Established in 1955, the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business has earned renown as an institution cultivating principled leaders through its distinguished graduate programs grounded in a case-method teaching approach that stresses participatory learning, critical analysis, and decision-making prowess. Students take part in a First Year Leadership Development Program, as well as a Field Study course which dispatches teams internationally to consult for global companies. By giving MBA candidates ample internship and travel opportunities to obtain real-world experience, Darden also helps people change careers. Darden graduates are prepared for success in their chosen industries because of extensive career services and a strong alumni network.
What’s unique about Darden School?
Tight-knit student culture – With a selective enrollment of students across its MBA, Ph.D., and Executive Education programs, Darden fosters an intimate learning environment and close bonds among students.
Student self-governance – The Darden Student Association governs nearly all aspects of student life, from social events to academic policies, giving students ownership over their experience.
Honor code and values – Students must sign an honor code pledging ethical behavior. Principles like student governance and leadership development stem from Darden’s commitment to core values.
Leadership development – Leadership training and development are deeply embedded throughout Darden’s curriculum and culture. Students take numerous leadership courses and partake in experiential training.
Class Profile
Academic Statistics
| Class of 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Class Size | 352 |
| Applications Submitted | NA |
| Average GPA | 3.51 |
| Average Age | NA |
| International Students | 41% |
| Countries Represented | 33 |
| Female Students | 37% |
| Average GMAT | 716 |
| Average GRE | 321 |
| % Reported GRE | NA |
| Average Work Ex | 5.9 years |
The Darden School of Business Class of 2025 boasts strong academic credentials with the median GPA being 3.51 and average GMAT of an impressive 716. The class reflects good diversity with 41% being international students from 33 countries. Thirty-seven percent of the class identify as women, speaking to Darden’s inclusive environment. On average, class members boast 5.9 years of work experience, bringing both maturity and competencies to Darden’s experiential curriculum. Consulting and Finance remain the top pre-MBA industries, with those sectors representing 13% and 22% of the class respectively. In total, the Class of 2025 enters Darden as high-achievers with global perspectives that will enable them to actively participate in and contribute value to Darden’s immersive learning programs.
UVA Darden School of Business MBA Application Guide
Of all the B-schools, the Darden School of Business, University of Virginia, offers one of the best Full-time MBA programs. The school has well-known professors, emphasizes teaching based on case studies, and helps candidates build personality. If you are thinking of switching to a different field from what you currently are or even looking at rising in rank and responsibility where you are employed, Darden has everything you might need. This FAQ guide will elaborate more on how to apply for the Darden MBA at Virginia University, class size, and what it takes to become a member of the Darden B-school community.
What percentage of students get admitted to the MBA Program at the UVA Darden School of Business?
The given below are the statistics of Darden School:
- Class Size: 355
- Women Identifying: 38%
- U.S. Racial Minority: 23%
- International Students: 30%
- LGBTQ+ Identifying: 11%
What is the UVA Darden School of Business MBA Cost?
The 2024–2025 academic year Cost of Attendance (COA):
CLASS OF 2026: 2024-2025 | VIRGINIA DOMICILE | NON-VIRGINIA DOMICILE | INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS |
Tuition & Fees | $78,700 | $81,700 | $81,940 |
Darden MBA Case Fees | $1,100 | $1,100 | $1,100 |
Aetna Student Health Insurance* | $3,877 | $3,877 | $3,877 |
Computer | $2,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 |
Room** | $13,000 | $13,000 | $13,000 |
Board** | $6,920 | $6,920 | $6,920 |
Miscellaneous Personal Living Expenses** | $4,650 | $4,650 | $4,650 |
Transportation | $1,800 | $1,800 | $4,000 |
Federal Loan Fees | $2,170 | $2,170 | — |
Total Cost of Attendance | $114,217 | $117,217 | $117,487 |
* Only enrolled students will be charged for the expense of the Aetna Student Health Insurance plan.
**The cost of personal living expenses included in the COA is for only 9 months you spend in class.
To know more, check the official link: https://www.darden.virginia.edu/mba/tuition-financial-aid/cost-of-attendance
Does UVA Darden offer loans and scholarships?
- Merit Scholarships: Darden has a robust portfolio of merit scholarships. Scholarships have been awarded based on academic ability, professional personal achievements, and potential to contribute to the community. Selected candidates are notified when the admission decision is released. These scholarships, which range from a modest stipend to full tuition and fees, seek to recognize a recipient’s experience while investing in their future.
- Competitive Darden Scholarships: The following scholarships are given below:
- The Oculus Fellowships: These prestigious fellowships recognize outstanding academic ability and leadership potential. They are offered to exceptional students who bring innovative ideas to the Darden School.
- Batten Scholars Program: Darden’s Batten Institute scholarships are offered to Full-Time MBA candidates who demonstrate high entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation potential.
- Batten Media Fellowships: This is for professionals who have worked in the news media for at least three years and have the opportunity to pursue an MBA.
- Stamps Scholars Program: The following scholarship is awarded to candidates with outstanding leadership potential and demonstrated perseverance or innovation as core values.
- Lemuel E. Lewis Bicentennial Award for Global Leadership: The Lemuel E. Lewis Bicentennial Award is directed towards students who have made societal contributions through their actions and a commitment to fostering inclusiveness across all socio-economic, political, religious, and ethnic groups.
- External Partner Organization Scholarships: External organizations and partnership foundations offer these scholarships.
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- Darden School Foundation: The Darden School Foundation provides Scholarship Awards and Breakthrough Scholars Programs as part of their scholarship programs. A Darden School Foundation Scholarship committee assesses the candidate’s admission application, and candidates selected for the interview stage of the Breakthrough Scholars program will be informed during the admission decision. All remaining merit award recipients will be notified during the admission process.
- Jefferson Scholars Foundation: This scholarship is annually awarded to the most exceptional candidates worldwide who demonstrate qualities such as ethical leadership, diplomatic decisiveness, a track record of putting ideas into action, and a superb record of academic achievement.
- The McGowan Fellows Program: The McGowan Fellows Program provides financial assistance by covering full tuition for one second-year student who ranks in the top five percent of the first-year class and has leadership experience demonstrating a competitive application process.
- Consortium Fellowships: The mission of the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management is to increase business education and leadership diversity among African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans, who are severely lacking in enrollment at Consortium member schools and management positions.
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- Forté Fellowships: The Forte Foundation encourages women to succeed in their careers through business education, training, and access to successful women’s networks.
- Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA) Fellowships: This fellowship is awarded to LGBTQ business students.
- Need-based Aid: AccessDarden (Darden’s financial aid program) was offered to students in financial need.
- Darden Worldwide Scholarship Program: With this scholarship, students can choose from courses based in more than two dozen countries on five continents, and the Batten Foundation Darden Worldwide Scholarship will cover the course fee.
The options of loans that are provided by the Darden School include:
- Federal Loans (U.S. Students)
- Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Direct loans that students can borrow; borrowing accrues interest during school. The amount of these is customary to be $20,500 per academic year.
- Direct PLUS Loans: Available to parents as well as graduate students. Federal, credit-based, available to borrow up to the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid.
- Private Loans (U.S. & International Students): Partnered lenders Sallie Mae, Citizens Bank and more. The terms for these loans vary by student, with different interest rates, and repayment terms, and more tied to the creditworthiness of the student.
- International Loans: Prodigy Finance and MPower Financing offer loans to international students based on future earning capacity without requiring a U.S. cosigner.
- Darden-Specific Loans (Need-based Loans): These are offered to admitted students through Darden’s Financial Aid Office, and applicants must demonstrate financial need.
- Employer-Sponsored Loans: Some employers offer education loans or sponsorship programs for tuition payment.
- Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP): For graduates who pursue public service or low-income careers, LRAP assists with loan payments as a percentage of income.
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits: Tuition and fees are covered through VA benefits.
All these loans have different eligibility requirements, terms, and conditions. Students must think about all options with help from the Darden Financial Aid Office, which can help them choose the best option.
What are the requirements for an MBA from UVA Darden School of Business?
Requirement for International students:
- Academic qualifications: College or University degree (equivalent to a 4-year American baccalaureate). Darden also recognizes undergraduate 3-year degrees.
- Test scores: Submit any GMAT, GRE, or EA scores. International applicants must also include a TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE score unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree at an English-speaking institution.
- Application materials: Apply online and submit all application materials in English language. Include following:
- Transcripts
- Recommendations
- Resume
- Short-answer essays
- Residency verification for Virginia residents
- Application fee: Pay a $250 application fee.
- Letter of recommendation: From an academic advisor or faculty member.
For more information, https://www.darden.virginia.edu/mba/admissions/apply/international-students
Requirements for reapplicants:
- Short-answer questions
- Re-applicant essay
- Updated resume
- One new letter of recommendation
- Valid Test Scores and Transcripts
For more information, https://www.darden.virginia.edu/mba/admissions/apply/reapplicant
UVA Darden School MBA Deadlines
| EARLY ACTION | ROUND 1 | ROUND 2 | ROUND 3 | |
| Application Deadlines | 5 September 2024 | 2 October 2024 | 7 January 2025 | 2 April 2025 |
| Interviews | Limited Open Interviews | By Invitation | By Invitation | By Invitation |
| Decision Release | 16 October 2024 | 11 December 2024 | 12 March 2025 | 30 April 2025 |
Reference: https://www.darden.virginia.edu/mba/admissions/apply/deadlines
What rankings does UVA Darden School of Business have?
According to the Bloomberg Business Week 2024-25 Best B Schools ranking, Darden School was placed 5th among the full-time MBA programs in the United States.
UVA Darden's Programs
PROGRAM | OVERVIEW | AVG. YRS WORK EXPERIENCE |
Full-Time MBA Format | 21-month residential, full-time MBA program curriculum Future Year Scholars Program is the School’s deferred MBA path for exceptional college students. | 2 – 10 years |
Part-Time MBA Format | Flexible schedule, 28-48 months Cohort-based MBA curriculum. Courses are a mix of in-person, primarily on weekday evenings, and virtual. | 2 – 15 years |
Executive MBA Format | 21-month MBA course Courses are a mix of in-person, primarily as weekend residences, and virtual. | 5 – 25 years |
The Executive Program (TEP) | Darden’s flagship executive program for senior leaders. Advanced management program with two two-week in-person modules along with virtual intersession modules. | 12+ years |
For more information, https://www.darden.virginia.edu/programs
What is the UVA Darden Executive MBA tuition?
Below is the total tuition fee for the Executive MBA (EMBA):
SEMESTER | AMOUNT FOR DOMESTIC STUDENTS* | AMOUNT FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS |
1 – Fall 2024** | $37,520 | $37,640 |
2 – Spring 2025 | $35,220 | $35,340 |
3 – Summer 2025 | $35,220 | $35,220 |
4 – Fall 2025 | $35,220 | $35,340*** |
5 – Spring 2026** | $37,520 | $37,640*** |
Tuition and Fees Total | $180,700 | $181,180 |
Global Residency**** | $5,000 | $5,000 |
Program Total | $185,700 | $186,180 |
Why choose UVA Darden School of Business?
The UVA Darden School of Business delivers a world-class MBA with a case-based curriculum, distinguished faculty, and a focus on developing leaders. Darden gives students engaging communities, global opportunities, and strong alumni networks to enable them to excel in their careers and make practical contributions to business and society.
Our Support for Virginia Darden MBA Application
If you aspire to join the University of Virginia’s prestigious Darden School of Business, MBA Edge offers comprehensive advisory supporting your admission and preparation for its transformative MBA program. Our methodology centers on appreciating your unique background and objectives, and then authentically conveying your candidature through tailored coaching by our abroad MBA Consultants on essays, resumes, and interviews. We share targeted perspectives on optimally highlighting any career transitions or gaps to position you as a promising Darden candidate. With personalized guidance intently focused on Darden, we empower you to bring out your best self.
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