About the Challenge
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 case challenges, the competition brings together 16 teams from undergraduate real estate programs across the country.
Each team consists of four undergraduate students and a faculty or staff advisor. Teams are challenged to solve a real-world development case incorporating multiple aspects of commercial real estate, including financing, valuation, design and strategy.
Students will develop and defend their recommendations before senior executives and professionals from across the commercial real estate industry. Finalist teams will be selected during the semifinal round and advance to the final-round presentations.
Why Participate
More Than a Case CompetitionThe University Valuation Case Challenge gives students an opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom to the kinds of decisions real estate professionals make every day. Teams will analyze a real property, evaluate development possibilities, build a financially supportable recommendation and communicate their conclusions to experienced professionals. |
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16
Teams
From undergraduate real estate programs nationwide
4
Students per Team
Plus a faculty or staff advisor
$10,000
In Total Prizes
Split between the top three teams
April 26-27
Reception & Competition Day
in New Orleans
How the Challenge Works
One Case. Sixteen Teams. One National Stage.
01
Analyze
Teams receive a real-world commercial real estate case and evaluate the property, market and development opportunity.
02
Build the Recommendation
Students incorporate financing, valuation, design, development strategy and other commercial real estate considerations into their proposed solution.
03
Present
The top 16 teams travel to New Orleans and present their recommendations during the semifinal round before industry judges.
04
Advance
Finalists move on to the final round and compete for national recognition and cash prizes.
Location
Hyatt Regency, New Orleans
The 2027 University Valuation Case Challenge will take place during the Appraisal Institute Annual Conference at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans, Louisiana.
In addition to competing, students will have opportunities to connect with sponsors, industry organizations, professionals and fellow competitors throughout the conference.
2027 Competition Timeline
October 1, 2026
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, 2027
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 team highlighted in Valuation Magazine.
Industry Connection
Present Your Work to the Profession
Students won't just present their recommendations to a classroom.
Competition presentations will be evaluated by senior executives and experienced professionals representing firms across the commercial real estate industry. The challenge gives students an opportunity to demonstrate their analytical thinking, judgment and communication skills directly to professionals working in valuation and related real estate fields.
Career Connection
Build Skills and Relationships That Extend Beyond Competition Day
The University Valuation Case Challenge creates opportunities for students to connect with the broader valuation and commercial real estate profession. By participating, students can gain experience that translates directly to internships, interviews and future careers while meeting professionals and organizations looking to engage the industry's next generation.
- Industry Exposure: Showcase your work to senior commercial real estate professionals
- Career Connections: Meet firms, sponsors and organizations from across the profession
- Professional Experience: Build analytical, teamwork and presentation skills for your career
For Universities
Give Your Students a National Stage
The University Valuation Case Challenge gives undergraduate real estate programs an opportunity to put their students' knowledge to work in a highly visible national competition.
Faculty and staff advisors can help students represent their university while gaining practical experience, professional connections and exposure to the valuation profession.
Ideal Participants: Undergraduate real estate programs, faculty and staff advisors, and student real estate organizations.
2026 Winners
Every team that competed demonstrated rigorous analysis, real-world reasoning, and exceptional preparation.
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
For Sponsors
Support the Next Generation of Valuation Professionals
The University Valuation Case Challenge gives organizations an opportunity to support emerging talent while building meaningful connections with students, universities and professionals across the real estate industry.
Sponsorship helps make the competition possible while providing organizations with visibility throughout the challenge and opportunities to engage with future talent.
- Support education and career development
- Connect with students from leading real estate programs
- Build relationships with participating universities
- Increase visibility among valuation and commercial real estate professionals
- Help strengthen the future talent pipeline
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.