University of Virginia. . .

The University of Virginia remains the No. 2 best public university in the 2009 edition of the U.S. News and World Report rankings. In the 12 years since U.S. News began ranking public universities as a separate category, U.Va. has ranked either No. 1 or No. 2. U.Va. continues to rank in the Top 25 among the best of all national universities, public and private.

The University of Virginia is made up of twelve schools in Charlottesville, plus the College at Wise in southwest Virginia. U.Va. offers 51 bachelor's degrees in 47 fields, 84 master's degrees in 67 fields, six educational specialist degrees, two first-professional degrees (law and medicine), and 57 doctoral degrees in 55 fields.

Since 1826 when the first international student was enrolled, the University of Virginia has accepted a commitment to international students and scholars by providing opportunities to citizens from throughout the world to study, teach, and share the atmosphere of Jeffersonian freedom.

Approximately 47 percent of all undergraduate students receive some type of financial assistance in a typical year. This aid is composed of grants, work-study, and loans (including athletic grants and parent loans). In 2007-08, approximately 6,435 undergraduate students received aid from all sources totaling $88.6 million. About 43 percent of this amount, $38.5 million, comes from University funds, including $8.8 million from athletics grants-in-aid and $29.6 million from other University sources.

The University offers a number of privately endowed need-based scholarship and grant funds administered by Student Financial Services. Most of these awards were established by individuals or foundations and are intended for students who meet specific criteria.

To qualify for any University endowed or restricted scholarships, students must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, have financial need, and meet all federal and University eligibility requirements. In most instances, students do not need to complete a separate application form but are considered automatically.