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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $39,926 |
| Tuition and Fees | $59,512 |
| Room and Board | $14,800 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,480 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$18,361 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $21,565 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $8,174 |
| $30–48k | $9,696 |
| $48–75k | $13,283 |
| $75–110k | $20,822 |
| $110k+ | $35,402 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
University of Virginia graduates emerge with manageable debt levels that support long-term financial stability given their strong earnings outcomes. Median debt of $17,500 falls $2,500 below the peer median of $20,000, indicating effective debt management relative to comparable institutions.
The debt distribution ranges from $8,196 at the 25th percentile to $26,652 at the 75th percentile, showing meaningful variation but avoiding extreme debt burdens for most students. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20 indicates that typical graduates dedicate roughly 20 cents of every dollar earned to debt service, well within manageable ranges for financial sustainability.
Parent PLUS debt averages $27,118 with monthly payments of $357, representing additional family borrowing beyond student-held debt. The combination of controlled student debt and strong earnings creates favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability, with most graduates able to manage debt service while pursuing career advancement and personal financial goals.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of Virginia represents a premium educational investment that delivers strong returns despite performing modestly below earnings expectations when controlling for student demographics. Graduates earn $86,863 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 96th percentile nationally and $26,320 above peer institutions.
However, the institution produces $17,944 less in earnings than expected given its highly selective student profile, indicating that outcomes reflect student quality as much as institutional value-added. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20 supports long-term financial sustainability, while manageable debt levels preserve graduates' financial flexibility for career transitions and personal investments.
The 20% earnings growth from six to ten years suggests continued career advancement and income potential beyond the initial post-graduation period. For students who gain admission, the combination of strong absolute earnings, reasonable debt levels, and prestigious credentials creates favorable long-term financial prospects.
University of Virginia's financial aid strategy concentrates resources on lower-income students while creating cost pressures for middle-to-upper-income families. The 13.7% Pell share indicates that roughly 1 in 7 students qualifies for federal need-based aid, well below the national average for public institutions.
Average financial aid savings of $15,251 per student represents substantial institutional investment in affordability, though this aid concentrates among students with demonstrated financial need. The progressive net price structure shows maximum aid effectiveness for families earning under $48,000, with aid declining rapidly as income rises.
For Pell-eligible students, the $10,123 net price represents genuine affordability relative to outcomes, while families earning above $75,000 face pricing that approaches private university levels. The aid strategy reflects UVA's positioning as a premium public option that maintains accessibility for lowest-income students while functioning as a high-cost choice for middle-class families.
