University of Virginia-Main Campus logo

University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

Public research university
Type
17,315
Total Students
17,618
Undergrad
8,326
Graduate
$10.6B
Endowment
$21K
Tuition (In-State)
$58K
Tuition (Out-State)
$23K
Avg Net Price
17%
Acceptance Rate
95%
Graduation Rate
6-year
97%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About University of Virginia-Main Campus

Thomas Jefferson's vision lives on at UVA, a top public research university and UNESCO World Heritage site.

Step into history and academic excellence at the University of Virginia (UVA), a distinguished public research university located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Founded in 1819 by none other than Thomas Jefferson, UVA is not just a university; it's a living monument to intellectual freedom, featuring his iconic Academical Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jefferson, along with James Madison and James Monroe, played pivotal roles in its establishment, crafting an institution distinct from its peers by separating higher education from religious doctrine and fostering an environment where 'reason is left free to combat [error].'

UVA offers a robust academic experience across eight undergraduate and three prominent professional schools: the School of Law, the Darden School of Business, and the School of Medicine. It was also the first comprehensive university in the nation to establish an engineering school in 1836, showcasing a long-standing commitment to innovation. As a member of the Association of American Universities since 1904, UVA consistently produces leaders, scholars, and innovators, counting Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, Marshall Scholars, Fulbright Scholars, and an impressive 57 Rhodes Scholars among its faculty and alumni.

Beyond its rich history and academic rigor, UVA cultivates a vibrant student community. The university is home to the Virginia Cavaliers, competing in NCAA Division I as part of the Atlantic Coast Conference, and has twice won the Capital One Cup for overall athletics prowess. Alumni have gone on to found influential companies like Reddit, Skillshare, and VMware. Committed to accessibility, UVA ensures that in-state undergraduates from families earning less than $80,000 annually receive full tuition scholarships, with additional provisions for room and board for those under $30,000, making a world-class education within reach.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, with James Madison and James Monroe on its original Board of Visitors.
  • Home to the Academical Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Boasts an impressive $10.6 billion endowment.
  • Has produced 57 Rhodes Scholars, the highest number of any state university.
  • Alumni have founded major companies including Reddit, Skillshare, and VMware.
  • Offers full tuition scholarships for in-state undergraduates from families earning under $80,000, with free room and board for those under $30,000.
  • A public research university with 25,944 students, a member of the Association of American Universities since 1904.

Timeline

1817
Site selected for the new University of Virginia at Rockfish Gap by Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, James Madison, and John Marshall.
1819
The Commonwealth of Virginia charters the university on January 25.
1825
First classes begin on March 7.
1836
The School of Engineering and Applied Science opened, making UVA the first comprehensive university to open an engineering school.
1840
The shooting death of Professor John A. G. Davis leads to the establishment of the UVA Honor System.
1895
The original Rotunda catches fire and is gutted.
1904
UVA becomes a member of the Association of American Universities.
2005
A Charter initiative is signed into law, granting the university greater autonomy.
2010
Teresa A. Sullivan becomes the university's first female president.
2018
President James E. Ryan announces full scholarships for in-state undergraduates from lower-income families.

Schools & Colleges

4 notable schools within University of Virginia-Main Campus

⚖️

School of Law

💼

Darden School of Business

🏥

School of Medicine

⚙️

School of Engineering and Applied Science

Opened in 1836, it was the first engineering school at a comprehensive university.

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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