Douglas Olsen
The University of Virginia (UVA) is a highly-rated public research university located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, it has since educated many notable alumni, including 28th President of the United States Woodrow Wilson, 30 governors of U.S. states, and several NASA astronauts. The university has a large student body, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 17,618 students as of Fall 2023. With a competitive admissions rate of 19%, UVA is known for its rigorous academics and challenging yet enjoyable student life.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of University | Public research university |
| Location | Charlottesville, Virginia, United States |
| Year Founded | 1819 |
| Founder | Thomas Jefferson |
| Campus Size | 1,135 acres (central campus) |
| Number of Schools | 12 (including College at Wise in Southwest Virginia) |
| Number of Undergraduate Schools | 8 |
| Number of Professional Schools | 3 |
| Schools | School of Law, Darden School of Business, School of Medicine |
| Total Undergraduate Enrollment | 16,523-17,618 |
| Acceptance Rate | 19% |
| Popular Majors | Liberal Arts and Humanities, Economics, Criminal Justice and Safety Studies |
| Graduation Rate | 95% |
| Average Starting Salary of Alumni | $50,300 |
| Number of Rhodes Scholars | 57 |
| Number of NASA Astronauts and Launch Directors as Alumni | 8 |
| Number of Pulitzer Prize Winners as Alumni | 8 |
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What You'll Learn
- The University of Virginia (UVA) is a large public research university
- It was founded in 1819 and has 16,523+ undergraduate students enrolled
- Competitive admissions with a 19% acceptance rate
- Popular majors include Liberal Arts, Economics, and Criminal Justice
- Notable alumni include 28 US presidents, senators, and members of Congress
The University of Virginia (UVA) is a large public research university
UVA is composed of eight undergraduate and three professional schools: the School of Law, the Darden School of Business, and the School of Medicine. The university also encompasses twelve schools in Charlottesville, as well as the College at Wise in Southwest Virginia. UVA's acceptance rate is 19%, and popular majors include Liberal Arts and Humanities, Economics, and Criminal Justice and Safety Studies.
UVA has a rich history and has produced many notable alumni. Thirty governors of U.S. states, numerous U.S. senators and members of Congress, and eight NASA astronauts and launch directors are UVA alumni. UVA students and alumni have also founded successful companies such as Reddit, Skillshare, VMware, and Space Adventures. The university's athletic teams are called the Cavaliers, and they compete in NCAA Division I.
UVA offers a range of student events and activities that bring the community together and allow for student involvement. One of the largest events is Springfest, hosted by the University Programs Council, which features a free concert, inflatables, and games. Another popular event is Lighting of the Lawn, established in 2001 as a tribute to the September 11 Attacks. The university's academics are rigorous and challenging, and professors are eager to help their students succeed.
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It was founded in 1819 and has 16,523+ undergraduate students enrolled
The University of Virginia (UVA) is a public research university in Charlottesville, Virginia, founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson. It contains his Academical Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where he also designed the original courses of study and the university's architecture. The original governing Board of Visitors included three US presidents: Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe, the latter being the sitting president of the United States at the time of its foundation.
UVA is a highly-rated public university with approximately 16,523 undergraduate students enrolled, with a competitive admissions rate of 19%. The campus size is 1,682 acres, and it offers a wide range of academic programs, including popular majors in liberal arts, humanities, economics, and criminal justice. The university has a rich history and has produced many notable alumni, including thirty governors of US states, numerous US senators and members of Congress, and eight Pulitzer Prize winners.
The university's athletic teams are called the Cavaliers, and they compete in NCAA Division I. UVA also has a strong tradition of student events and community involvement, with popular traditions such as Springfest and Lighting of the Lawn. The university has a unique and distinguished history, with a focus on academic excellence and a commitment to providing a well-rounded education for its large undergraduate population.
UVA has consistently ranked highly among America's best colleges. In its 2025 rankings, UVA was ranked the fourth-best public university in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The university has maintained its position in the top five public universities for 25 years and continues to rank highly among all national universities, both public and private.
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Competitive admissions with a 19% acceptance rate
The University of Virginia (UVA) is a highly selective public research university located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, it has grown into a large institution with a total undergraduate enrollment of about 16,500 to 17,600 students. The university's acceptance rate of 19% speaks to its competitiveness, with applicants needing to meet stringent criteria to secure a place.
UVA's campus spans 1,135 acres and includes eight undergraduate and three professional schools: the School of Law, the Darden School of Business, and the School of Medicine. The university's academic offerings are diverse, with popular majors including Liberal Arts and Humanities, Economics, and Criminal Justice and Safety Studies. The institution also boasts a high graduation rate of 95%, with alumni going on to earn a starting salary of $50,300.
The university has a rich history, with Jefferson envisioning it as an institution "on the most extensive and liberal scale that our circumstances would call for and our faculties meet." This vision has certainly been realised, with UVA consistently ranking among the top public universities in the country. In addition to its academic excellence, UVA also offers a vibrant student life, with numerous events and traditions that foster a strong sense of community.
The university has produced an impressive number of notable alumni, including eight NASA astronauts and launch directors, eight Pulitzer Prize winners, and twenty-eight U.S. governors. The impact of UVA graduates extends beyond their accomplishments, as companies founded by UVA alumni have created 371,000 jobs in the state of Virginia alone. This demonstrates the significant contribution that the university's community has made to the state's economy and development.
With a competitive admissions process and a low acceptance rate, UVA maintains high standards for its student body. Applicants seeking admission to UVA must demonstrate outstanding academic achievements and possess a well-rounded profile to increase their chances of being among the select few who are offered a place at this prestigious university.
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Popular majors include Liberal Arts, Economics, and Criminal Justice
The University of Virginia (UVA) is a highly-rated public university located in Charlottesville, Virginia, encompassing twelve schools in the city and the College of Wise in Southwest Virginia. It is a large institution with an undergraduate enrollment of around 16,500 to 17,600 students and a campus size of 1,682 acres.
UVA offers a wide range of academic programs, and its popular majors include Liberal Arts and Humanities, Economics, and Criminal Justice and Safety Studies. The university also offers interdisciplinary programs such as global studies, which allow students to explore security and justice topics while acquiring valuable data science skills.
Liberal Arts and Humanities at UVA provide a mix of traditional liberal arts and technical skills, including concentrations in neuroscience and education, and the option to double major in data science and another field, such as economics. The university recognises the importance of adapting to the changing job market and emphasises the need for graduates to possess a deep knowledge of liberal arts alongside technical proficiency.
Economics at UVA can be studied as a standalone major or in combination with other fields. The university acknowledges the evolving nature of the economy and the job market, and by offering economics as a popular major, it equips students with skills that are in high demand.
Criminal Justice and Safety Studies is another popular major at UVA, reflecting the university's comprehensive academic offerings and its ability to prepare students for a diverse range of career paths.
With its diverse range of popular majors, UVA ensures that its graduates are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
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Notable alumni include 28 US presidents, senators, and members of Congress
The University of Virginia (UVA) is a highly ranked public institution founded in 1819. It has a large undergraduate enrollment of 17,618 students (as of fall 2023) and a campus size of 1,682 acres. UVA has consistently ranked in the top five public universities in the US and is currently ranked 24th among all national universities.
UVA has a long list of notable alumni, including several US presidents, senators, and members of Congress. Here are some of the most prominent names:
US Presidents
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt Jr. (Law): American lawyer, politician, and businessman. He served as a United States congressman from New York from 1949 to 1955 and was appointed as the United States Under Secretary of Commerce in 1963.
- Alben William Barkley (Law): American lawyer and politician from Kentucky who served as the 35th Vice President of the United States from 1949 to 1953 under President Harry S. Truman.
Senators
- Sheldon Whitehouse (Law): American lawyer and politician serving as the junior United States Senator from Rhode Island since 2007. He previously served as the United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island and as the Attorney General of Rhode Island.
- Angus Stanley King Jr. (Law): American lawyer and politician serving as the junior United States Senator from Maine since 2013.
- Clarence William Nelson II (Law): American politician, attorney, and former astronaut who served as a United States Senator from Florida from 2001 to 2019. He also served as a representative from Florida's Space Coast and was the second sitting member of Congress to fly in space.
- Birch Evans "Evan" Bayh III (Political Science): American politician who served as the Governor of Indiana from 1989 to 1997 and as a United States Senator representing Indiana from 1999 to 2011.
Members of Congress
- Charles Eugene "Chip" Roy (Law): American attorney and politician serving as the US Representative for Texas's 21st Congressional District since 2019. He previously served as Chief of Staff to Senator Ted Cruz and as First Assistant Attorney General of Texas.
- Sean Patrick Maloney (Law): Senior member of the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Budget Committees. He is the first openly gay member of Congress from New York and has achieved victories for veterans and commuter train safety.
- Spanberger (International Relations): A former CIA undercover agent, she serves as a centrist Democrat in a red rural Virginia district. She opposed her party's budget and supported President Trump's impeachment.
- Jackson Lee (Law): She has served her Houston district for over 25 years and called for the creation of a commission to study reparations for African Americans on Juneteenth.
These individuals represent just a fraction of the notable alumni from the University of Virginia who have gone on to shape American politics and government.
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Frequently asked questions
The University of Virginia (UVA) is a large institution with an enrollment of 16,523 undergraduate students. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 17,618 as of Fall 2023.
Admissions at UVA are highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 19%.
UVA is ranked #24 in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges in the category of National Universities. It is also ranked the fourth-best public university in the country by U.S. News & World Report in the same year.
