Skip to Content (custom)
    2026 University Valuation Case Challenge

    About this Challenge

    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, this event brings together 16 teams from top undergraduate real estate programs across the country. 

    Each team will consist of four undergraduate students (2nd, 3rd, or 4th year students) and will be accompanied by a faculty or university staff advisor. The case will involve an actual property. The students will be required to develop an opinion of the highest and best use of the site; as well as, all other aspects of commercial real estate including design, construction, financing and valuation.

    Student presentations will be judged by senior executives from top firms across the commercial real estate industry. This unique opportunity will allow students seeking internships and permanent employment to showcase their abilities before major national employers. Finalist teams will be selected from the semi-final round and will advance to the final round presentations. 
     

    Location


    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 14–15, 2026 |  Nashville, Tennessee

    Key Dates/Timeline

    Key Dates

    • February 3, 2026

      Registration Deadline

    • February 11, 2026

      Case Distributed to Teams

      The case and submission instructions will be sent to faculty or advisor.

    • February 18, 2026

      Slide Deck Submission Deadline

      Due at Noon EST

    • March 3, 2026

      Top 16 teams notified to attend competition in Nashville, TN

      Event details and check-in times will be provided.

    Event Timeline

    • April 13, 2026

      Welcome Reception (onsite)

    • April 14, 2026 – Morning

      Semi-Final Round

    • April 14, 2026 – Afternoon

      Final Round

    • April 14, 2026 – Evening

      Celebration Reception (offsite)

    Prizes


    • 1st Place: $5,000
    • 2nd Place: $3,000
    • 3rd Place: $2,000

     Winning teams will be featured in  Appraisal Institute’s Valuation Magazine  with a profile and photo. 


    For more information on Appraisal Institute’s 2026 Annual Conference, please visit our webpage.