Diversity at Darden
MBA - Culture and Community - Diversity at Darden - Military
Military
Leverage Your Leadership
A Darden MBA coupled with military experience provides a competitive advantage in the business world. Darden’s academic intensity — combined with the case method approach — refines and refocuses the judgment and decision-making honed in military training.
Darden Military Association (DMA) members comprise more than ten percent of each Full-Time MBA class and represent the full spectrum of military branches, occupational specialties, and nationalities. The School’s large and supportive military community, coupled with the highly experiential and leadership-driven environment, make Darden an ideal fit for active duty and veteran applicants. Darden's location in Charlottesville, Virginia provides a supportive and welcoming community that is well-suited to military families and veterans and maintains a strong bridge to the robust network in the D.C. at UVA Darden DC Metro's Sand's Family Grounds.
The Darden Military Association
The Darden Military Association (DMA) aims to provide a familiar support structure that will help you and your family achieve a successful transition. The DMA assists members in leveraging their military experience to enhance career opportunities via a structured mentorship program, exclusive veteran networking events, and connecting veterans to the Darden alumni network.
Military Educational Benefits
The GI Bill pays all public school in-state tuition and fees, including graduate programs. Darden is one of the few top ranked MBA programs in the country that is part of a public university, meaning that military members with GI Bill benefits can attend a premier program in one of America’s best-rated places to live at a reasonable cost. Visit Military Educational Benefits for more information.
Military Scholarships
Darden's success as a premier MBA program of choice for transitioning military veterans has continued to grow, and scholarships play a major role in attracting the best students. Darden also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Tailored Applicant Support
Darden recognizes the sacrifices made by military members and their families and has a strong commitment to supporting veterans throughout the application process.
Participate in a Military MBA Chat
The decision to pursue your MBA is an important one, and our admissions committee wants to help you make an informed decision. We invite you to register to attend a military chat to learn more about our community and application process.
Visit a Class
Experience the case method firsthand by observing a Darden MBA class in Charlottesville, Virginia. Military visitors are matched with a student host in the Darden Military Association.
Application Fee Waiver
Darden waives the application fee for military applicants. To receive the waiver, please enter the code "10019" on the Program Information page of our application. If you have any questions, please contact the Admissions Office at darden@virginia.edu.
Interview Schedule and Deployment
Darden is committed to supporting military applicants who are deployed by providing flexible interview scheduling options. To accommodate the unique circumstances of deployed military personnel, Darden offers virtual interviews via video conferencing or phone, as well as in-person interviews when feasible. Applicants are encouraged to inform the Admissions Office of their deployment status so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
One-Year Deferment
Darden will provide a one-year deferment if admitted military students' plans are delayed by their service branch.
Connect with Admissions
Holly Middaugh
Darden Admissions Committee, Military Liaison
