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    2026 University Valuation Case Challenge

    2026 University Valuation Case Challenge

    Sixteen university teams. One real-world case. Two days of competition at the 2026 Annual Conference. The future of the valuation profession showed up and showed out.

    About the Competition

    A National Stage for the Next Generation

    The University Valuation Case Challenge is a national real estate appraisal case competition hosted during the Appraisal Institute Annual Conference. Modeled after leading industry challenges, the UVCC brings together undergraduate teams from top real estate programs across the country to tackle a real-world development scenario.

    Teams develop an opinion of highest and best use of an actual property site and address all aspects of commercial real estate including design, construction, financing, and valuation. Presentations are judged by senior commercial real estate executives.

    16

    University teams
    competed

    Apr 13–14

    Competition dates in
    Nashville

    2 Rounds

    Semi-Final and Final

    Hear From the Champions

    In Their Own Words

    The UMass Amherst team reflected on what the week of preparation, the pressure of competition, and the experience of working on a real development case taught them.

    “The entire experience working on the actual project was such a learning curve for us. But in the best way possible, we really got to force ourselves to learn things that maybe we wouldn’t have if we didn’t do this.”
    Watch on Instagram LinkedIn

    Meet the Top Four Teams

    Every team that competed demonstrated rigorous analysis, real-world reasoning, and exceptional preparation. Winning teams will be featured in Valuation Magazine with a profile and photo.

    1st Place

    University of Massachusetts Amherst — $5,000

    2nd Place

    Virginia Tech — $3,000

    3rd Place

    University of Florida — $2,000

    4th Place

    University of Houston — Finalist

    Meet the Competitors

    Sixteen university teams from across the country competed in the inaugural University Valuation Case Challenge at the 2026 Appraisal Institute Annual Conference in Nashville. Each team tackled a real-world development scenario, presenting their analysis to a panel of senior industry professionals.


    Texas A&M 



    Washington University

     
    Lehigh University

    Meet the Judges

    The 2026 UVCC was evaluated by a distinguished panel of senior professionals from across the commercial real estate and valuation industry. Their expertise and feedback gave competing students a real-world perspective on their presentations.


    • Apprise by Walker & Dunlop
    • ARES
    • Ascendant Realty
    • Bank Plus
    • Carlile Valuation, Inc.
    • Enrique T. Casado, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS
    • CBRE
    • Colliers
    • Commonwealth Commercial Appraisal Group
    • Dale C. Cooper, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS
    • Curran Appraisal
    • Cushman & Wakefield
    • Ektimo Advisors
    • Enright & Company
    • Enterprise Community Partners
    • Entreken Associates, Inc.
    • Ernst & Young LLP
    • Gardiner Ray, LLC
    • Gohn & Company
    • The Harbin Group, Inc.
    • The Henderson Group
    • Integra Realty Resources
    • JB Real Estate Valuation


    • Ashley Johnson, MAI, SRA
    • Paula K. Konikoff, JD, MAI, AI-GRS
    • Lowery Property Advisors
    • Mayhew Group, LLC
    • Mosaic Property Valuations
    • MountainSeed
    • Newmark
    • John Nolan, MAI, LEED, AP
    • Nova Group, GBC
    • Penn Center Advisors
    • realwired
    • Rockport VAL
    • Ryan, LLC
    • Salem Valuation Solutions
    • SMBC Manubank
    • Special Purpose Property Valuations
    • Tankersley Appraisal
    • Teel Valuation Group
    • Tropical Valuation Advisory
    • Tonia Vailas, MAI, AI-GRS
    • Valbridge Property Advisors
    • Valtrust

    Official Technology Partner

    Powered by Rockport VAL

    The Rockport Group provided all competing teams with hands-on access to their industry-leading cash flow modeling and valuation platform, plus a dedicated training series to prepare students for the case.

    • Complimentary Rockport VAL access for all competing teams
    • Up to eight co-hosted training sessions for students and faculty
    • Rockport VAL certification opportunity for competing students
    • One-year complimentary license for certified students and winning team
    Learn More About Rockport VAL

    Thank You to Our Sponsors

    The Organizations That Made It Possible

    The UVCC would not be possible without the support of firms and organizations committed to investing in the next generation of valuation professionals.








    Business people negotiating and shaking hands in an office

    Why Sponsor UVCC 2027?

    Sponsoring the UVCC puts your firm directly in front of the profession’s most motivated emerging talent. Connect with students seeking internships and full-time roles, build visibility with faculty and university programs, and help shape the future of the appraisal and valuation industry.

    Inquire About 2027 Sponsorship

    2027 University Valuation Case Challenge

    Is Your University Interested in Competing?

    The UVCC is open to undergraduate teams from accredited real estate programs across the country. Teams of four students compete for national recognition, industry exposure, and up to $5,000 in prize money.

    If your program is interested in participating in the 2027 competition, reach out to inquire about eligibility, registration, and the preparation resources.

    Inquire About Participation 

    What Competing Teams Receive

    • Direct exposure to senior executives and potential employers at the Annual Conference
    • Winning teams featured in Valuation Magazine with a profile and photo