Understanding the Costs of Undergraduate Tuition at the University of Virginia

The University of Virginia (UVA), founded in 1819, is a top-ranked public university located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Recognized as the #26 National University and #4 Top Public School in the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, UVA attracts students from across the nation and around the globe. With a total undergraduate enrollment of 17,901 as of fall 2024, the university offers a wide array of majors and programs. For prospective students and their families, understanding the cost of attendance is crucial. This article breaks down the various components of UVA's undergraduate tuition costs, including tuition and fees, living expenses, and other related costs.

Tuition and Fees: A Detailed Look

The University of Virginia tuition differs based on your status as an out-of-state student or an in-state student. As a public college, the University of Virginia offers a lower tuition rate to residents of Virginia. For the 2023-2024 academic year, the UVA tuition is $15,324 for in-state students and $52,254 for out-of-state students. The UVA tuition fees are $3,484 for in-state students and $4,166 for out-of-state students. Combined, the total UVA tuition and fees for in-state students comes to $18,808. The UVA out of state tuition is $52,254. With the mandatory fees, the UVA tuition becomes $56,420 for out-of-state students. Remember, UVA is a public college, so residents of Virginia benefit from a less expensive University of Virginia tuition.

It's important to note that these figures represent the "sticker price" and do not include other expenses such as room and board, books, and personal expenses.

Historical Tuition Trends

Over the past decade, UVA's tuition and fees have seen a considerable increase. Specifically, UVA's tuition & fees has increased from $44,083 in 2015 to $59,512 in 2025, indicating a 35.00% rise. The graduate school tuition & fees has raised from $27,574 in 2015 to $37,628 in 2025. UVA's tuition increase rate is higher than the Virginia's average increase rate of 24.40%. Compare to all colleges in United States, it's increase rate is higher than the average increase rate of 29.50%.

Prospective students should be aware that tuition costs are subject to change each year and are determined by the Board of Visitors.

Estimated Future Tuition

Based on the last year increase rate, The 2026 estimated tuition & fees at UVA is $21,295 for Virginia residents and $59,391 for out-of-state students, a 0.2% decrease compared to 2025's rate. Since the tuition & fees at University of Virginia-Main Campus have decreased over the last 4 years, the estimated tuition & fees are less than current cost. The actual costs may differ from the estimation based on the school or university system's tuition policy.

Tuition Per Credit Hour

For students taking additional credits or enrolled part-time, UVA charges tuition per credit hour. UVA charges $638 per credit hour for in-state undergraduates and $1,865 for out-of-state undergraduates.

Cost of Attendance (COA): A Comprehensive Overview

The Cost of Attendance (COA) encompasses all expenses a student is likely to incur during an academic year. This includes tuition and fees, the cost of purchasing books & supplies which are required/recommended for courses, and living costs. The total cost of attendance (COA), including tuition & fees, books & supplies costs, and living costs, increased by 36.00% from 2015 ($58,463).

For the current academic year 2024-2025, UVA's COA is $79,512, which is increased by 2.08% from last year. The UVA's 2025 COA is $41,803 for in-state and $79,512 for out-of-state students for whom living on campus. The off-campus COA is $41,803 for in-state and $79,512 for out-of-state students.

Components of COA

Tuition and Fees: As detailed earlier, this is the direct cost of enrollment and mandatory fees.
Books and Supplies: The cost of purchasing books & supplies which are required/recommended for courses $1,480, and it has increased 16.54% from the year 2015 to 2025.
Living Expenses: This includes the cost of housing, food, and other personal expenses. The living costs at UVA is $18,520 and it is increased by 6.07% compared to the previous year for both on-campus and off-campus stay. The living costs including room, board, and other living expenses have increased 31.16% when a student lives on-campus facilities and 31.16% when living-off campus from the year 2015 to 2025.

Changes in Living Costs

The cost of living at UVA, including room, board, and personal expenses, has also increased over the years.

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Estimated 4-Year COA

Based on recent tuition increase rate, for the students who were admitted in Fall 2025, the estimated 4-years COA is $168,608 for Virginia residents and $320,434 for out-of-state students. After receiving the financial aid, the net price for 4 years of attending the school is $62,640 for Virginia residents and $214,466 for out-of-state students. UVA's 4-years tuition is $85,920 for in-state and $237,746 for out-of-state students, based on current tuition and change rate.

Financial Aid and Affordability

Despite the rising costs, UVA is committed to making education accessible through various financial aid options. UVA is committed to meeting 100% of calculated need for all in-state and out-of-state students accepted to UVA.

Grants and Scholarships

42% of enrolled students have received grants or scholarships, and the average aid amount is $26,492.

Net Price

After receiving the financial aid, the net price for 4 years of attending the school is $62,640 for Virginia residents and $214,466 for out-of-state students.

Additional Financial Considerations

Student Health Insurance: All students at the University of Virginia who are charged the comprehensive fee are required to have health insurance that is at least comparable to the UVA Student Health Plan. If a studentâs health insurance does not meet the comparable plan criteria, the student will automatically be enrolled in the UVA plan and charged the premium. Upon request, a student's budget may be increased to cover the cost of health insurance.Coverage in the UVA Student Health plan runs from August 1, 2025, until July 31, 2026, and the cost is $3,989.
Late Fees: Overdue term charges are subject to a one-time 1.5% late fee.

UVA's Rankings and Reputation

The University of Virginia ranking is #25 nationally, and the school is the #3 top public university in the nation. The UVA acceptance rate is also quite low at 21%. University of Virginia is a public institution that was founded in 1819. In the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, University of Virginia is ranked No. #26 in National Universities. It's also ranked No. #4 in Top Public Schools. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 17,901 (fall 2024), its setting is city, and the campus size is 1,682 acres. The student-faculty ratio at University of Virginia is 14:1, and it utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. University of Virginia accepts the Common Application and has a test-optional admissions policy. The school's in-state tuition and fees are $23,897; out-of-state tuition and fees are $62,923. Twenty-nine percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $23,101. The four-year graduation rate is 92%.

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Academic Programs and Majors

The UVA tuition can differ based on what your major is, as different schools and colleges have different tuition rates. At UVA, students can pursue many fields of study. For some University of Virginia majors, students must take prerequisite courses. Many UVA majors also require separate applications. The University of Virginia majors are separated into different types. Some students in UVA majors with GPAs over 3.4 can pursue a Distinguished Major. UVA also offers interdisciplinary programs like African-American and African Studies, American Studies, or Comparative Literature. Some UVA majors have garnered recognition for their strong academic offerings and renowned faculty. The popularity of UVA majors changes over time.

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