In 1819, Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia and inaugurated a bold experiment – a public university designed to advance human knowledge, educate leaders and cultivate an informed citizenry.
Two centuries later, Jefferson’s vision thrives. Across Grounds - and throughout the world - UVA students, faculty, staff and alumni challenge convention, break barriers and pursue the greater good.
A Leader in Public Higher Education
The University of Virginia is an iconic public institution of higher education, boasting nationally ranked schools and programs, distinguished faculty, a major academic medical center and proud history as a renowned research university. The community and culture of the University are enriched by active student self-governance, sustained commitment to the arts and a robust NCAA Division 1 Athletics program.
Rankings and Achievements
In its third century, the University of Virginia offers an affordable, world-class education that is consistently ranked among the nation’s best.
2018 U.S. News & World Report
2017 Kiplinger’s Personal Finance
2017 U.S. News & World Report
A Strong Foundation for the Future
The University integrates several tenets and resources vital to its role as one of the world’s leading institutions of higher learning.
Student Experience
UVA students learn in an environment of honor, self-governance, diversity, affordability, service, and classical architecture. They emerge as intellectually curious leaders who conduct themselves with integrity. More >
Global Influence
Among the top 25 U.S. campuses for students studying abroad, UVA makes global cultures and issues central to its curriculum. We have several global research centers and a worldwide presence, partnering with international universities and governments to educate students and solve societal challenges. More >
UVA Health
The University’s medical center represents one half of our total annual budget and leads UVA forward in many research areas. We are currently entering into arrangements with other medical service providers to intensify our focus on the most acute care patients and further develop our research and clinical capabilities. More >
Financial Strength
The University of Virginia heads into its third century with a strong financial foundation. This includes an endowment of approximately $7.6 billion that yields $190 million in annual endowment contributions. In addition, the University's Strategic Investment Fund provides an additional $100 million annually for research and other strategic investments. More >
Board of Visitors
The Board of Visitors fully supports ninth president, James E. Ryan, in his leadership of the University in its third century. Working to attain shared ambitions that advance UVA, the Board cultivates a robust relationship with the President and ensures successful partnership. More >
Leadership Team
The University has attracted a vibrant and capable new leadership team possessing enormous talent, energy and creativity. These leaders are united in their efforts to sustain and further advance the University’s highest aspirations as one of the world’s truly remarkable institutions of higher learning. More >
Key Initiatives
Research Portfolio Growth
UVA researchers focus on intellectual and societal challenges that impact the greater good, creating new knowledge that moves the world forward. As part of this pursuit, the University is committed to increasing its research portfolio by more than $500 million annually over the next seven years. One example: the medical center's NIH funding surged from $101MM to $126MM in 2016. More >
Affordability and Access
UVA provides a world-class education to talented students who meet our rigorous standards. Through our financial aid model, we accept students solely on academic merit; cover 100% of financial need; and limit debt. One of two public universities using this approach, we offer robust student scholarship support while protecting against excessive student debt – because we believe a world-class education should be affordable to all. More >
Economic Impact
UVA serves as a powerful engine for the Commonwealth, either directly or indirectly supporting one in every 76 jobs in the state and generating nearly $6 billion in annual economic impact. The University generates hundreds of millions in tax revenue for local governments, and its faculty, staff and students contribute thousands of volunteer hours to local charities. More >
Cross-University Collaboration
The University was established as an Academical Village where expertise would freely pass between disciplines. Collaboration among all disciplines, schools, centers and campuses remains a central priority. More >
Faculty Recruitment
Like many universities, UVA is experiencing generational turnover of faculty. With accomplished professors – many of whom solidified UVA’s academic prestige – nearing retirement, UVA dedicates significant effort to recruiting a diverse new generation of scholars. More >
Transformative Investments
Established in 2016, the Strategic Investment Fund supports initiatives that have the potential to transform a critical area of knowledge or operation within the University. Parsed into four areas of focus, it funds research, research infrastructure, academic experience and access and affordability. More >
Off Grounds & On the Job
See how four young alumni are using the knowledge they gained at UVA to navigate their early careers and make an impact in medicine, media, engineering and research. More >
Pioneering Achievements
Across grounds – and the world – members of the UVA community are advancing knowledge. Meet a few of the many who are making the world a better place. More >
UVA in Numbers
1,149 acres. 24,360 students. And 15,000 bagels. These are just a few of the numbers that make up the University of Virginia. More >
Welcome to UVA
Inspired by limitless possibility, UVA students push themselves – and those around them – to be the very best they can be.
01.16.18
Unafraid to Ask More: Apogee
UVA astronomers are breaking barriers, forging the future and challenging what we know about our Galaxy – and ourselves. Watch >
05.30.18
Explore Charlottesville
If you’ve been here, you know: Charlottesville is more than a spot on the map. It’s home. Check out our tribute and explore the very best of this vibrant community. Watch >
05.09.18
UVA's 2017-2018 Year in Review
We celebrated our 200th birthday, announced a new president and welcomed our third century. Take a look back at the extraordinary moments that shaped the 2017-18 academic year. Watch >
UVA Presidents
As its ninth president, James Ryan will help lead the University into its third century and will have the opportunity to frame the special role of public institutions of higher education in the nation.
