University of Virginia Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on September 18, 2026- 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
UVA doesn’t hand out automatic merit money for grades or test scores. What it does instead is promise to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for every eligible undergraduate, whether you live in Virginia or not. For Virginia families earning $100,000 or less with under $100,000 in assets (your home and retirement accounts don’t count), grants cover tuition and fees. The big merit awards, like the Jefferson Scholarship, come through nominations and separate applications, not a checkbox on the admission form.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of Virginia at a Glance
- There is no merit grid. A 4.0 and a perfect SAT don’t trigger a scholarship here. Money comes from need-based aid, nominations, and a handful of separate applications.
- Applying early unlocks money doors. Ridley Scholarships are only open to students admitted Early Decision or Early Action, and UVA’s admission office reviews early applicants to recommend Jefferson Scholarship nominees. Both early deadlines are November 1, and Early Decision is binding.
- Your student can’t apply for the Jefferson Scholarship. The high school nominates, and materials are due December 1. Talk to the counselor in early fall of senior year, not in November.
- March 1 is a yearly deadline, not a one-time one. Families must file the FAFSA and CSS Profile by March 1 every year to keep UVA’s tuition and fee promise for Virginians. Miss it and that year’s commitment is off the table.
- Tuition depends on school and year. Engineering costs about $11,000 more a year in tuition than the College, and College tuition jumps again in the third year. Budget for all four years, not just freshman year.
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/year after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — participates in none.
Jefferson Scholars Foundation – Overview of Jefferson and Walentas Scholarships: https://www.jeffersonscholars.org/overview-jefferson-and-walentas-scholarships
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Virginia 2026-2027
📅 2027–2028 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2026–2027). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2027–2028 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.
UVA doesn’t charge one tuition rate. The table above uses the College of Arts & Sciences rate for first- and second-years, which is where most freshmen start. Here’s how 2026-27 tuition (before fees) shifts by program:
| Program (2026-27 tuition only) | Virginia | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| College of Arts & Sciences, years 1-2 | $16,843 | $57,432 |
| College of Arts & Sciences, years 3-4 | $20,046 | $60,656 |
| Architecture (all years) | $18,074 | $58,717 |
| Nursing (all years) | $21,671 | $62,425 |
| Engineering (all years) | $27,907 | $68,948 |
| Batten (public policy) and Data Science, years 3-4 | $29,356 | $70,465 |
Add mandatory fees of $3,932 (Virginia) or $4,614 (out-of-state). Freshmen can only enter through the College, Engineering, Nursing, or Architecture. Students headed for McIntire (commerce), Batten, or Data Science start in the College and move over later, and McIntire adds its own differential tuition.
- Virginia family income $50,000 or less (assets under $100,000): grants cover tuition, fees, housing, and food.
- $100,000 or less (assets under $100,000): grants cover tuition and fees.
- $150,000 or less (assets under $150,000): at least a $2,000 Cornerstone grant every year.
Assets don’t include your home or qualified retirement accounts. You have to file the FAFSA and CSS Profile by March 1 every year, and the promise covers up to eight semesters. Out-of-state families don’t get these income cutoffs, but UVA still meets 100% of demonstrated need for them.
FAQ: Cost of Attendance at the University of Virginia
What does a year at UVA cost before aid?
For a first-year in the College of Arts & Sciences, direct costs in 2026-27 come to about $36,845 for Virginians and $78,116 for out-of-state students. That’s tuition, mandatory fees, first-year housing, and the required meal plan. Books, travel, and personal spending come on top.
Is UVA really tuition-free for Virginia families under $100,000?
For most, yes. If your family earns $100,000 or less and has under $100,000 in assets (not counting your home or retirement accounts), UVA provides grants and scholarships that cover at least tuition and required fees. Pell, VGAP, and other scholarships count first, and UVA fills the rest. You must file the FAFSA and CSS Profile by March 1 each year.
What do families actually pay?
The federal average net price for in-state freshmen receiving grants was $18,427 in 2023-24. By income, it ran about $8,174 for families under $30,000, $13,283 for $48,001 to $75,000, $20,822 for $75,001 to $110,000, and $35,402 above $110,000.
Does UVA give aid to out-of-state students?
Yes. UVA meets 100% of demonstrated need for eligible undergraduates from any state. What out-of-state students don’t get is a tuition waiver or regional exchange discount, and the Virginia income cutoffs ($50K, $100K, $150K) only apply to residents. Run MyinTuition early so you know what “need” looks like for your family.
Why will tuition go up in junior year?
College of Arts & Sciences tuition is lower for years 1 and 2 and rises for years 3 and 4, by about $3,200 a year for Virginians. Students who move into Batten or Data Science pay those schools’ higher upper-level rates, and McIntire adds its own differential tuition.
Does a single room cost more for freshmen?
No. Every first-year pays the same $8,730 housing rate in 2026-27 whether they land in a single, double, or triple. First-years are also automatically enrolled in the All Access meal plan, which is $7,340 for the year.
What if my student studies abroad for a semester?
A fall or spring semester abroad counts toward the eight semesters AccessUVA covers, and the tuition-and-fees promise doesn’t apply during that semester. UVA still reviews regular need-based aid for the term. Summer and January Term programs don’t count against the limit.
https://sfs.virginia.edu/our-financial-aid-commitment-you-0
https://bov.virginia.edu/sites/bov/files/2026-04/’26%20APRIL%2016%20DOCKET.pdf
https://housing.virginia.edu/housing-rates
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=234076
📅 UVA Scholarship Timeline (Simple Version)
- August to October of senior year: Ask the counselor about a Jefferson or Walentas nomination. Run MyinTuition before deciding on Early Decision.
- November 1: Early Decision and Early Action applications due. Applying early matters for Ridley eligibility and admission’s Jefferson review.
- December 1: Jefferson and Walentas nomination materials due.
- January to late February: Ridley application window for Black students admitted early.
- March 1: FAFSA and CSS Profile due. This drives AccessUVA, Blue Ridge, the University Achievement Award, and donor scholarships. Repeat every year.
- Early April: University Achievement Award notifications for Virginia students.
Parent rule of thumb: at UVA, the aid application is the scholarship application. If the FAFSA and CSS Profile are late, most of the money on this page is late too.
Automatic Merit Scholarships at the University of Virginia
This institution does not offer designated Automatic Merit scholarships at this time.
What UVA Reviews Your Student for Without a Separate Application
| Program | Who Gets Considered | What You Have to Do |
|---|---|---|
| AccessUVA | Every eligible undergraduate, in-state or out | FAFSA and CSS Profile by March 1, every year |
| University Achievement Award | All Virginia applicants | Apply for admission as a Virginia resident |
| Blue Ridge Scholarship | High-achieving admits with significant need, mostly out-of-state | Apply for admission and file aid forms |
| Jefferson recommendation | Early Decision and Early Action applicants | Apply by November 1 (a recommendation is not a guarantee) |
| Echols, Rodman, College Science Scholars | College and Engineering applicants | Nothing extra (academic program, no money) |
Automatic Merit FAQs (University of Virginia)
Does UVA give automatic merit scholarships?
No. UVA doesn’t publish a merit grid or award money for hitting GPA or test benchmarks. The largest award most families will see is need-based AccessUVA aid, and the big merit awards run through nominations and separate applications.
Will a high SAT or ACT score earn money at UVA?
Not by itself. UVA is test-optional for admission, and the Jefferson Scholars Foundation doesn’t consider SAT, ACT, AP, or IB scores. Scores can help an application, but they don’t trigger a scholarship.
What is the University Achievement Award?
It’s a scholarship for Virginia students that has covered full tuition and required fees. A committee reviews every Virginia applicant for merit, leadership, and citizenship, and recipients also meet at least two conditions: overcoming adversity, first-generation, low-income family, rural or inner-city home, or single-parent household. Notifications come in early April.
What is a Blue Ridge Scholarship?
It’s a need-based award of $1,000 to $7,000 a year that replaces loans or work-study in an aid package. A committee in the admission office picks recipients based on academics and financial need, and UVA has described the awards as going almost entirely to out-of-state students.
Do we need a separate application for AccessUVA?
No. The FAFSA and CSS Profile are the application. File both by March 1, then watch your student’s SIS portal for To Do items, because missing documents delay the offer.
Should we apply Early Decision if we need aid?
UVA says it reviews every round consistently. Students who submit aid forms by the priority deadlines get a preliminary aid offer shortly after the admission decision. Early Decision is binding, though, so run MyinTuition first and make sure the estimate works before committing.
https://sfs.virginia.edu/our-financial-aid-commitment-you-0
https://sfs.virginia.edu/scholarships-identified-and-awarded-sfs
https://giving.virginia.edu/where-to-give/supporting-students/blue-ridge-scholars/
https://www.jeffersonscholars.org/scholarships/selection
https://admission.virginia.edu/admission/deadlines-instructions
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)
🧭 How the Jefferson Nomination Actually Works
- Early fall of senior year: ask the counselor whether the school nominates and how it picks its nominee. The portal opens in August.
- By December 1: the counselor sends one recommendation, a transcript, and the school profile. Your student sends activities, awards, a personal essay, and a leadership essay.
- Mid-December through January: regional committees of alumni review nominees and invite some to interviews.
- Late February: finalists do virtual final interviews, and winners decide by mid-April.
Two backdoors worth knowing about. First, UVA’s admission office reviews Early Decision and Early Action applicants and recommends Jefferson nominees. Second, any U.S. high school can now nominate a first-generation student for the Walentas Scholarship.
✅ Can You Stack Scholarships at UVA?
| Aid Type | Stacks? | UVA Parent Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Jefferson / Walentas | Replaces | Covers the full cost of attendance, so it takes the place of other UVA aid. The enrichment money comes on top. |
| Ridley Scholarship | Counted in the package | Covers full tuition and fees. For families with need, it usually fills part of that need rather than adding on top of it. |
| Outside scholarships | Often offset | Money designated for tuition, fees, housing, or food reduces what AccessUVA covers. Ask SFS how a specific award will be applied. |
| ROTC | Often offset | UVA counts ROTC benefits as a resource, which can lower state grants, University grants, and private loans. |
| Blue Ridge Scholarship | Swaps | Replaces the loan or work-study part of the package, which is a real win even if the total stays the same. |
❓ Flagship / Competitive Scholarship FAQs
Can my student apply for the Jefferson Scholarship directly?
No. Only schools nominate, and nomination materials from both the counselor and the student are due December 1. If your school doesn’t nominate your student, applying Early Decision or Early Action to UVA gives the admission office a chance to recommend them.
What is the Jefferson Scholarship worth?
It covers tuition, room, board, books, and miscellaneous expenses for eight semesters, plus enrichment like international travel and career development. Virginians receive over $42,000 a year, and non-Virginians receive over $83,000 a year.
Who qualifies for the Walentas Scholarship?
First-generation students, meaning neither parent or guardian has earned a bachelor’s degree. A parent currently working on a degree or an older sibling with one doesn’t disqualify your student. Any U.S. high school can nominate, and the award matches the Jefferson package.
Do test scores or financial need matter for Jefferson or Walentas?
No. SAT, ACT, AP, and IB scores aren’t considered, and neither are financial need or interest in UVA. Committees look for leadership, scholarship, and engaged citizenship.
Who can apply for a Ridley Scholarship?
Black students offered admission to UVA through Early Decision or Early Action. Regular Decision admits aren’t eligible, which catches a lot of families off guard. Most first-year awards cover full tuition and fees, several funds are reserved for Virginians, and a few are set aside for out-of-state students.
How does Ridley selection work?
After an early admission offer, students complete the Ridley application in January and February (the 2026 window closed February 20). Finalists attend Scholar Selection Weekend in late March for in-person interviews.
How can we make the essays stand out?
Committees want specific evidence of leadership and service, not a list of titles. Our Essay Toolkit and Brag Sheet Builder help organize accomplishments before nomination season.
https://www.jeffersonscholars.org/scholarships
https://www.jeffersonscholars.org/scholarships/walentas-faqs
https://www.jeffersonscholars.org/overview-jefferson-and-walentas-scholarships
https://uvaalumni.org/ridley/scholarships/
https://sfs.virginia.edu/tuition-billing/military-benefits/uva-rotc-programs
Echols, Rodman & College Science Scholars at UVA
UVA doesn’t have an honors college. It has three scholars programs instead: Echols Scholars in the College of Arts & Sciences, Rodman Scholars in Engineering, and College Science Scholars. The good news is there’s nothing extra to apply for. The admission office reviews every College and Engineering applicant automatically.
- How selective: fewer than 5% of College and Engineering students are invited. Each Echols class has about 200 students.
- When invitations arrive: around late January or early February for early applicants, and late March to mid-April for Regular Decision.
- Second chance: students can apply to join during their first year at UVA.
Scholars Program Scholarships & Fellowships
This institution does not offer designated Honors College scholarships at this time.
- Jefferson and Walentas Scholarships: full cost of attendance through a high school nomination due December 1.
- Ridley Scholarships: full tuition and fees for Black students admitted early.
- Research awards: Harrison (up to $3,000) and Raven (up to $2,500) once on Grounds.
Scholars Programs FAQs (University of Virginia)
Does UVA have an honors college?
No. UVA uses scholars programs, and Echols, Rodman, and College Science Scholars are selected from the regular applicant pool.
How does my student apply to be an Echols Scholar?
They don’t. Every applicant to the College of Arts & Sciences is reviewed automatically, so any material your student wants considered should go in the admission application itself.
Does being named an Echols or Rodman Scholar come with money?
No. It brings academic flexibility, a close community, and research support once enrolled, but no scholarship for incoming students.
Does applying early help with scholars program selection?
Early applicants hear first, and later rounds follow Regular Decision. Selection standards are the same in every round.
Can out-of-state students be selected?
Yes. The Echols program says residency plays no role in selection.
https://echols.as.virginia.edu/admission-echols-scholars-program
https://echols.as.virginia.edu/frequently-asked-questions-faqs-about-echols-scholars-program
http://uvaapplication.blogspot.com/2026/02/echols-rodman-and-college-science.html
⭐ College Specialty
The University of Virginia is Virginia’s flagship and ranks #4 among public universities in U.S. News’ 2026 list. It feels like a big-name school with a small-school habit of finishing what it starts: 92% of students graduate in four years. The historic Lawn is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but what families usually care about is what happens in the classroom and after graduation.
McIntire School of Commerce: Poets&Quants ranked McIntire the #1 public undergraduate business school and #2 overall in 2026. Students now enter at the start of their second year for a three-year program. That means they start in the College, and admission to McIntire itself is competitive.
- Engineering: Systems, mechanical, aerospace, and biomedical engineering all graduate large classes. Biomedical engineering alone produced 109 bachelor’s degrees in 2024-25.
- Computer Science: The single biggest bachelor’s program on Grounds, with 591 graduates in 2024-25.
- Economics: One of UVA’s largest majors, with 343 graduates in 2024-25, and a common pairing with commerce-bound students.
- Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy: A public policy program students enter after starting in the College, with 120 bachelor’s graduates in 2024-25.
- Nursing: One of the few programs freshmen apply to directly, graduating 151 BSN students in 2024-25.
- English and the humanities: A long-standing strength that still draws serious readers and writers.
🔗 Official University of Virginia Links
Use these official UVA pages to confirm deadlines, aid rules, costs, and scholarship details. Always check them before you make a final decision, since dates and dollar amounts change every year.
-
Admission Deadlines & Instructions:
https://admission.virginia.edu/admission/deadlines-instructions -
AccessUVA Financial Aid Commitment:
https://sfs.virginia.edu/our-financial-aid-commitment-you-0 -
Estimate Your Costs (MyinTuition & Net Price Calculator):
https://sfs.virginia.edu/estimate-your-costs-attend-uva -
Scholarships Awarded by Student Financial Services:
https://sfs.virginia.edu/scholarships-identified-and-awarded-sfs -
Housing Rates:
https://housing.virginia.edu/housing-rates -
Jefferson & Walentas Scholarships:
https://www.jeffersonscholars.org/scholarships -
Ridley Scholarship Program:
https://uvaalumni.org/ridley/scholarships/ -
Echols Scholars Program Admission:
https://echols.as.virginia.edu/admission-echols-scholars-program -
Walker Global Experiences Scholarship (Study Abroad):
https://educationabroad.virginia.edu/walker-global-experiences-scholarship-program -
Common Data Set 2025-2026:
https://ira.virginia.edu/common-data-set/common-data-set-2025-2026
✅ Wrapping It Up
UVA plays by different rules than most flagships. There’s no merit grid to chase and no test score that unlocks money. For Virginia families, the deal is simple and generous: earn admission, file two forms by March 1, and if your family earns $100,000 or less with typical assets, tuition and fees are covered. Out-of-state families pay a private-school sticker price, but UVA still meets 100% of demonstrated need, and the Jefferson and Walentas Scholarships are among the most valuable single-school awards in the country.
The school rewards families who plan ahead. Talk to the counselor about a nomination before Thanksgiving of senior year, think hard about applying early if Ridley or a Jefferson recommendation is on the table, and treat March 1 as a yearly appointment. Do those three things, and a top-tier public education with a 92% four-year graduation rate can cost a lot less than the number on the bill.
Most families build a college list first and think about scholarships second, which is backwards. This free four-part series shows you where the money actually comes from, and how to build a list around it. After the series, about once a month, sometimes twice during application season. No drip funnels, no affiliate pitches, and we never sell your information. Unsubscribe anytime.Your kid did everything right. That does not mean the money follows.
Leo Dimilo
I started CollegeReadyParent while working through college costs for my own kid, and quickly figured out that the number a school advertises and the number a family actually pays are two very different things. Since then I’ve gone school by school pulling apart award letters, scholarship pages, and cost sheets to find what families are supposed to just know. This site is the version of that research I wish someone had handed me.
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