University of Virginia (UVa) is the first independent university in American history, which was founded by Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, in 18 19. Since U.S.News began to publish the ranking of American universities, the University of Virginia has been ranked first or second among the best public universities in the United States. It is a world-class research university with a high reputation, just like the University of California at Berkeley.
The University of Virginia is one of the first eight members of the "Public Ivy League" and one of the 25 members of the "New Ivy League", and it is also the only institution of higher learning in North America listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO. This school has been rated as "the most cost-effective university in the United States" by authoritative evaluation institutions such as Kiplinger and Princeton Review for many years. Its well-known alumni include two American presidents and founders or CEOs of many well-known multinational companies.