
400 Emmet Street South, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA


The University of Virginia holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, which authorizes it to award undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. This regional accreditation is a key indicator of the institution's adherence to rigorous academic standards and quality assurance processes recognized nationally.
Additionally, several professional schools and programs within the university maintain specialized accreditations relevant to their fields, further certifying the quality and credibility of specific educational tracks. These accreditations support the institution's commitment to sustaining excellence across diverse disciplines and offer prospective students confidence in the validity of their degrees.
Admission to University of Virginia is competitive, reflecting its selective nature with an acceptance rate of just 17%, placing it among the most selective institutions nationally. Prospective students must submit a comprehensive secondary school record along with letters of recommendation. Although specific GPA and class rank criteria are not publicly available, applicants must have completed a general educational development credential (GED) if not applying with a traditional high school diploma.
Standardized test scores are not explicitly required, but submission of additional test results is recommended, indicating the university values a holistic review of academic preparedness. English proficiency tests such as TOEFL are not specified as a requirement. The university does not operate under an open admission policy and generally favors in-state residents and children of alumni in its admissions preferences.
Advanced Placement credits are accepted, providing some flexibility for incoming students with college-level coursework completed in high school. However, dual credit and general college credit options prior to enrollment are not available. While computer ownership is not mandatory, leasing options are provided for students without personal devices.
The applicant pool demonstrates very high academic achievement, with the average SAT score around 1440 and an average ACT score of 34, both scores ranking in the top 5% nationally. This reflects the high academic standards expected of applicants aiming to enroll, as evidenced by the admitted and enrolled students' strong standardized test profiles.
The University of Virginia requires an application fee for prospective students submitting their undergraduate applications. This fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with processing applications. However, to support applicants with financial need, the university offers fee waivers under specific circumstances.
Applicants who demonstrate economic hardship may qualify for a waiver, allowing them to submit their applications without the standard fee. These waivers are typically granted through evidence provided in the application process or through recommendations from high school counselors or other authorized personnel. This policy aims to reduce financial barriers and promote access to education for students from diverse economic backgrounds.
University of Virginia hosts a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) branch unit on its campus. This presence allows students interested in military leadership and careers to participate directly in ROTC programs while pursuing their academic studies.
University of Virginia permits transfer applications for the fall and spring terms, offering prospective students two opportunities annually to join the institution. The transfer admission process is highly selective, reflecting the university's reputation for rigorous standards. Transfer applicants can receive credit for previously earned coursework, as the university accepts transfer credits to count towards degree requirements.
The University of Virginia offers a variety of study abroad programs designed to enhance the academic experience of its students by providing global perspectives across numerous disciplines. These programs include faculty-led short-term courses, semester-long exchanges with partner institutions worldwide, and summer sessions that allow students to immerse themselves in different cultures while earning academic credit.
Students have the opportunity to choose from over a hundred programs in more than 40 countries, covering a broad range of fields such as business, language studies, political science, and the humanities. Some programs emphasize experiential learning through internships or research projects, while others focus on coursework that complements degree requirements at the university.
The University of Virginia also facilitates direct enrollment in foreign universities, allowing students to engage fully with local students and communities. This option helps foster language proficiency and cultural competence in authentic settings. Additionally, special programs tailored to first-year students and honors students offer early exposure to international education.
Support services are available to assist prospective participants in planning their study abroad journeys, including academic advising to ensure credits will transfer smoothly toward graduation. Financial aid and scholarships specifically for study abroad may also be accessible, helping to make these opportunities more attainable for a diverse range of students.
Median composite SAT score
1440Median composite ACT score
34Percent of students submitting ACT scores
13.8%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
45.6%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
Data not availableSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
Data not availableOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedPreferential admissions consideration text
state residents, children of alumniOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
NoROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
HardGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring