University of Virginia-Main Campus
University of Virginia-Main Campus is a public university in Charlottesville, VA ranked #58 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A, enrolling about 17,315 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 16.9%. Students most often pursue Computer and Information Sciences and Computer Engineering.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, 95.3% first-year retention, and 95.3% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $22,881, about $5,883 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -20.9%, roughly 106.2 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $72,359. That's about $28,671 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for motivated learners who want a competitive yet collaborative community.
Who is University of Virginia-Main Campus Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of Virginia-Main Campus graduates 95.3% of students within six years and keeps 97.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of Virginia-Main Campus's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $20,986 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,480 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $13,940 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,520 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $38,132 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 13.7% of University of Virginia-Main Campus students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $10,123 to $34,777 depending on family income. Use University of Virginia-Main Campus's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $24,023/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $34,777/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $72,359
- 10-Year Median Earnings $72,359
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $15,153
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 85.7%
- Employment Rate 85.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Virginia-Main Campus graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of Virginia-Main Campus vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Virginia-Main Campus's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Virginia-Main Campus's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of Virginia-Main Campus graduates earn $72,359 median, the -20.9% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 700-750
- SAT Math 710-780
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 32-34
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 17,315
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 97.3%
- Graduation Rate 95.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 15:1
How to Get Into University of Virginia-Main Campus
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Virginia-Main Campus requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 16.9%, University of Virginia-Main Campus is highly selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: University of Virginia-Main Campus's 16.9% acceptance rate makes it highly selective. Strong test scores, GPA, and a well-rounded application are essential. Early application can improve your chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1410 and 1530 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Virginia-Main Campus undergraduates. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum, Economics, and Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods draw the most students.
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 21.6%
- Economics 9.8%
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods 6.6%
- Biology, General 5.4%
- International Relations and National Security Stud 5.2%
- Psychology, General 4.3%
See more majors
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 3.6%
- English Language and Literature, General 3.6%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer and Information Sciences, General $160,993
- 2. Computer Engineering $139,318
- 3. Mathematics $133,210
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Systems Engineering $131,258
- 5. Business/Commerce, General $130,586
- 6. Chemical Engineering $115,895
- 7. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $114,299
- 8. Statistics $108,373
- 9. Economics $95,941
- 10. Civil Engineering $95,518
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Law (First Professional Degree) $247,143
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $233,655
- 3. Computer Software and Media Applications (Master's Degree) $170,198
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degree) $159,466
- 5. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degree) $156,433
- 6. Systems Engineering (Master's Degree) $142,475
- 7. Medicine (First Professional Degree) $136,935
- 8. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $117,601
- 9. Public Policy Analysis (Master's Degree) $110,885
- 10. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $110,165
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General grads earn $160,993—69% more than Civil Engineering ($95,518). Graduate: Law programs lead with $247,143 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of Virginia-Main Campus. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degree, 1,125 graduates)
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 511 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 466 graduates)
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 346 graduates)
- Law (First Professional Degree, 315 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (47 programs)â–¼
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Economics
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Biology, General
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Psychology, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- History
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Systems Engineering
- Mathematics
- Political Science and Government
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Sociology
- Public Policy Analysis
- Chemistry
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Architecture
- Computer Engineering
- Anthropology
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Philosophy
- Chemical Engineering
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Physics
- Music
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Engineering, General
- Area Studies
- Architectural History and Criticism
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Online Master's Degrees (60 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Education, General
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Public Policy Analysis
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Applied Mathematics
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- International Business
- Systems Engineering
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Statistics
- Public Health
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Computer Engineering
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Engineering, Other
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Civil Engineering
- Psychology, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- History
- Anthropology
- Economics
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Chemistry
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Mathematics
- Chemical Engineering
- Area Studies
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Materials Engineering
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Physics
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Political Science and Government
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Sociology
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Philosophy
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Biology, General
- Architectural History and Criticism
- Special Education and Teaching
- Music
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Engineering Physics
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Communication and Media Studies
Online Doctoral Degrees (47 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Education, General
- Chemistry
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Psychology, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Economics
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Biology, General
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Physics
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Engineering, Other
- Anthropology
- Systems Engineering
- Statistics
- History
- Chemical Engineering
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Sociology
- Mathematics
- Materials Engineering
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Civil Engineering
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Political Science and Government
- Philosophy
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Computer Engineering
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Music
- Environmental Design
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Engineering Physics
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (10 programs)â–¼
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Architecture and Related Services, Other
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Special Education and Teaching
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Law
- Medicine
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 17,315
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 43.4%
- Female Students 56.6%
- Caucasian 50.4%
- Asian 19.1%
- Hispanic 7.4%
- Black 7.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 13.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Virginia-Main Campus's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of Virginia-Main Campus's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Virginia-Main Campus support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Virginia-Main Campus, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: About 13.7% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Virginia-Main Campus support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Virginia-Main Campus, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Ranking #58 nationally, University of Virginia-Main Campus combines competitive admissions with -20.9% ROI, positioning itself among America's stronger universities. The institution balances academic rigor with $72,359 in median post-graduation earnings.
Students complete degrees at 95.3% six-year rates, with 97.3% retention reflecting solid satisfaction. The $22,881 annual net price falls in the moderate range, though 364 institutions deliver comparable outcomes at lower costs.
Competitive Selective University: University of Virginia-Main Campus's Market Position
A grade | #58 of 6272 | 97.1/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Competitive Positioning: University of Virginia-Main Campus occupies the competitive selective tier—not elite enough for automatic career advantages, but strong enough to provide quality education and reasonable outcomes. The -20.9% ROI reflects this middle ground: better than most, but not top-tier.
Value for Money: $22,881 annually produces $72,359 median earnings—a reasonable but not exceptional return. Students choosing University of Virginia-Main Campus should evaluate whether the institution's specific programs, location, or campus culture justify costs versus higher-ROI alternatives.
Who Succeeds Here: Self-directed students who maximize campus resources (research, internships, networking) achieve outcomes rivaling higher-ranked schools. Students seeking specific programs or geographic locations find strong value. Those needing extensive hand-holding may struggle in larger university environments.
Final Assessment: University of Virginia-Main Campus's #58 ranking and A grade reflect solid performance across metrics. With 364 schools offering better ROI, value-focused students should compare carefully. However, for students who fit the institution's culture and programs, outcomes justify investment.
Key Takeaways
- 95.3% six-year graduation rate sits 32.8 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 97.3% first-year retention is 20.5 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -20.9% return on investment is 106.2 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $72,359 run about 66% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $22,881 is roughly $5,763 higher than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 15:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 97.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 85.2% employment rate within three years sits 17.0 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $22,881 is about $5,763 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 13.7% trails the national share by 25.1 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates University of Virginia-Main Campus—a public university in Charlottesville, VA—at A overall. It holds a #58 national ranking Grades by category break down as Completion A+, Support A-, Career Outcomes A, and Affordability C+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 97.3% of first-year students return, and roughly 95.3% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -20.9% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $22,881 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $38,132.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $15,251 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $15,153 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 13.7% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $72,359 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 66% higher.
Roughly 85.2% of graduates are employed three years out.
Plan around an ROI of about -20.9% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
16.9% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of Virginia-Main Campus admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Charlottesville, VA 22903-2628
- Website www.virginia.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$9.70B
- Transfer Enrollment Rate2.6%