About the University
The University was founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819 to advance human knowledge, educate leaders and cultivate an informed citizenry.
Its evolution over the past two centuries reflects that of our nation: Today UVA is a diverse global community of 36,000 students, faculty and staff. University students represent 48 states and 124 countries, and our 224,000 active and loyal alumni strive for the greater good around the world.
Rankings and Achievements
Now entering its third century, the University of Virginia offers an affordable, world-class education that is consistently ranked among the nation’s best.
2018 U.S. News & World Report
2017 Kiplinger’s Personal Finance
2017 U.S. News & World Report
A Strong Foundation for the Future
The University possesses several important qualities and resources essential to its role as one of the world’s most important institutions of higher learning.
Student Experience
UVA students develop in an environment of Honor, self-governance, diversity, affordability, service, and classical architecture. They emerge as intellectually curious leaders who conduct themselves with integrity. More >
Global Influence
The University is among the top-25 U.S. campuses for students studying abroad and puts global cultures and issues at the center of its curriculum. We have several global research centers and a worldwide presence, partnering with international universities and governments to educate students and solve societal challenges. More >
UVA Health
The University’s medical center represents one half of our total annual budget and leads the University forward in many research areas. We are currently entering into arrangements with other medical service providers to intensify our focus on the most acute care patients and to further develop our research and clinical capabilities. More >
Financial Strength
The University of Virginia heads into its third century with a strong financial foundation. That includes an endowment of approximately $7.6 billion that yields $190 million in annual endowment contributions. In addition, the University's Strategic Investment Fund provides an additional $100 million annually for research and other strategic investments. More >
Board of Visitors
The Board of Visitors will fully support the ninth president’s success and the attainment of our shared ambitions. Learning how each candidate envisions the President-Board relationship and ensuring a successful partnership is critical to the search process. More >
Leadership Team
The University has attracted a vibrant and capable new leadership team possessing enormous talent, energy and creativity. These leaders are united in their efforts to sustain and further advance the University’s highest aspirations as one of the world’s truly remarkable institutions of higher learning. More >
Bicentennial
This year marks the beginning of a multi-year celebration of the University’s 200 years of excellence, a thorough accounting of its complicated legacies, and an exploration for how UVA will serve as a defining public institution of higher education for the century ahead.
Commemoration
Our history is unique and inextricably linked to the origins of this country. The University will focus on that legacy with a Bicentennial Celebration commencing on October 6, 2017, the 200th anniversary of the laying of our cornerstone.
Capital Campaign
The Bicentennial Celebration will launch our Third Century Capital Campaign. This multi-billion-dollar campaign will further strengthen our ability to provide transformative educational opportunities, conduct meaningful research, and serve the commonwealth, nation and world. It will also provide our new president the opportunity to define the University’s ambitions for its third century and engage deeply with its devoted alumni.
Key Initiatives
Research Portfolio Growth
UVA researchers focus on intellectual and societal challenges that impact the greater good, creating new knowledge that moves the world forward. As part of this pursuit, the University is committed to increasing its research portfolio to more than $500 million annually over the next seven years. One example: the medical center's NIH funding surged from $101MM to $126MM in 2016. More >
Affordability and Access
UVA provides access to a world-class education to talented students who meet our rigorous standards, without consideration of their financial situation before offering admission. UVA is one of two public universities using this approach while also committing to meet 100 percent of demonstrated need. The University offers robust student scholarship support while protecting against excessive student debt. More >
Economic Impact
UVA serves as a powerful engine for the Commonwealth, either directly or indirectly supporting one in every 76 jobs in the state, and generating nearly $6 billion in annual economic impact. The University generates hundreds of millions in tax revenue for local governments, and its faculty, staff and students contribute thousands of volunteer hours to local charities. More >
Cross-University Collaboration
The University was established as an Academical Village where expertise would freely pass between disciplines. Collaboration among all disciplines, schools, centers and campuses remains a central priority. More >
Faculty Recruitment
Like many universities, UVA is experiencing generational turnover of faculty, with many accomplished professors who solidified UVA’s academic foundation nearing retirement. Over the coming years, UVA will dedicate significant effort to recruiting a diverse new generation of scholars. More >
Cornerstone Plan
Our long-term strategic plan focuses on five pillars: a strong residential culture, scholarship that advances knowledge and serves the public, deep student engagement, a distinguishing faculty, and affordable excellence. More >
A History of Academic Leadership
The University of Virginia is an iconic public institution of higher education. With nationally ranked schools and programs, a distinguished faculty, a major academic medical center and a proud history as major research university, UVA is a leader in public higher education. The community and culture of the University are enriched by active student self-governance, a sustained commitment to the arts, and strong NCAA Division 1 Athletics program.
Initiatives Help UVA Grow Sponsored Research by 10 Percent This Year
Research funding growth is trending upward as UVA invests in its enterprise. More >
Viewfinders
Could you capture the magic of UVA with photography? See what these professors, students, and staff discovered when they recently turned their lenses on the University and its denizens. More >
21 for ’21: Meet Some of the Newest Cavaliers
They might be from around Virginia or around the world, but they have at least one thing in common: They’re ready to make their mark at UVA. Meet 21 new ’Hoos in the Class of 2021. More >
10.16.16
UVA Engineering: Imagine a Future Way of Life
From improvements in healthcare to sustainable energy to innovations in flight inspired by dragonflies, UVA Engineering is leading the way in research that benefits humanity.
05.15.17
UVA's 2016-2017 Year-in-Review
Take three minutes to look back at just a few of the many remarkable events and people that made Grounds such an exciting place to be during the 2016-17 academic year. Watch >
05.15.17
Faculty Profile: Sherri Moore
Sherri Moore’s commercial law course could be a dry affair, but her uplifting personality and love of learning bring this popular teacher’s course to life. Watch >
10.31.16
UVA's Secret Societies Traffic in Altruism
The University of Virginia has a plethora of secret societies, some old and some new – many of which do good works without seeking recognition. Watch >