Low-income students pay approximately $10,123 annually, a competitive rate that places UVA around the national median for similar institutions. Middle-income families see net prices around $14,658, while high-income families pay about $34,777, which represents typical flagship university pricing for families who don't qualify for substantial need-based aid.
Debt levels remain manageable relative to the strong earning outcomes UVA graduates achieve. Typical federal student loan debt is $17,500, well below national averages and very reasonable given median graduate earnings of nearly $87,000. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $27,118, reflecting the choices many families make to invest in UVA's premium outcomes. The university's zero percent federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates can comfortably service their educational debt.
What makes UVA particularly sustainable financially is the strong return on investment it provides. With graduates earning in the top 3% nationally, most borrowers find that their educational debt represents a small fraction of their post-graduation income. The combination of reasonable debt levels, strong financial aid for lower-income students, and exceptional earning outcomes creates a compelling value proposition for families across the income spectrum.
University Of Virginia-Main Campus Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
