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Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA·Public·17,521 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 17,521 students.

91%
Accept
17,521
Students
$14,170
Net Price
44%
Grad Rate
$48,700
Earnings
10 yr
$16,300
Debt

About This School

Old Dominion University is a public institution located in Norfolk, Virginia with approximately 17,521 undergraduate students enrolled. Old Dominion University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 91%. The average net price after financial aid is $14,170 per year. The graduation rate is 44%, and the typical graduate earns $48,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

Old Dominion University (ODU) is a public research university in Norfolk, Virginia, United States. Established in 1930 as the two-year Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary, the school became an independent college in 1962 and attained university status in 1969. In 2023, it had an enrollment of 23,494 students, and its main campus covers 250 acres.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at just $14,170/year after aid and $16,300 in median debt, the cost is genuinely manageable, and a 91% acceptance rate makes it accessible for a wide range of applicants. The concern worth flagging is the 44% graduation rate — fewer than half of students finish, which is a real signal to look into before committing, whether that reflects campus culture, financial pressures, or fit. Worth considering if you're drawn to a large research university in the Hampton Roads area and have a clear plan to stay on track, but come in with eyes open about that retention challenge.

Founded
1930
Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Health Professions18%
Business & Marketing14%
Social Sciences9%
Psychology8%
Computer Science8%
Education7%
English6%
Engineering6%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

LaShawn MerrittAnne DonovanJodi RellMichael J. BloomfieldNancy LiebermanTzipora ObzilerKent BazemoreJustin VerlanderDeborah SheltonTicha PenicheiroMedina DixonAnna Tunnicliffe

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1190
Reading 75th %ile660
Math 75th %ile630

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite24

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$12,262
Out-of-State Tuition
$32,662
Avg Net Price
$14,170
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants37%
Median debt at graduation$16,300

Full Cost

Cost of attendance$27,180

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
44%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
76%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$48,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$16,300
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$16,300
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$38,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$48,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.0x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White41%
Black32%
Hispanic/Latino11%
Asian5%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (17,521 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Old Dominion University

5115 Hampton Blvd

Norfolk, VA 23529

View on Google Maps →

Official Links

Other Schools in Virginia

Browse all Virginia schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Official School Resources
Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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