Old Dominion University
About Old Dominion University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Old Dominion University is a public research university in Norfolk, Virginia, near the Chesapeake Bay. It offers programs in engineering, business, health sciences, and maritime and port management, with strong ties to the region's military and maritime industries.
Founded
1930
Location
Norfolk, Virginia
Students
23,511
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
90.4%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
46.3%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$12,750
Out-of-state: $33,780
Avg Net Price
$14,638
After financial aid
SAT Average
1197
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$54,914
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$50
Early
Dec 1
Regular
Feb 1
Old Dominion University accepts the majority of applicants at 90.4%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1197/ 1600
ACT Scores
24/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
46.3% complete their degree within six years
Retention
76.9%
4-Year Grad
25%
6-Year Grad
49%
Teaching Quality
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
95.7%
$/Student
$12.9K
Class Size
Medium
The 25% graduation rate is below average, but 76.9% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$12,750
In-State
$33,780
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$14,878
Books & Supplies
$1,800
Total Cost of Attendance
$29,446
After Financial Aid
$14,638
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$9,739
Receive Grants
36.8%
Take Loans
40.6%
The full cost of attendance is about $29,446/yr for in-state students, including $14,878 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $14,638. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $33,780.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Old Dominion University fund their education.
While in School
36.8%
Get Grants
Free money
40.6%
Take Loans
Must repay
$38,019
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$24,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$254/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $24,000 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Old Dominion University.
Gender
54.2%
Female
46%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
17,514
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
5,997
Graduates
33.2%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
25.2%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (54% women, 46% men). 33.2% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
17,514
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Old Dominion University fields 12 varsity teams with 480 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Sun Belt
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
480
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
54% / 46%
257
Men
223
Women
8
Men's Teams
10
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Old Dominion Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$54,914
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Psychology, General
$34K
309 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminology
$37K
192 grads
1yr Earnings
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
$46K
191 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$77K
178 grads
1yr Earnings
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
$36K
171 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$29K
170 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $47K six years out, growing to $55K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Old Dominion University
What is the acceptance rate at Old Dominion University?▾
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Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.