Are you thinking about where to apply for college? If the University of Virginia (UVA) is on your radar, you’ve probably seen its rankings and wondered what they mean. Rankings can be a useful guide, but they don’t tell the whole story. How a school fits your goals, interests, and plans matters.
In this blog, we’ll break down the University of Virginia’s 2025 rankings and what they mean for you. You’ll learn why UVA consistently ranks among the top public universities, what makes it stand out, and how its strong academic reputation can benefit you in college and beyond. You’ll get to decide if UVA is the right fit for you, plus some tips to make your application stand out.
- How Does the University of Virginia Rank Nationally and Globally?
- University of Virginia Application Process
- Other University of Virginia Rankings
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
How Does the University of Virginia Rank Nationally and Globally?
Rankings can look different depending on who’s doing the ranking. Schools like UVA are evaluated based on academics, research, reputation, and more. Here’s how UVA stacks up in three major ranking systems:
U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is one of the most well-known college ranking systems in the U.S. It focuses on factors like graduation rates, faculty resources, and student outcomes. In the 2025 rankings, UVA holds some impressive positions:
| Category | 2025 Rank |
| National Universities | #24 (tied) |
| Top Public Schools | #4 |
| Best Value Schools | #30 |
| Best Colleges for Veterans | #8 |
| Best Undergraduate Teaching | #45 (tied) |
| First-Year Experiences | #50 (tied) |
| Top Performers on Social Mobility | #181 (tied) |
That #4 public school ranking is a big deal! It means you’re getting an Ivy League-level education at a public school price. The Best Value ranking proves that UVA delivers strong academics without overwhelming student debt.
How much does the University of Virginia cost? The school’s tuition varies by school of enrollment. Here’s an example of costs for students in the McIntire School of Commerce:
| Year | Virginia Resident | Out-of-State |
| Second-Year Commerce | ~$41,662 | ~$81,522 – $82,912 |
| Third- & Fourth-Year Commerce | ~$53,802 | ~$94,200 – $95,590 |
As a best value school, though, the University of Virginia offers generous financial aid:
- UVA meets 100% of demonstrated need, so cost shouldn’t hold you back.
- Need-based loans are capped at $4,500/year for Virginians and $7,000/year for out-of-state students.
- Example: A student from a low-income family (~$25K/year) may receive up to $34,986 in grants, with work-study and minimal loans.
In terms of programs, according to U.S. News, the University of Virginia has some of the best ranked programs in the country:
| Program | 2025 Rank |
| Finance | #11 |
| Management | #9 (tie) |
| Marketing | #8 (tie) |
| Economics | #26 (tie) |
| Computer Science | #35 |
| Nursing | #13 (tie) |
| Engineering | #35 (tie) (Undergraduate, doctorate-level schools) |
Times Higher Education
Times Higher Education (THE) examines universities worldwide. Unlike U.S. News, which focuses on American schools, THE ranks colleges based on their global research impact, teaching quality, and international outlook. In 2025, the University of Virginia ranked 163rd in the world with an overall score of 60.9.
Here’s how UVA scores in different categories:
- 87.3 in research quality. UVA has a strong reputation for producing impactful research.
- 85.2 in industry score. This means UVA’s graduates are in demand in the job market.
- 49.3 in teaching. While lower than some top-ranked schools, this still reflects solid academic instruction.
If you’re thinking about studying abroad, working internationally, or just want a degree that stands out worldwide, UVA’s global reputation is something to be proud of. Being ranked among the top 200 universities in the world is a big deal. There are thousands of universities globally, and UVA consistently stands out.
But what makes UVA a global powerhouse? A big part of it comes from its cutting-edge research and academic achievements. UVA is home to groundbreaking medical research, including cancer treatment innovations and neurological discoveries at the UVA Health System.
If you’re into tech, UVA’s School of Engineering and Applied Science is leading the way in cybersecurity, AI, and sustainable energy. And if business is your thing, the Darden School of Business is world-renowned for its entrepreneurship and leadership programs.
QS World University Rankings
The QS World University Rankings evaluate universities based on academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, and research impact. According to QS, the University of Virginia lands at #297 in the world.
Some of UVA’s standout QS scores include:
- 77.9 in employment outcomes. Employers recognize the value of a UVA degree.
- 55.8 in faculty-student ratio. Smaller class sizes mean better interaction with professors.
- 81.6 in international faculty ratio. UVA attracts top professors from around the world.
At the University of Virginia, you’ll actually get to know your professors and have meaningful classroom discussions. With a student-faculty ratio of 14:1, you won’t feel like just another face in the crowd. Almost half of all classes (48%) have fewer than 20 students, so expect plenty of interaction and personal attention.
And you’ll be learning from some of the best. Professors like Larry Sabato, a leading political analyst, and Dr. Vivian Pinn, a trailblazer in medical research, are just a few of the big names teaching at UVA. Whether you’re into politics, medicine, business, or engineering, you’ll be studying under professors who are shaping their fields.
One of UVA’s strengths in this ranking is employment outcomes. You’ll have strong career opportunities when you graduate, no matter if you head straight into the workforce or apply to grad school. UVA graduates typically earn $86,000 per year.
What do these rankings mean for you?
Rankings are helpful, but they aren’t the only thing that matters. What counts is how well a school fits your goals. UVA ranks high in academics, research, and career prospects, making it a great choice if you’re looking for a top-tier education. If you want a school with strong national prestige, UVA shines in U.S. News. If you’re thinking globally, its placement in Times Higher Education and QS shows it’s respected worldwide.
But beyond the numbers, think about what kind of college experience you want. Do you see yourself walking through UVA’s historic campus, participating in student organizations, or cheering on the Cavaliers at a big game? Do you want access to incredible professors and a strong alumni network that can open doors for your future?
A school’s ranking can tell you a lot, but the best way to know if it’s right for you is to imagine yourself there. If UVA checks the boxes for what you’re looking for, it might be the perfect fit.
University of Virginia Application Process
Thinking about applying to the University of Virginia? Great choice! But before you start picturing yourself on the Lawn, let’s go over the application process, deadlines, and some tips to boost your chances of getting in.
Application deadlines
The University of Virginia accepts applications through the Common Application, which means you’ll fill out one application and send it directly to UVA. Here are the key dates you need to know:
| Application Type | Deadline | Decision Notification |
| Early Decision | November 1 | December 15 |
| Early Action | November 1 | February 15 |
| Regular Decision | January 5 | April 1 |
| Spring Transfer | October 1 | November 30 |
| Fall Transfer | March 1 | May 1 |
Things to keep in mind:
- Early Decision is binding, meaning if you’re accepted, you must attend UVA. Only apply ED if UVA is your absolute top choice.
- Early Action is non-binding, so you’ll hear back earlier, but you don’t have to commit right away.
- Regular Decision gives you more time to submit your best application, including your first-semester senior grades.
If you want to change your application type after applying, you must email UVA by November 6.
What do you need to apply?
Here’s what you’ll need to submit with your Common App:
- High school transcript. Your grades matter! UVA looks at your academic performance over all four years.
- School report & counselor recommendation. Your high school counselor will submit these.
- One teacher recommendation. Pick a teacher who knows you well and can speak to your strengths.
- Essays. UVA requires a personal statement as part of the Common Application. Applicants must also respond to UVA-specific short-answer prompts. UVA wants to hear how your background, experiences, or perspective will be a source of strength on campus. There’s also an optional prompt if you have a personal connection to UVA and a specific one for Nursing applicants to share what sparked their interest in healthcare.
- Application fee. If the fee is a barrier, you can request a waiver.
- Standardized test scores (optional). UVA is test-optional, but if you choose to submit scores, they will superscore your SAT/ACT (considering only the highest section scores). To maximize your chances of admission to UVA, aim for a 1510 on the SAT or a 34 on the ACT, as these are the 75th percentile scores. Scoring at this level puts you among the top applicants and strengthens your competitiveness.
- Arts portfolio (optional). Are you a musician, artist, dancer, or actor? You can submit an arts portfolio through Slideroom if you want your talent to be considered during admission. This is optional but can give your application an extra edge.
Choosing your school at UVA
When you apply, you’ll select which undergraduate school you want to enter. Options include:
- College of Arts & Sciences
- School of Engineering
- School of Architecture
- School of Nursing
- Kinesiology (School of Education & Human Development)
If you’re interested in business (McIntire School of Commerce), public policy (Batten School), or data science, you’ll apply to the College of Arts & Sciences first and then transfer later.
Other University of Virginia Rankings
So, you’re wondering how the University of Virginia ranks beyond academics? Here you go:
A powerhouse in college sports
If you’re into sports, the University of Virginia is a major player. The Cavaliers are part of the ACC, one of the most competitive college athletic conferences. The men’s basketball team won the 2019 NCAA National Championship. If you’re dreaming of cheering in packed stadiums or even playing at the college level, UVA’s sports scene is top-tier.
Center of free speech
In 2024, the University of Virginia snagged the #1 spot in the national College Free Speech Rankings by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). This ranking shows how committed UVA is to free expression, respectful debate, and creating a space where students can share their thoughts without worrying about censorship.
The university has policies in place to support academic freedom and open discussions, even on tricky or controversial topics. This focus on free speech helps keep the campus intellectually lively and prepares students to think critically and engage in meaningful conversations.
Best college town vibes
Charlottesville has been ranked among the top 10 best college towns in America thanks to its mix of history, food, music, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re grabbing a bite on the historic Downtown Mall, catching a concert at John Paul Jones Arena, or hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, there’s never a dull moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the University of Virginia one of the top public universities?
Yes! UVA is consistently ranked among the best public universities in the country. It’s currently ranked #4 among public schools by U.S. News & World Report, which means you’re getting a top-tier education at a public school price. UVA competes with Ivy League schools—without the sky-high tuition—with strong academics, well-respected programs, and a great student experience.
2. Do employers care about University of Virginia’s ranking?
Absolutely. UVA graduates are in high demand, and many top companies actively recruit students from UVA. The school’s strong rankings in employment outcomes show that a degree from here carries serious weight. Whatever your path, business, tech, healthcare, or law, UVA’s reputation and alumni network can help open doors for your career.
3. How does UVA compare to Ivy League schools?
Even though UVA isn’t in the Ivy League, it competes with those schools in academics, job placement, and student experience. Programs like the McIntire School of Commerce and the School of Law are nationally ranked, and UVA grads land jobs at companies like Google, JPMorgan, and Microsoft. Plus, in-state tuition makes UVA way more affordable than private Ivy League schools.
4. What do global rankings say about UVA?
UVA ranks among the top 200 universities in the world, according to Times Higher Education, and is respected internationally for its research, teaching, and career outcomes. If you ever want to study abroad, work overseas, or apply to grad school internationally, a UVA degree will be recognized and valued worldwide.
5. Should I care about rankings when choosing a college?
Rankings can be helpful, but they’re not everything. What matters is finding a school that fits your goals, interests, and lifestyle. UVA offers strong academics, great career opportunities, and an amazing campus experience. If that sounds like what you’re looking for, rankings confirm you’re making a solid choice!
Takeaways
- The University of Virginia ranks #4 among public universities and #24 nationally. It offers top-tier academics at a competitive cost.
- Globally, UVA ranks #163 (THE) and #297 (QS), highlighting its research impact and international reputation.
- Admission is competitive. Strong academics, essays, and recommendations are key.
- Rankings are important, but what matters is if UVA aligns with your goals. Picture yourself there and decide if it’s the right place for you.
- If you want to boost your chances of getting into UVA, AdmissionSight’s Private Consulting Program can help you craft a standout application with expert guidance on essays, extracurriculars, and interview prep.
