US University · Ranked #26
University of Virginia: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
University of Virginia, located in Charlottesville, Virginia, is a selective university with an acceptance rate of about 18.6%. Ranked #26 nationally in our dataset, it offers a realistic target for well-prepared applicants: strong-but-not-perfect profiles are regularly admitted, and a thoughtful application can meaningfully move the needle.
UVA, founded by Thomas Jefferson, is a prestigious public university known for its honor system, beautiful Grounds, and strong programs in business and law.
This guide breaks down University of Virginia's selectivity, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
University of Virginia admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 18.6%
- SAT range
- 1340–1510
- Average GPA
- 3.85
- In-state
- $19,814
- Out-of-state
- $55,914
- Enrollment
- 17,011
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Charlottesville, Virginia
How hard is it to get into University of Virginia?
University of Virginia's 18.6% acceptance rate makes it selective but realistically attainable for well-prepared students. Unlike the most elite schools, applicants who clearly meet the academic profile have a solid chance, and a strong application — coherent essays, relevant activities, a clear narrative — can be decisive rather than merely a tiebreaker.
For students at or above the school's academic profile, University of Virginia is a target rather than a reach. A focused, well-edited application can be the difference, so it is worth real effort here.
Academic profile of admitted students
Admitted students at University of Virginia typically score between 1340 and 1510 on the SAT — this is the middle 50% range, so a quarter of enrolled students scored below 1340 and a quarter above 1510. A score at or above 1510 is competitive even at the more selective end of the pool. Alongside test scores, the average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.85 on a 4.0 scale, indicating that successful applicants generally earned mostly A's in a rigorous course load.
As a planning benchmark, aim for an SAT around 1425 or higher and a GPA at or near 3.85. Scores meaningfully below the 25th percentile (1340) are not disqualifying on their own, but they put more weight on the rest of the application to compensate.
University of Virginiaapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Early Action: Nov 1
- • Regular Decision: Jan 5
University of Virginia offers a non-binding Early Action deadline of Nov 1, with Regular Decision closing Jan 5. Early Action lets you submit early and receive a decision sooner without any obligation to enroll, so there is little downside to applying EA if your application is genuinely ready by Nov 1 — a rushed early application is worse than a strong regular one.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Jan 5.
Notable programs at University of Virginia
- Business (McIntire) — often admitted directly into a named school with its own requirements.
- Engineering — typically a more selective track with specific math and science prerequisites.
- Politics — a discipline that pairs well with the school's research and internship networks.
- Economics — one of the most popular majors nationally and a strong feeder to graduate and professional study.
- Computer Science — a perennial high-demand field with competitive secondary admission at many schools.
University of Virginia is particularly known for Business (McIntire), Engineering, Politics, Economics, and Computer Science.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending University of Virginia
As a public institution with separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, University of Virginia costs significantly less for Virginia residents: in-state tuition is about $19,814 per year versus roughly $55,914 for out-of-state students — a difference of around $36,100 annually. If you are not a Virginia resident, factor the higher rate into your list, and check whether the school offers merit scholarships or regional exchange programs that narrow the gap.
Tuition is only part of the cost — add room, board, fees, and personal expenses for a realistic total — but the in-state advantage makes University of Virginia an especially strong value for state residents.
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University of Virginia: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at University of Virginia?
- University of Virginia has an acceptance rate of 18.6%, which makes it selective. For students at or above the school's academic profile, University of Virginia is a target rather than a reach. A focused, well-edited application can be the difference, so it is worth real effort here.
- What SAT score do you need for University of Virginia?
- Admitted students at University of Virginia typically score between 1340 and 1510 on the SAT (the middle 50%). Aiming for 1510 or above makes you competitive, while a score below 1340 puts more weight on the rest of your application.
- What GPA do you need to get into University of Virginia?
- The average GPA of admitted students at University of Virginia is approximately 3.85 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive applicants generally have mostly A's in a rigorous course load; a GPA at or near 3.85 is the practical target.
- What is the application deadline for University of Virginia?
- University of Virginia's application deadlines: Early Action is Nov 1 (non-binding); Regular Decision is Jan 5. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is University of Virginia a public or private university?
- University of Virginia is a public university. In-state students from Virginia pay significantly less than out-of-state students.
- How much does it cost to attend University of Virginia?
- As a public institution with separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, University of Virginia costs significantly less for Virginia residents: in-state tuition is about $19,814 per year versus roughly $55,914 for out-of-state students — a difference of around $36,100 annually. If you are not a Virginia resident, factor the higher rate into your list, and check whether the school offers merit scholarships or regional exchange programs that narrow the gap.