What Is the University of Virginia Darden School of Business?
The University of Virginia Darden School of Business—informally known as UVA Darden—is a graduate business school located at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. It is known for its use of the case method, in which students learn by working on case studies drawn from real-world business situations.
Key Takeaways
- The University of Virginia Darden School of Business (UVA Darden) is a graduate business school based out of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia.
- The University of Virginia Darden School of Business is known for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program and its use of business case studies as one of its teaching methods.
- The school operates partnerships with various international universities, allowing students to pursue foreign exchange placements throughout the world.
- The University of Virginia Darden is often ranked among the top ten or twenty business schools in the U.S.
- Tuition at the University of Virginia Darden can cost around $75-78 thousand dollars, in addition to other living expenses.
University of Virginia Darden School of Business Overview
UVA Darden offers an MBA program, a doctoral program, and various executive education programs. In recent years, the school has developed several flexible programs designed for students wishing to study abroad or complete their studies through a combination of online coursework and in-person residencies.
Their Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program, a 12-month program offered in collaboration with the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce, can be completed through online classes and in-person residencies.
Darden has a total staff of 300 employees, including 85 members of the faculty. There are 348 students in the class of 2024, with an admissions rate of 26%. The average GMAT score for new students is 720.
26%
The number of applicants who are offered a seat at the UVA Darden MBA program.
History of the University of Virginia Darden School of Business
The University of Virginia Darden School of Business (UVA Darden) was founded in 1955. Its name is derived from Colgate Whitehead Darden, Jr., a former Democratic congressman and governor of Virginia who served as President of the University of Virginia between 1947 and 1959. During his tenure as president of the university, Darden helped found the graduate business school, which was then named in his honor.
According to U.S. News and World Report's college rankings, the Darden School of Business is one of the top business graduate programs in the United States. For 2023, it ranked 14th, near business schools such as NYU-Stern, Cornell-Johnson, and Carnegie Mellon. Darden is also highly ranked by Forbes and Businessweek. The Economist ranks Darden as the #1 best educational experience among business schools in the United States, and 9th overall.
University of Virginia Darden Tuition and Fees
For the class of 2024, the MBA program at UVA Darden costs $75,600 for in-state students and $78,600 for applicants residing outside of Virginia. This does not include living expenses, transportation, or health insurance. In addition, students also have to pay MBA case fees of an additional $1,100. Altogether, the expected costs of attendance range between $108,951 and $111,951 for the full program.
However, other programs may be more affordable. For example, the M.S. in Business Analytics lasts for three semesters, with a total tuition cost of $68,259. There are also executive programs that cost around $48,500 for a six-month certificate.
Foreign Exchange at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business
Students who wish to gain international experience through their graduate education can participate in the UVA Darden foreign exchange program, which holds partnerships with several prominent universities throughout the world.
These include the Peking University in China, the University of Science and Technology in Hong Kong, the Melbourne Business School in Australia, and the Stockholm School of Economics in Sweden, among others.
University of Virginia Darden School of Business Alumni
Over the years, UVA Darden has developed a strong network of over 17,000 alumni from 90 different countries. Among them are many prominent members, such as Steven Reinemund, former CEO of PepsiCo (PEP); Mark Sanford, former Governor of South Carolina; and John Strangfeld, CEO of Prudential Financial (PRU).
Does UVA Have a Good Business School?
The University of Virginia's Darden School of Business is considered one of the best business schools in the country and ranked #14 by U.S. News.
Does UVA Have an Online MBA Program?
While UVA does not have an online-only MBA program, it does have part-time and executive MBA programs for students who work full-time. Both formats have a combination of in-person and virtual instruction.
What GMAT Score Do You Need to Get Into UVA Darden?
The average GMAT score for accepted students at the Darden Business School is 720. Although it is possible to enter with a lower score, students who score much lower on the GMAT will need strong grades or work experience in order to get an interview.
How Hard Is It to Get to UVA Darden?
The University of Virginia Darden School of Business is ranked the #14 best business school in the United States. Only about 26% of applicants are admitted.
The Bottom Line
The University of Virginia's Darden School of Business is regularly ranked as one of the best MBA programs in the country. The school is particularly known for its use of case studies, allowing students to gain insights from problems that have faced real businesses in the past.