What is UVA Known For? Ranking, Majors, Scholarships & More

The University of Virginia is a popular name—you’ve probably heard of it, and you likely already know of its strong reputation. Whether it’s for its stunning campus, historic legacy, or its highly respected academic programs, UVA tends to stand out.

But what exactly is UVA known for? What makes it unique, and what are the top programs that really shine here? How do different majors stack up, and where does UVA rank in terms of academic excellence?

Let’s get into the details of what makes UVA more than just a well-known name!

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UVA’s Ranking and Reputation

The first thing that sets UVA apart is its reputation. UVA is considered one of the best schools in the world, consistently ranking in the top tier of universities across most ranking lists. This global recognition solidifies its reputation as a center of academic excellence among both academics and employers.

The school is also one of the most competitive worldwide, with an acceptance rate of just 16.3%. This level of selectivity attracts top-tier students from all over the globe, adding to the university's distinguished academic environment.

We also consider UVA one of the New Ivies - universities that rival the Ivy League in terms of quality. UVA is also considered among the New Ivies by Forbes.

What Majors Is UVA Known For?

UVA is also known for its high-ranking majors. There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to majors at UVA, and the quality of the faculty is equally impressive, contributing to the strong academic experience.

Beyond the university’s overall reputation, let’s take a closer look at how some of its individual schools rank:

Many of UVA's majors rank among the best 50 majors in the US. UVA's Law School ranking is particularly high, ranking at #4 of US law schools. Similarly, **UVA's **computer science major ranking, a particularly popular and in-demand major, ranks at 36 of all US universities.

US News classifies UVA's med school as a Tier 2 school - a ranking equal to universities like Dartmouth College, Tufts, and UC Davis.

UVA's marketing degree ranks as the 8th best degree in the US, followed my management and finance.

UVA's Most Popular Majors

While UVA's majors have an excellent reputation in general, some majors have a higher intake than others. This doesn't necessarily mean there's more applicants as some schools are more selective than others.

Here are the 5 most popular majors at UVA:

In 2023, Computer Science was the most popular major at UVA. It's safe to assume that UVA's CS major is still among the most popular ones this year, as it's a relatively in-demand major with high career prospects.

There are four majors at UVA that remained popular throughout the decade: Commerce, Biology, Psychology and Economics.

UVA's Career Prospects

Career prospects for UVA graduates are excellent, both in terms of opportunities and salaries. 

According to UVA’s career outcomes data, out of the students graduating with a bachelor’s between 2021-2023, only 7.92% are still looking for employment. 

The vast majority of graduates are already employed (71.51%) while the rest are pursuing other opportunities such as continuing education. 

The average salary of a UVA graduate is pretty high, with a reported annual salary of $82,827 - and in various in-demand fields ranging from Healthcare to Consulting and Investment Banking. These graduates are also frequently employed by reputable companies.

The table below shows the most common employers for UVA graduates:

UVA Scholarships

When it comes to scholarships, UVA offers a mix of opportunities designed to help students from different walks of life.

Whether you need financial assistance or are a top academic performer, there's something for everyone. Here's a quick overview of the major scholarships available at the University of Virginia:

1. SFS-Administered Scholarships

If you're looking for need-based scholarships, the ones administered by Student Financial Services (SFS) are a great place to start. These are privately endowed scholarships, often set up by individuals or foundations, to help students with specific qualifications.

The main focus is on financial need, but some awards also consider academic merit or even the region you're from.

2. Scholarships from Academic Departments

Your academic department might also have scholarship options, but these are a little more behind-the-scenes. They often go to students who’ve already spent some time at UVA and are excelling in their field.

These aren't typically advertised, so it's worth reaching out to your school or department directly to see what’s available and how you can apply.

Many of these awards are managed through the UVA Alumni Association’s UVA Fund, which helps connect students with school and departmental scholarships.

3. Alumni Family Scholarship

If you’re a legacy student—that is, if one of your parents or guardians graduated from UVA—you might be eligible for the Alumni Family Scholarship.

Launched in 2009, this scholarship offers $5,000 a year (renewable for up to three years) and is awarded based on both merit and financial need. A slight preference is given to kids of contributing members of the Alumni Association, so that’s worth keeping in mind if you're applying.

4. The Ridley Scholarship Program

For Black students looking for both financial aid and a community to thrive in, the Ridley Scholarship Program is an excellent opportunity. It’s designed to attract top Black students to UVA, offering a support network focused on academic excellence, leadership, and legacy.

Ridley scholars don’t just get financial assistance—they become part of a tight-knit, empowering community that lasts long after graduation.

5. Affinity Organizations

Finally, UVA also has scholarships connected to affinity groups—student clubs, Greek life, sports teams, and more. These scholarships are often set up by alumni who want to support students with shared interests or experiences.

If you’re part of one of these groups, you could potentially benefit from a scholarship fund aimed at your specific community.

Famous UVA Alumni

• Tina Fey – Comedian, Actress, Writer, and Producer; known for Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock.
• Katie Couric – Journalist, Author, and TV Host; known for hosting NBC's Today and CBS Evening News.
• Robert F. Kennedy – Former U.S. Attorney General and Senator; known for his political career and advocacy for civil rights.
• Edgar Allan Poe – Writer and Poet; known for The Raven and The Tell-Tale Heart.
• Woodrow Wilson – 28th President of the United States; known for leading the U.S. during World War I and founding the League of Nations.
• Georgia O'Keeffe – Renowned Artist; known for her distinctive paintings of flowers and southwestern landscapes.
• Ted Kennedy – U.S. Senator; known for his long tenure and major contributions to health care and civil rights legislation.
• Paul Tudor Jones – Hedge Fund Manager and Philanthropist; founder of Tudor Investment Corporation.
• Brittany Kaiser – Former Director at Cambridge Analytica; known for her role in the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica data scandal.
• John Charles Thomas – Former Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia; known for being the first African American justice on Virginia's highest court.

Interested in UVA?

It's clear that UVA is the right choice for a huge chunk of students. From the excellent quality of education to the high-ranking majors, UVA distinguishes its graduates from the rest.

The best way to maximize your chances of admission into UVA is by working with expert strategists. Students working with our strategists are 7x more likely to gain admission into their dream university.