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.
16University teams |
Apr 13–14Competition dates in |
2 RoundsSemi-Final and Final |
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. |
What Competing Teams Receive
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How the Challenge Works
One Case. Sixteen Teams. One National Stage.
The challenge will take place during the 2026 Annual Conference at the Renaissance Hotel in Nashville. Students will have the opportunity to network with sponsors, organizations, and professionals.
April 13–14, 2026 | Nashville, Tennessee
2027 Competition Timeline
October 1, 2027
Registration Opens
February 15, 2027
Registration Deadline
Universities and teams must complete registration by this date.
February 22, 2027
Case Distributed to Teams
The competition case and submission instructions will be sent to each team's faculty or staff advisor.
March 17, 2027
Slide Deck Submission Deadline
Completed presentation decks are due by 12:00 p.m. EST.
April 6, 2027
Top 16 Teams Announced
Selected teams will be notified that they have advanced to the live competition in New Orleans. Additional event, travel and check-in information will be provided to participating teams.
April 27, 2026
Competition Day
Compete for $10,000 in Prizes
The top three teams will receive cash prizes and national recognition.
- 1st Place: $5,000
- 2nd Place: $3,000
- 3rd Place: $2,000
Winning teams will also be featured in Appraisal Institute's Valuation Magazine with a team profile and photo.
2026 Winners
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
Ready to Take on the Challenge?
Put your team's real estate knowledge to work, compete on a national stage and connect with professionals shaping the future of valuation and commercial real estate.