Nearly 200 years ago, we were founded on a powerful idea: that the next great leaders, thinkers and innovators could come from all walks of life. UVA remains committed to this ideal, with a financial aid model that makes a top education affordable to all U.S. students:
- We accept students solely on their academic merit, regardless of their ability to pay.
- We meet 100% of your financial need. As long as students apply by the annual March 1st deadline, UVA will meet 100% of their demonstrated financial need through scholarships, grants, work-study and need-based loans.
- We limit your debt. We limit need-based loans to an average of $4,500 per year for in-state students and $7,000 per year for out-of-state students.
On this page you can find the answers to four important questions about financial aid at UVA:
- What does a typical finanical aid package include?
- How do I apply for financial aid?
- Who receives finanical aid at UVA?
- How does UVA compare in terms of affordability and value?
What Does A Typical Financial Aid Package Include?
Financial aid packages are made up of:
- Grants or scholarships that do not need to be paid back
- Work-study employment that provides a part-time job with the University
- Need-based loans that we limit to keep debt as low as possible
All financial aid packages are customized for the students who receive them. However, the following examples illustrate how the main components work together for in-state and out-of-state students at different income levels.
In the first example below, a hypothetical in-state student with $25,000 in household income receives $28,432 in grants, $3,000 from work-study employment, and $1,000 in low-interest loans. In the second example, an in-state student with $100,000 in household income receives $9,500 in grant money and $4,500 in loans. In both cases their total needs are met by these sources.
In-State: Award Year 2018-2019
| TOTAL NEED | GRANTS (ALL SOURCES) | WORK-STUDY | LOANS (NEED-BASED) | UNMET NEED | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXAMPLE, $25,000 HOUSEHOLD INCOME | $32,432 | $28,432 | $3,000 | $1,000 | $0 |
| EXAMPLE, $100,000 HOUSEHOLD INCOME | $14,000 | $9,500 | $0 | $4,500 | $0 |
*Assumptions: Family of four, no assets, one in college, Arts and Sciences
As shown below, the program works the same for out-of-state students, covering their higher tuition costs with a personalized mix of grants, work-study employment, and loans.
Out-of-State: Award Year 2018-2019
| TOTAL NEED | GRANTS (ALL SOURCES) | WORK-STUDY | LOANS (NEED-BASED) | UNMET NEED | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXAMPLE, $25,000 HOUSEHOLD INCOME | $65,256 | $54,256 | $4,000 | $7,000 | $0 |
| EXAMPLE, $100,000 HOUSEHOLD INCOME | $46,824 | $35,824 | $4,000 | $7,000 | $0 |
*Assumptions: Family of four, no assets, one in college, Arts and Sciences
Please note that many factors can impact the amount of aid for which you are eligible. UVA also offers a limited variety of scholarships that are not based on financial need.
How Do I Apply For Financial Aid?
In order to be considered, complete the following steps no later than March 1st. (Note that for Early Action Applicants, it is recommended that steps are completed by December 1st; and for Early Decision Applicants, complete these steps by November 1st):
- Complete the CSS/PROFILE, available starting October 1st, at: student.collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profile, using school code 5820.
- Fill out your FAFSA, available starting October 1st, at fafsa.ed.gov, using school code 003745. A Spanish-language version is available, as well.
- Access your Student Information System (SIS) account. Directions for accessing your SIS account will arrive by e-mail soon after you submit your application for admission.
- Watch for (and respond promptly to) emails from both The College Boards' iDoc service and from Student Financial Services requesting additional information required to complete your financial aid awards.
- Check your SIS “To Do List” regularly and submit requested items promptly to avoid delays in processing your application.
- For more information and to apply for financial aid, visit Student Financial Services.
Who Receives Financial Aid At UVA?
All U.S. citizens or permanent residents who demonstrate financial need are eligible during all eight semesters (four years) of their undergraduate studies. Students who are awarded this aid may be first-years, returning students or transfer students. The semester limit for transfer students will be prorated. Get more details on eligibility.
How Does UVA Compare In Terms Of Affordability And Value?
The University of Virginia provides a world-class education at an affordable cost while limiting student debt. See how we compare to other Virginia schools in this UVA Today article.