Ibrahim Gardner
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 30 governors of U.S. states, numerous U.S. senators, members of Congress, and eight NASA astronauts. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its rigorous academics and challenging yet enjoyable student life. In terms of student enrollment, the University of Virginia is a large institution, with varying reports of undergraduate enrollment numbers ranging from 16,523 to 17,618 students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | 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 in Charlottesville, 1 in Southwest Virginia |
| Number of undergraduate schools | 8 |
| Number of professional schools | 3 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 16,523-17,618 |
| Acceptance rate | 19% |
| Popular majors | Liberal Arts and Humanities, Economics, Criminal Justice and Safety Studies |
| Starting salary of alumni | $50,300 |
| Number of Rhodes Scholars | 57 |
| Number of NASA astronauts and launch directors who are alumni | 8 |
| Number of alumni who have won the Pulitzer Prize | 8 |
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What You'll Learn
- The University of Virginia had 17,618 undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2023
- The University has a low acceptance rate of 19%
- The University of Virginia has twelve schools in Charlottesville and one in Southwest Virginia
- Rhodes Scholars have attended the University of Virginia
- The University's athletic teams are called the Cavaliers
The University of Virginia had 17,618 undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2023
The University of Virginia (UVA) is a public research university located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, it is ranked as the fourth-best public university in the country by U.S. News & World Report for 2025. The University of Virginia had 17,618 undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2023, making it a large institution. The campus size is 1,682 acres, and it offers a wide range of undergraduate and professional programs across its twelve schools in Charlottesville and the College at Wise in Southwest Virginia.
UVA is known for its rigorous academics and challenging yet enjoyable curriculum. With an acceptance rate of 19%, admissions are highly competitive. Popular majors include Liberal Arts and Humanities, Economics, and Criminal Justice and Safety Studies. The university also boasts a high graduation rate of 95%, and its alumni have gone on to achieve notable success, founding companies such as Reddit, Skillshare, VMware, and Space Adventures.
The University of Virginia has a rich history of student traditions and events that bring the community together. One of the largest events is Springfest, hosted by the University Programs Council, which features a free concert, inflatables, and games. Another beloved tradition is the Lighting of the Lawn, established in 2001 as a tribute to the September 11 Attacks, consisting of a light and music show. The university's athletic teams, known as the Cavaliers, compete in NCAA Division I, providing a source of school spirit and pride.
UVA also has a strong reputation in research and patient care through its renowned academic medical center, the University of Virginia Health System. The Medical Center and its physicians are recognized for their excellence, and the Health System is committed to providing outstanding patient care, educating future healthcare leaders, and advancing treatment methods through research. The University of Virginia continues to attract talented students from within Virginia and across the nation, offering a well-rounded academic experience and a vibrant campus life.
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The University has a low acceptance rate of 19%
The University of Virginia (UVA) is a highly selective public research university located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, the university has a rich history and an impressive list of notable alumni. With a total undergraduate enrollment of around 16,500 to 17,600 students, UVA is a large institution that offers a wide range of academic programs and extracurricular activities.
UVA's acceptance rate of 19% reflects its competitiveness and selectivity in admissions. This low acceptance rate indicates that the university receives a high volume of applications and maintains rigorous standards for admitting new students. The university's reputation for academic excellence and its ranking as one of the best public universities in the country contribute to its attractiveness for prospective students.
The admissions process at UVA is holistic, taking into account various factors beyond just academic performance. While strong grades and test scores are important, UVA also considers extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, essays, and other components of a well-rounded application. This comprehensive evaluation process allows the admissions committee to select a diverse and talented cohort of students each year.
UVA's low acceptance rate can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the university's academic reputation and prestigious standing attract a large pool of highly qualified applicants. The university's comprehensive academic programs, renowned faculty, and state-of-the-art research facilities also contribute to its appeal. Additionally, UVA's location in Charlottesville, with its vibrant culture and rich historical significance, makes it a desirable choice for many students.
Maintaining a low acceptance rate allows UVA to foster a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment for its students. The university is committed to providing a world-class education and offering a diverse range of opportunities for academic enrichment and personal growth. The rigorous admissions process ensures that the incoming class is well-prepared to contribute to and benefit from the UVA community.
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The University of Virginia has twelve schools in Charlottesville and one in Southwest Virginia
The University of Virginia is a public research university in Charlottesville, Virginia, founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 17,618 students as of Fall 2023. The campus size is 1,682 acres, though another source states that the university's central campus is 1,135 acres.
The University of Virginia has a rich history. It was founded by Thomas Jefferson, and its first governing Board of Visitors included three US presidents: Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe. The university's first classes began on 7 March 1825. UVA was originally segregated, with its main campus in Charlottesville being near-exclusively for men, and Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg being a branch campus exclusively for women. However, following a civil rights lawsuit in the 1960s, the Charlottesville campus became fully co-educational in 1970.
The University of Virginia has consistently ranked highly among America's best colleges. In 2025, it was ranked the fourth-best public university in the country by U.S. News & World Report. In the 25 years that U.S. News has been ranking public universities as a separate category, UVA has always ranked in the top five. It also ranked 24th in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges in the category of National Universities.
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57 Rhodes Scholars have attended the University of Virginia
The University of Virginia (UVA) is a prestigious public institution founded in 1819. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 17,618 students as of Fall 2023. UVA has consistently ranked among the top National Universities in the country.
UVA has produced several notable alumni, including 57 Rhodes Scholars. The Rhodes Scholarship is a prestigious award that provides selected students with the opportunity to study at the University of Oxford. Established in 1902, the scholarship has a rich history of recognising exceptional individuals who have demonstrated academic excellence and possess a strong character.
UVA's Rhodes Scholars have gone on to achieve remarkable things in their respective fields. For example, Barbara Ann Harmon-Schamberger, the first woman from West Virginia University to receive a Rhodes Scholarship, studied at St. Catherine's College, Oxford, and pursued a successful academic career. Similarly, Brian A. Glasser, a 1987 Rhodes Scholar, obtained a B.A. in politics, philosophy, and economics from Oxford before earning a J.D. cum laude from Harvard University.
The University of Virginia's strong showing in producing Rhodes Scholars reflects its commitment to academic excellence and student development. The university's focus on fostering intellectual curiosity and critical thinking skills has evidently prepared its students well for prestigious scholarship opportunities and future endeavours.
UVA's ranking as one of the top public universities in the country, combined with its impressive roster of Rhodes Scholars, underscores its reputation as an esteemed institution that nurtures the academic growth and success of its students. The university's academic programmes, faculty, and resources have proven effective in preparing students for prestigious scholarships and a range of professional paths.
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The University's athletic teams are called the Cavaliers
The University of Virginia, located in Charlottesville, encompasses twelve schools, as well as the College of Wise in Southwest Virginia. It is a public institution founded in 1819 with a total undergraduate enrolment of 17,618 students as of Fall 2023. The University of Virginia's athletic teams are called the Cavaliers, also known as Wahoos or Hoos. The name is a reference to the historical Virginia Cavaliers, Royalists of the English Civil War, who are said to have fled to the Colony of Virginia for protection. The Cavaliers compete at the NCAA Division I level (FBS for football) and have had several notable achievements. They have won the Capital One Cup for men's sports twice, in 2015 and 2019, and have placed among the nation's Top 5 athletics programs.
The Cavalier mascot, also known as the Cav Man, represents a mounted swordsman with crossed swords or sabres in the official logo. The mascot is dressed in an orange and navy cloak and plumed hat, reflecting the school colours adopted in 1888. The colours were chosen after a mass meeting where a student, Allen Potts, wore a navy blue and orange scarf acquired during a summer rowing expedition at the University of Oxford. The Cavalier song, selected through a contest held in 1923, is the University's fight song, played during sporting events. The mascot performs with the UVA cheerleaders at football and basketball games and other athletic events, and is selected from the student body through open tryouts.
The University of Virginia's football program is based at Scott Stadium, located across from the first-year dorms along Alderman Road. The press box at the stadium was donated by an alumnus in honour of Norton G. Pritchett, the athletic director at UVA from 1934 until his death in 1950. The Cavaliers have had notable success in football, leading the ACC with 23 NCAA Championships in men's sports, including the NCAA tournament championship in 2019. The men's basketball team has also achieved significant success, winning the NCAA Championship in 1938 and the ACC tournament in 1976, 2014, and 2018. The University's boxing team also had a successful run, going undefeated for six years from 1932 to 1937.
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Frequently asked questions
As of Fall 2023, there are 17,618 undergraduate students enrolled at the University of Virginia.
The University of Virginia has a beautiful campus with friendly people and rigorous academics. There are plenty of student events that bring the community together and a wide range of clubs and activities to join.
Alumni of the University of Virginia have founded notable companies such as Reddit, Skillshare, VMware, and Space Adventures. Eight NASA astronauts and launch directors are also UVA alumni. Additionally, eight UVA alumni have been awarded the Pulitzer Prize.
The acceptance rate for the University of Virginia is competitive at 19%.
