University of Virginia Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on May 31, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~19%
- Middle 50% ACT: 33
- Middle 50% SAT: 1470
- Average GPA: 4.2
🧭 Quick Admissions Strategy (based on where your student falls)
- Below the typical ranges: UVA is a high reach. Focus on building a balanced list with true safeties that offer guaranteed merit—this is not the place to rely on affordability.
- In the typical ranges: Still a reach for most students. Strong essays, leadership, and course rigor matter just as much as stats. Apply early and make sure the rest of your list includes financial fits.
- Well above the ranges: Even top students are not guaranteed admission or scholarships. Treat UVA as a prestige play, not a financial one—compare it carefully against schools offering automatic or predictable merit.
Comparing multiple schools?
Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of Virginia at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (University Achievement Award (UAA) & Jefferson Scholarship)
Average Net Price
$17,931/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
Check college site
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
10 opportunities
2 competitive · 8 hidden gem
Merit Evaluation
Holistic Review / Varies
Merit depends on profile rigor.
Testing Policy
Test-required
No superscore.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 1 • FAFSA: Mar 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
University Achievement Award (UAA) & Jefferson Scholarship
Honors College
Honors Program Available
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at University of Virginia (Read This First)
- There are no automatic merit scholarships—all major awards (like Jefferson) are highly competitive and require nomination.
- SAT/ACT scores are required again, which can impact both admission chances and competitiveness for top scholarships.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? No — University of Virginia is test-required.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 33; SAT: 1470.
Average net price? About $17,931/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in none.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Virginia 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$21,803 |
$59,512 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$14,800 |
$14,800 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$36,603 |
$74,312 |
Average Federal Net Price: $17,931 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
📄 Important: UVA requires both the
CSS Profile and the FAFSA for institutional aid consideration.
UVA’s AccessUVA program meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students.
New to the CSS Profile? Check our Plain-English CSS Profile Guide for step-by-step help.
🌎 Residency & Waivers
UVA does not participate in regional reciprocity programs (WUE, MSEP, or NEBHE).
Only verified Virginia residents receive in-state tuition. Out-of-state students pay the standard rate shown above.
Sources: UVA Student Financial Services — Cost of Attendance (2024–25); Niche; College Scorecard/IPEDS.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Unlike many large public universities, UVA does not offer guaranteed or admission-based automatic merit scholarships. Most awards are competitive, require extra applications, or are need-based.
This institution does not offer designated Automatic Merit scholarships at this time.
Note: Because UVA does not provide GPA- or test score–based automatic scholarships, all merit aid is determined through competitive programs (see next section).
FAQ
Do I need to apply separately for automatic scholarships at UVA?
No. UVA does not offer automatic scholarships tied to GPA/test bands. All merit awards require a separate process.
Are test scores considered for UVA aid?
Test scores are part of competitive scholarship review but not for any automatic merit awards, since UVA does not offer auto-merit.
Can automatic merit be stacked with need-based aid?
Not applicable here, since UVA’s awards are competitive or need-based. Students may receive need-based grants, but merit is not guaranteed.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
UVA’s most prestigious merit awards are run through the independent Jefferson Scholars Foundation. These provide a full ride, cover enrichment experiences, and require nomination, robust application materials, and multiple rounds of interviews.
Full RideApp Required
Jefferson Scholarship
📅 Deadline: December 1 · 📢 Results: Regional status communicated before end of January; final selection in late February
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
full cost of attendance (tuition, room, board, books, misc) plus enrichment
✘ Not stackable
👥 ~30-40 winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cannot stack with other UVA institutional merit awards — this scholarship effectively replaces them. The enrichment funding is in addition to the cost-of-attendance coverage.
📄
How to Apply
School nominates one student via the Jefferson Scholars Foundation portal; counselor submits one letter of recommendation, transcript, and school profile; nominee submits a personal statement, leadership essay, activities, and awards; regional committee reviews materials and extends interview invitations (January, in-person or virtual); finalists advance to final virtual interviews in late February
Selection criteria: Leadership ability, scholarship ability, and responsible citizenship — evaluated through essays, extracurricular record, recommendation, and interviews
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Nomination-only full-ride plus enrichment, administered independently by the Jefferson Scholars Foundation (not UVA Admissions). Virginia residents receive $42,000+ per year; out-of-state students receive $83,000+ per year. The enrichment package includes international travel, career development, a speaker series, and access to the JSF alumni network.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Roughly 30–40 scholars selected nationally each year from a pool of over 3,000 nominees. Winners are exceptional all-around students — the kind who lead meaningfully, serve their communities, and think independently. GPA minimums and test scores are not part of the selection criteria.
Full RideApp Requiredidentity_basedpipelinegeographic
Walentas Scholarship
📅 Deadline: December 1 · 📢 Results: Regional status communicated before end of January; final selection in late February
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
full cost of attendance (tuition, room, board, books, misc) plus enrichment
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Nomination‑only full‑ride for first‑generation students from designated regions (Virginia plus selected cities like NYC, Rochester, Baltimore, St. Louis), covering full cost of attendance and enrichment at UVA
👥 ~~10 winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cannot stack with other UVA institutional merit awards — this scholarship effectively replaces them. The enrichment funding is in addition to the cost-of-attendance coverage.
📄
How to Apply
School nominates one first-generation student via the Jefferson Scholars Foundation portal (available in 20 eligible regions); counselor submits one letter of recommendation, transcript, and school profile; nominee submits a personal statement, leadership essay, activities, and awards; regional committee reviews materials and extends interview invitations (January, in-person or virtual); finalists advance to final virtual interviews in late February
Selection criteria: Leadership ability, scholarship ability, and responsible citizenship — evaluated through essays, extracurricular record, recommendation, and interviews; first-generation status required
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Nomination-only full-ride for first-generation students, administered independently by the Jefferson Scholars Foundation. Virginia residents receive $42,000+ per year; out-of-state students receive $83,000+ per year. Walentas Scholars also participate in a Scholar Summit before their first year at UVA to ease the transition and build community. The enrichment package mirrors the Jefferson Scholarship.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Roughly 10 scholars selected per year from eligible first-generation nominees across 20 designated regions. These are students who have never had a parent earn a bachelor's degree — and who demonstrate exceptional leadership, scholarship, and citizenship in that context. GPA minimums and test scores are not part of the selection criteria.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Note: The GPA and test band data are based on profiles from the Jefferson Scholars Foundation and published applicant data. Actual selection is holistic and varies yearly.
FAQ
What makes these scholarships competitive?
Nomination, essays, recommendations, portfolios, and multi-stage interviews—plus national/state leadership and top academics—ensure each selected winner truly stands out.
Does UVA accept superscores for these?
Yes—both ACT and SAT are reviewed with highest section scores for these awards.
How many are awarded?
About 30 Jefferson and 10 Walentas full-ride awards per year, from over 4,000+ national nominees.
Can these awards be stacked with other aid?
No—they replace need-based aid; total award matches cost of attendance.
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
These are not‑so‑obvious UVA opportunities that can meaningfully lower costs or pay you to learn — including need‑based donor funds, ROTC, research stipends, band merit, and global experience grants. Many are stackable with need‑based aid.
Full TuitionAutomaticgeographicidentity_basedneed_based
University Achievement Award (UAA)
📅 Deadline: Jan 1 (Common App)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
full in-state tuition and fees
✔ Stackable
⚠ Automatic consideration for VA residents who meet at least two of six factors: first-gen, underrepresented minority, low-income, rural/inner-city residency, single-parent household, or history of overcoming adversity
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with many need-based and donor funds
💡
Strategic Detail
Usually covers four years in-state tuition
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top Virginia achievers, often first-gen/URM
Automatic
Blue Ridge Scholars
📅 Deadline: Feb 15 (FAFSA preferred)
✓ Renews
$1,000–$7,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with other aid, up to cost of attendance
💡
Strategic Detail
Need-based, amounts vary
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: High-need admits with academic promise
Full RideApp Required
Ridley Scholarship Program
📅 Deadline: Jan–Feb (varies by Ridley award)
✓ Renews
Full Ride
grant (partial to full COA)
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with other non-major aid, up to COA
📄
How to Apply
Ridley application (with essay/interview); leadership/service focus
Selection criteria: Leadership, service, essay
✎ Essays🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
Varies; includes multiple Ridley awards
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top Black/African-American admits; service/leadership
Full TuitionApp Required
Army ROTC — Cavalier Battalion
📅 Deadline: Oct–Dec national; rolling for campus
✓ Renews
Full Tuition
full tuition + stipend + books
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable per ROTC rules/up to COA
📄
How to Apply
ROTC application + interview; meet all standards
Selection criteria: ROTC standards
🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
Covers tuition, stipend, books; ROTC programs
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Qualified cadets with fitness, grades, leadership
App Required
USOAR Research Program
📅 Deadline: June (priority)
Non-Renewable
Holistic / Status Based
📄
How to Apply
USOAR application; must have federal work-study award; no prior research experience
Selection criteria: Work-study eligibility and project
💡
Strategic Detail
Hourly wages; first/second-years; increases involvement in academic research
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Work-study eligible first/second-years new to research
App Required⚠ Sophomore Only
Harrison Undergraduate Research Award
📅 Deadline: Feb 15
Non-Renewable
🎓 Sophomore
📄
How to Apply
Proposal and mentor letter required
Selection criteria: Proposal merit
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Only one award per student; sophomores/juniors preferred
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with faculty-mentored, feasible research project
App Required⚠ Junior Only
Raven Society Fellowships
📅 Deadline: March 1
Non-Renewable
🎓 Junior
📄
How to Apply
Nomination/application by faculty or peers
Selection criteria: Merit, leadership
💡
Strategic Detail
Prestige, one-time
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Meritorious juniors/seniors showing leadership
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Cavalier Band Denison Memorial Audition Awards
📅 Deadline: Spring (music office)
✓ Renews
$500–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Some renewable for leadership roles
💡
Strategic Detail
Music and service awards, varies year to year
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Active band members with service/leadership
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Education Abroad ISO Walker Dept Grants
📅 Deadline: March 1 (most awards)
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
📄
How to Apply
Apply via study abroad office; need/project fit
Selection criteria: Need, project fit
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Typical grants for travel, program, department
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Enrolled students with strong abroad plans/need
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*Amounts and dates reflect typical annual cycles; always check individual program deadlines and availability for your entry year.
FAQ
- Can these stack with need‑based aid? Most can; they usually reduce loans/work-study or unmet need first. ROTC and ensemble awards are sometimes treated as resources.
- Do you need to apply separately? Some are automatic (UAA, Blue Ridge); most (like Ridley, Harrison, research, band/ensemble, and study abroad) require a short application, proposal, audition, or nomination.
- How competitive are these? Many are selective but less so than Jefferson; a well-prepared application, essay, or demonstrated involvement significantly increases chances.
🎖️ Honors College / Programs
UVA doesn’t have a central “Honors College.” Instead, it invites a select group into high-engagement school-based programs—most notably Echols Scholars (Arts & Sciences) and Rodman Scholars (Engineering). These offer robust academic and career advantages, but do not provide automatic extra scholarships.
What a Typical UVA Honors Student Looks Like
- GPA: ~3.9–4.0 (rigorous coursework is key)*
- Testing (if submitted): ACT ~32–35 / SAT ~1450–1550* (superscore accepted)
- Coursework: Major depth in AP/IB or dual enrollment; intellectual engagement
- Signalers: Notable leadership, research/competition, or creative achievements
*Estimate based on past years; no fixed published cutoff.
Perks that matter day-to-day
- Priority registration and seminar courses
- Dedicated advisors and personal mentorship
- Honors/LLC housing with peer cohort
- Early access to research, faculty networks, and fellowships
Programs at a Glance
This institution does not offer designated Honors College scholarships at this time.
Note: These are academic perks programs only—there’s no financial award tied directly to Honors, but access to research funding, study abroad, and special advising is strong.
FAQ
Is admission automatic if I’m a top applicant?
No, it’s competitive within each school and varies year by year.
Will Honors delay graduation?
No. All program credits count toward your degree; Honors is integrated, not an add-on.
Are there specific scholarships only for Honors?
No—these programs don’t come with direct scholarships, but often boost chances for major research, travel, or thesis awards down the road.
Do they accept superscores?
Yes—your highest section results count both for regular and Honors review.
⭐ College Specialty
Founded by Thomas Jefferson, UVA has long branded itself as a “Public Ivy” — a public university with Ivy-level academics and prestige. Today it stands as a top-tier R1 Research University, known nationally for business, law, education, and public policy, while keeping strong roots in the liberal arts tradition.
McIntire School of Commerce — Ranked among the top 5 undergraduate business schools nationally (Poets&Quants, 2023)
Why it matters: McIntire grads land jobs with Big Four firms, Wall Street banks, and tech leaders. Its integrated core and alumni pipeline make it UVA’s most sought-after degree outside of Law.
- School of Law — Consistently ranked Top 5 nationally (U.S. News, 2024); renowned for producing judges, clerks, and policymakers.
- Curry School of Education — Ranked Top 10 nationally in Special Education and Curriculum & Instruction (U.S. News, 2024).
- Darden School of Business — A Top 10 MBA program (U.S. News, 2024), famous for its case-method teaching and global focus.
- Batten School of Leadership & Public Policy — Strong in public affairs, placing grads in think tanks, nonprofits, and federal agencies.
- Engineering & Applied Science — Recognized for biomedical and civil engineering research, with close ties to Mid-Atlantic industry and federal labs.
Final Thoughts
UVA is one of those schools where the story really depends on where you’re from. For Virginia families, it’s a nationally ranked bargain—world-class programs at an in-state rate. For out-of-state families, the price tag is closer to an elite private, unless your student lands the Jefferson or Walentas scholarships. Either way, knowing the true costs and opportunities up front makes it easier to decide if UVA belongs on your list.
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