Overview
Founded in 1955, the Darden School of Business is the graduate business school of the University of Virginia, established to bring rigorous, practice-oriented management education to the university. Darden built its reputation on the case-method pedagogy adapted from Harvard Business School, emphasizing active classroom discussion, real-world decision-making, and general management thinking. It consistently ranks among the top MBA programs nationally and globally, known especially for its teaching quality, general management curriculum, and strong alumni network.
At a Glance
| Type | Public |
| Location | Charlottesville, Virginia |
| Founded | 1955 |
| Total students | 1,200 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 9:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 24% |
| Graduation rate | 97% |
| Average starting salary | $155,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $78,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $78,000 |
| Room & board | $18,000 |
| Average financial aid | $40,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 70% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | 3.5 |
| Regular deadline | April 1 |
Top Programs
- MBA
- Executive MBA
- Global Executive MBA
- PhD in Business
- Finance
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.