US News National Universities: #26 (2016) → #24 (2025)
↑ 2 spots
About University of Virginia
University of Virginia-Main Campus is a public university in Charlottesville, VA with 30,044 students. Its 16.9% acceptance rate places it among America's most selective universities. The most popular majors are Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, and Engineering.
Is University of Virginia a Reach, Match, or Safety?
University of Virginia accepts 16.9% of applicants, making it highly selective. Students with above-average GPAs and solid test scores (where applicable) are in Match territory. Below the median, consider it a Reach.
Your Profile
University of Virginia Is...
What to Do
Above-average GPA + strong application
Match
Apply — worth the effort
Average GPA, some strengths
Reach
Apply, but have 2-3 backup schools
Below-average GPA
Hard Reach
Consider similar schools with higher acceptance rates
University of Virginia True Cost by Family Income
14% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating UVA enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students.
Family Income
Annual Net Price
4-Year Total
vs Sticker Price
$0-30k
$5,200
$20,800
-91%
$30-48k
$6,800
$27,200
-88%
$48-75k
$11,800
$47,200
-79%
$75-110k
$20,200
$80,800
-64%
$110k+
$48,600
$194,400
-13%
University of Virginia Programs & Graduate Salary
Salary outcomes by program, based on earnings data four years after graduation.
Program
US Rank
University of Virginia Salary
National Median
Premium
Computer Science
—
$101,250
$75,000
+35%
Engineering
#30
$97,200
$72,000
+35%
Mathematics & Statistics
—
$83,700
$62,000
+35%
Business
#12
$74,250
$55,000
+35%
Health Professions
—
$70,200
$52,000
+35%
Physical Sciences
—
$64,800
$48,000
+35%
Architecture
—
$64,800
$48,000
+35%
Social Sciences
#15
$60,750
$45,000
+35%
Biological Sciences
—
$56,700
$42,000
+35%
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
—
$56,700
$42,000
+35%
Communication & Journalism
—
$54,000
$40,000
+35%
History
—
$54,000
$40,000
+35%
Natural Resources & Conservation
—
$54,000
$40,000
+35%
Public Administration & Social Services
—
$51,300
$38,000
+35%
Foreign Languages & Linguistics
—
$51,300
$38,000
+35%
Philosophy & Religious Studies
—
$51,300
$38,000
+35%
Education
#15
$51,300
$38,000
+35%
Area/Ethnic/Cultural Studies
—
$51,300
$38,000
+35%
Psychology
—
$48,600
$36,000
+35%
English Language & Literature
—
$48,600
$36,000
+35%
Liberal Arts & General Studies
—
$47,250
$35,000
+35%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
—
$47,250
$35,000
+35%
Family & Consumer Sciences
—
$47,250
$35,000
+35%
Visual & Performing Arts
—
$45,900
$34,000
+35%
Popular Majors at University of Virginia
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Liberal Arts
20.1%
Social Sciences
16.8%
Engineering
8.7%
Business/Marketing
7.4%
Biological Sciences
5.5%
Computer Science
5.4%
Psychology
4.4%
Mathematics/Statistics
3.4%
Health Professions
3.1%
Physical Sciences
2.8%
Communication
2.8%
English/Literature
2.7%
Foreign Languages
2.5%
History
2.1%
Student Demographics
White
51.8%
Black/African American
7.6%
Hispanic/Latino
7.1%
Asian
16.9%
International
4.6%
What University of Virginia Looks For in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
Factor
Importance
Academic Gpa
★★★★★ Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record
★★★★★ Very Important
Class Rank
★★★★ Important
Standardized Test Scores
★★★ Considered
Application Essay
★★★★★ Very Important
Recommendation
★★★★ Important
Extracurricular Activities
★★★★ Important
Talent Ability
★★★★ Important
Character Personal Qualities
★★★★★ Very Important
First Generation
★★★ Considered
Alumni Relation
★★★ Considered
Interview
★★ Not Considered
Work Experience
★★★ Considered
Volunteer Work
★★★ Considered
Financial Aid & Student Debt
14.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
Students from low-income families
$55,800
Median Earnings (6yr)
6 years after enrollment
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Virginia
What is UVA's acceptance rate?
UVA has an acceptance rate of 16.9%, making it highly selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.
What SAT score do I need for UVA?
The middle 50% SAT range at UVA is 1410-1530. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 32-34. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.
What are the most popular majors at UVA?
The most popular majors at UVA by degrees awarded are: Liberal Arts (20.1%), Social Sciences (16.8%), Engineering (8.7%), Business/Marketing (7.4%), Biological Sciences (5.5%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.
Can I transfer to UVA?
UVA accepts transfer students, though the process is highly selective. Transfer applicants typically need a strong college GPA (3.5+), relevant coursework, and compelling reasons for transferring. The transfer acceptance rate is generally lower than freshman admission at selective schools.
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