University of Virginia Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
The University of Virginia is one of the most prestigious public universities in the country—but figuring out how families actually pay for it can be confusing. This guide breaks down tuition, scholarships, and hidden opportunities in plain English, so parents (especially first-gen families) know what to expect. Don’t forget to also check Virginia’s state aid programs alongside UVA’s scholarships.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Virginia (2025–2026)
Here’s what families can expect in sticker price—before scholarships or financial aid.
| Category | In-State (VA) | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (Arts & Sciences, 1st–2nd yr) | $20,046 | $59,906 |
| Room & Board | $15,300 | $15,300 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,520 | $1,520 |
| Personal & Transportation | $4,600 | $4,600 |
| Estimated Total COA | $41,466 | $81,326 |
Note: UVA publishes separate tuition tables by school. Arts & Sciences is shown above (the most common undergrad path). Programs like Engineering, Nursing, Architecture, Data Science, and Public Policy run higher, pushing totals up to ~$95,000 for out-of-state families.
📄 Important: The University of Virginia requires the CSS Profile (in addition to the FAFSA) for institutional aid. This is how UVA awards need-based grants like AccessUVA, which helps meet 100% of demonstrated financial need.
New to the CSS Profile? Read our Plain-English CSS Profile Guide for step-by-step help.
Virginia is part of the South, not the Northeast, and UVA does not participate in WUE, MSEP, or NEBHE. In-state rates are limited to Virginia residents only.
Quick FAQ:
• Who qualifies? Only Virginia domiciliaries (residency review required).
• How much is the difference? Roughly $40,000 more per year for out-of-state families in Arts & Sciences.
• Automatic or application? In-state status requires a residency application and review; no reciprocity or tuition-matching programs are available.
Reality check: For Virginians, UVA is a great value. For out-of-state families, the price is closer to an elite private university—hence why UVA is often called a “Public Ivy.”
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| None | — | N/A | N/A | N/A | UVA does not publish any automatic merit awards. |
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
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Scholarship | Full tuition, fees, room & board, plus enrichment funding | Open to all applicants; nomination by high school required | Yes — nomination + multi-stage selection | Yes — must maintain strong academic standing | Students with ~4.0 GPA, ACT 33–36 (superscore accepted) or SAT 1480–1570, plus state or national-level leadership/service |
| Walentas Scholarship | Full cost of attendance | First-generation college students; strong academics & leadership | Yes — through Jefferson Scholars Foundation | Yes — must remain in good standing | First-gen applicants with ~3.9–4.0 GPA and ACT 30–34 or SAT 1380–1500, plus sustained leadership/service commitments |
Note: GPA and test score ranges are based on past awardees, UVA admissions data, and Jefferson Scholars Foundation reports. They are estimates only; actual cutoffs vary each year depending on the applicant pool.
FAQ
What makes these scholarships competitive?
They involve nominations, essays, recommendations, leadership portfolios, and multiple interview rounds—on top of exceptional academics.
Does UVA accept superscores?
Yes. UVA considers your highest section scores across multiple test dates (ACT and SAT) when reviewing for admission and scholarships.
How many Jefferson Scholarships are awarded?
Around 30 each year, out of 4,000+ nominees from across the U.S. and abroad.
How is the Walentas Scholarship different?
It is reserved for first-generation college students and provides the same full-ride benefits, making it one of the most selective awards in the country.
Can these awards be stacked with need-based aid?
No. Both Jefferson and Walentas cover the full cost of attendance, so additional need-based aid is replaced.
⭐ 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.
🎖️ Honors College / Programs
UVA doesn’t run a single centralized “Honors College.” Instead, it invites a small slice of admits into school-based honors programs—most notably Echols Scholars (Arts & Sciences) and Rodman Scholars (Engineering). These are high-engagement academic communities with meaningful perks rather than automatic tuition discounts.
What a Typical UVA Honors Student Looks Like
- GPA: ~3.9–4.0 (weighted rigor matters)*
- Testing (if submitted): ACT ~32–35 / SAT ~1450–1550* (UVA considers superscores)
- Coursework: AP/IB/dual-credit depth; evidence of intellectual curiosity
- Signalers: sustained leadership, research/creative work, competitions, or impactful service
*Estimates based on past profiles and public admit data; actual thresholds shift by year and applicant pool.
Perks that matter day-to-day
- Priority course registration and small, discussion-driven seminars
- Dedicated advising/mentorship; tailored academic planning
- Honors housing options and a tight-knit peer cohort
- Early access to research/creative opportunities and faculty networks
Programs at a Glance
| Program | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Echols Scholars (Arts & Sciences) | No direct $; academic perks only | Top Arts & Sciences admits; invitation at admission | No — automatic review | Yes — if maintain good standing | Top ~5% of A&S admits; typically 3.9+ GPA, ACT 32+ / SAT 1450+ |
| Rodman Scholars (Engineering) | No direct $; academic perks only | Top Engineering admits; invitation at admission | No — automatic review | Yes — if remain in program & good standing | Top ~5% of Engineering admits; 3.9+ GPA, ACT Math 32+ / SAT Math 720+ |
Note: Honors program profiles are based on past cohorts and public admit data. They are estimates only; selection varies by year and applicant pool.
FAQ
Is admission automatic if I’m a top applicant?
No. Invitations are competitive and determined during holistic admissions review.
Does joining Honors add time to the degree?
No. Honors courses count toward degree progress; the programs enrich, not extend.
Are there extra scholarships tied to Honors?
Not automatically. Honors brings perks and research access, but tuition-reducing awards are competitive and listed in the scholarships section.
Do they accept superscores?
Yes—UVA considers your highest section scores across test dates. Superscoring can strengthen an Honors-level profile.
📎 Official Links
- University of Virginia Homepage
- UVA Echols Scholars Program (Arts & Sciences Honors)
- UVA Scholarships & Financial Aid (Student Financial Services)
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.
Last updated: August 2025