---
title: University of Virginia-Main Campus — PickACampus
description: Explore the University of Virginia: 17% acceptance rate, 96% graduation rate, and median starting salaries of $72,359 in Charlottesville, VA.
url: https://pickacampus.com/college/25
last_updated: 2026-06-03
---

# University of Virginia-Main Campus

The University of Virginia-Main Campus is a public institution in Charlottesville, Virginia, featuring a suburban setting and a total enrollment of 17,597 students. It maintains a 17% acceptance rate and a 96% graduation rate, with average standardized test scores of 1480 for the SAT and 34 for the ACT. The university currently holds the #26 overall rank on PickACampus and offers a student-faculty ratio of 15:1.

## Overview
- Location: Charlottesville, VA
- Type: Public
- Setting: suburban
- Total enrollment: 17,597

## Admissions
- Acceptance rate: 17%
- Average SAT: 1,480
- Average ACT: 34
- Average GPA: 4.19

## Cost
- In-state tuition: $21,803
- Out-of-state tuition: $59,512
- Room and board: $14,800
- Average financial aid: $24,000
- Average student debt at graduation: $17,500

## Outcomes
- 6-year graduation rate: 96%
- 4-year graduation rate: 92%
- Freshman retention: 97%
- Employment rate: 93%
- Average starting salary: $72,359

## Academics
- Student-faculty ratio: 15:1
- Average class size: 20
- Classes under 20 students: 50%

## Notable
["UVA was founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, making it one of the oldest public universities.","The university's architectural design, particularly the Rotunda, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.","UVA does not have 'freshmen' or 'sophomores'; students are referred to as 'first-years,' 'second-years,' etc.","The university's sports teams are known as the Cavaliers, and their mascot is a mounted Cavalier."]

## Traditions
[{"name":"Lighting of the Lawn","description":"Annual holiday light show and celebration on the historic Lawn."},{"name":"Rotunda Sing","description":"A cappella groups perform on the steps of the iconic Rotunda."},{"name":"Foxfield Races","description":"Popular steeplechase horse race event attended by students."},{"name":"Honor System","description":"Student-run system governing academic and personal integrity."}]

## Notable alumni
[{"name":"Tina Fey","description":"Emmy-winning comedian, actress, writer, and producer."},{"name":"Edgar Allan Poe","description":"Influential American writer, poet, and literary critic."},{"name":"Katie Couric","description":"Award-winning journalist and former 'CBS Evening News' anchor."},{"name":"Javier Solana","description":"Former NATO Secretary General and EU foreign policy chief."},{"name":"Ralph Sampson","description":"NBA Hall of Famer and former collegiate basketball star."}]

## Common questions

Q: What is University of Virginia-Main Campus's acceptance rate?
A: University of Virginia-Main Campus's acceptance rate is 17%.

Q: How much does University of Virginia-Main Campus cost?
A: University of Virginia-Main Campus charges $21,803 for in-state tuition and $59,512 for out-of-state. Room and board and fees are additional.

Q: Where is University of Virginia-Main Campus located?
A: University of Virginia-Main Campus is located in Charlottesville, VA.

Q: What SAT score do you need for University of Virginia-Main Campus?
A: The average SAT score at University of Virginia-Main Campus is 1,480.

Q: What is the graduation rate at University of Virginia-Main Campus?
A: University of Virginia-Main Campus has a 6-year graduation rate of 96%.

Compare University of Virginia-Main Campus with other schools free at https://pickacampus.com/college/25