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University of Virginia

400 Emmet Street South, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA

University of Virginia award
University of Virginia award
US ranking
position: 41
Tuition & fees per year: $21,381
Acceptance rate: 21.00%
Median alumni salary: $58,760
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1440 SAT, 34 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Very hard

Courtesy of University of Virginia

What is the history of University of Virginia-Main Campus?

The University of Virginia-Main Campus, often referred to as UVA, was established in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States. Jefferson's vision was to create a public institution that would offer a liberal arts education to students from diverse backgrounds, irrespective of their social or economic standing. He held a firm belief that education was a cornerstone of a successful democratic society and should be accessible to all.

The University of Virginia-Main Campus was the first nonsectarian university in the United States and pioneered the elective course system. Initially, the curriculum was rooted in the classical education model, focusing on Latin, Greek, and mathematics. Over time, the curriculum broadened to encompass a variety of subjects, including law, medicine, engineering, and the sciences. Today, the university boasts over 121 majors across eight undergraduate and three professional schools.

The first classes at the University of Virginia-Main Campus were conducted in 1825 with an enrollment of 68 students. The original curriculum offered courses in ancient and modern languages, mathematics, natural philosophy, chemistry, and moral philosophy. The first faculty members were recruited in 1826, and by 1830, the student population had increased to over 200.

The University of Virginia-Main Campus has been a trailblazer in higher education throughout its history. In 1825, it established the first student-run honor system in the United States, a tradition that continues to this day. This honor system is based on a code of ethics that all students and faculty are expected to uphold, fostering an environment of integrity and honesty.

During the Civil War, the university was temporarily closed for two years and served as a hospital for wounded soldiers. Post-war, the university faced financial challenges and struggled to attract students. However, under the leadership of Edwin Alderman, who served as the university's president from 1904 to 1931, the University of Virginia-Main Campus experienced a revival and transitioned into a modern research university.

In 1954, the University of Virginia-Main Campus admitted its first African American student, marking its role in the civil rights movement. The 1960s saw the establishment of several research centers and institutes, including the Center for Advanced Studies and the Institute for Environmental Negotiation.

Today, the University of Virginia-Main Campus is recognized as one of the top public universities in the United States, known for its academic excellence and commitment to public service. The university is home to over 24,000 students and employs over 16,000 faculty and staff. The campus is renowned for its stunning architecture, including the Rotunda, designed by Thomas Jefferson himself.

What are the faculties and departments at University of Virginia-Main Campus?

The University of Virginia-Main Campus provides a broad spectrum of faculties and departments for students to explore. It comprises 12 schools that cater to undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The College of Arts and Sciences, the largest among them, offers more than 50 majors in diverse fields such as humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

The Darden School of Business, recognized as one of the top business schools in the nation, provides MBA, Ph.D., and Executive Education programs. The School of Law, also highly regarded, offers J.D., LL.M., and S.J.D. programs. The School of Medicine, known for its research in cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neuroscience, offers M.D. and Ph.D. programs.

The School of Engineering and Applied Science provides undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including computer science, electrical engineering, and civil engineering. The School of Nursing offers programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy provides undergraduate and graduate programs in public policy and leadership.

The School of Architecture offers programs in architecture and landscape architecture at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The School of Data Science, the first of its kind in the country, offers undergraduate and graduate programs in data science. The School of Continuing and Professional Studies caters to working professionals with its undergraduate and graduate programs.

The McIntire School of Commerce, known for its emphasis on practical learning and global business education, offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business. The University of Virginia-Main Campus is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges and offers Bachelor’s Degrees in 48 majors, Post-Baccalaureate Certificates, 94 Master’s Degrees, Post-Masters Certificates, and 55 Doctorates across its 12 colleges.

What is the location of University of Virginia-Main Campus?

The University of Virginia-Main Campus is situated in the city of Charlottesville, in the southern region of the United States. The specific address is 400 Emmet Street South, with the ZIP code being 22903. The city of Charlottesville was chosen as the site for the university by a group of dignitaries in 1817, which included three former US presidents and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

The campus is nestled within the Academical Village, a site recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This location is not just historically significant but also strategically important for prospective students.

What is the mission and vision of University of Virginia-Main Campus?

The University of Virginia-Main Campus is a public educational institution that is dedicated to delivering a comprehensive education to its students. The mission and vision of the university revolve around the cultivation of responsible citizen leaders and professionals who are prepared to tackle the intricate challenges of the 21st century. The university aims to accomplish this by nurturing a diverse and inclusive community that prizes intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning.

The academic programs at the University of Virginia-Main Campus are structured to encourage interdisciplinary learning and research, with an emphasis on innovation and creativity. The university is steadfast in its commitment to offering students a wide-ranging liberal arts education that underscores the development of robust communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, the university strives to foster civic engagement and social responsibility, inspiring students to utilize their knowledge and skills to effect positive change in society.

The University of Virginia-Main Campus is characterized by its unwavering commitment to a dynamic and distinctive residential learning environment characterized by the free and collegial exchange of ideas. The foundational values of the university, which include honor, integrity, trust, and respect, form the bedrock of its collaborative, diverse community. The university is devoted to excellence and affordable access, offering Bachelor’s Degrees in 48 majors, Post-Baccalaureate Certificates, 94 Master’s Degrees, Post-Masters Certificates, and 55 Doctorates across 12 colleges.

The scholars at the University of Virginia-Main Campus have significantly contributed to the development of numerous academic disciplines, such as economics, law, literary art, visual art, and the sciences. The university is dedicated to fostering a supportive, close-knit learning community. Each student is assigned to one of four colleges within the school, each led by a college dean.

What is the accreditation of University of Virginia-Main Campus?

The University of Virginia-Main Campus holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. This accreditation is a crucial factor for students who may wish to transfer their credits to another institution or pursue post-graduate studies.

In addition to this institutional accreditation, the University of Virginia-Main Campus also has programmatic accreditation for several of its programs. These include nursing, law, and engineering. The bodies that have granted these accreditations include the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc., the American Bar Association, and ABET.

An interesting fact about the University of Virginia-Main Campus is its Triple-A credit rating. In 2013, it received this rating from all three major credit rating agencies. This makes it one of only two public universities in the United States to hold this accreditation. This high credit rating is an indicator of the university's financial stability and strength.

In conclusion, the University of Virginia-Main Campus holds both institutional and programmatic accreditations, which are important considerations for prospective students. Its Triple-A credit rating further enhances its reputation as a stable and reliable institution.

University of Virginia Rankings

See where this school lands in our other Rankings to get a bigger picture of the institution's offerings.

26 Most Affordable Colleges in 2023-2024

41 Best Colleges in 2023-2024

78 Most Popular Colleges in 2023-2024

92 Best Value Colleges in the South in 2023-2024 US

222 Best Value Colleges in 2023-2024

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Research.com Awards

University of Virginia Profile - Basic Information

Name of the institution

University of Virginia

Level of institution

Four or more years

Granulation by control over the institution (public/private)

Public

School type

University

Setting type

Suburb: Small

Calendar system

Semesters

Foundation year

1819

Institution size category

20,000 and above

Main student body

Coeducational

Institutional Category

Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or above

University of Virginia Programs and Degrees

iconMaster's degree
iconBachelor's degree
iconCertificate of less than 1 year
iconPostbaccalaureate certificate
iconCertificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
iconPost-master's certificate
iconDoctor's degree - research/scholarship
iconDoctor's degree - professional practice
iconOther degree
iconCertificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
iconAssociate's degree
iconDoctor's degree - other

Alumni Salary for University of Virginia Degrees

Degrees

Avg. salary

Architecture and Related Services

$45,865

Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies

$28,296

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

$23,465

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

$76,602

Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs

$38,057

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

$83,639

Engineering

$70,623

English Language and Literature/Letters

$32,559

Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences

$27,272

Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

$35,907

Health Professions and Related Programs

$65,868

History

$38,890

Mathematics and Statistics

$55,804

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

$39,224

Natural Resources and Conservation

$26,595

Philosophy and Religious Studies

$24,609

Physical Sciences

$28,682

Psychology

$29,899

Public Administration and Social Service Professions

$55,708

Social Sciences

$42,285

Visual and Performing Arts

$24,937