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University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

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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

Jefferson's Public University: A UNESCO World Heritage Site delivering world-class research.

Step into a legacy of innovation at the University of Virginia-Main Campus, a distinguished public research university nestled in Charlottesville, Virginia. Founded in 1819 by none other than Thomas Jefferson himself, UVA stands as a testament to his vision for a secular, broad-based education. Its iconic Academical Village, designed by Jefferson and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, still anchors the campus, inviting students to learn within a living piece of history where intellectual freedom reigns supreme.

UVA's commitment to academic excellence is evident across its eight undergraduate and three highly-regarded professional schools: the School of Law, the Darden School of Business, and the School of Medicine. From its earliest days offering diverse fields of study separate from religious doctrine, to becoming a member of the Association of American Universities in 1904, UVA has consistently fostered an environment of rigorous inquiry. The university boasts a stellar roster of alumni, including US Presidents, Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and founders of successful companies like Reddit and VMware, highlighting the profound impact a UVA education has on the world.

Life at UVA offers a dynamic blend of rich tradition and forward-thinking opportunity. While the early days saw challenges that ultimately led to the establishment of the enduring Honor System, today's students engage in a vibrant campus culture supported by a significant endowment of $10.6 billion. With a student body of nearly 26,000 and the competitive Virginia Cavaliers athletic teams, UVA provides a comprehensive and engaging experience designed to nurture future leaders and innovators, ensuring that Jefferson's initial dream of an "illimitable freedom of the human mind" continues to inspire every generation.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, with initial governance by three U.S. Presidents.
  • Home to the Academical Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Operates as a public research university with an endowment of $10.6 billion.
  • Educates 25,944 students across eight undergraduate and three professional schools.
  • Alumni include Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, 57 Rhodes Scholars, and founders of companies like Reddit and VMware.
  • Athletic teams, the Virginia Cavaliers, compete in NCAA Division I (ACC) and have won two Capital One Cups.
  • In-state undergraduates from families earning less than $80,000 per year receive full tuition scholarships, with free room and board for those under $30,000.

Timeline

1802
Thomas Jefferson outlines his vision for a new university.
1817
Rockfish Gap meeting selects Charlottesville as the university site.
1819
The Commonwealth of Virginia charters the University of Virginia on January 25.
1825
The university's first classes officially meet on March 7.
1836
The School of Engineering and Applied Science opens.
1895
The original Rotunda is gutted by fire.
1904
UVA becomes a member of the Association of American Universities.
2005
A Charter initiative grants UVA greater autonomy in exchange for declining state financial support.
2010
Teresa A. Sullivan becomes UVA's first female president.
2018
President James E. Ryan announces full scholarships for low-income in-state undergraduates.

Schools & Colleges

3 notable schools within University of Virginia-Main Campus

⚖️

School of Law

One of the university's three professional schools, offering comprehensive legal education.

💼

Darden School of Business

One of the university's three professional schools, renowned for its graduate business programs.

🏥

School of Medicine

One of the university's three professional schools, providing medical education and research.

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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