Old Dominion University
#4 Best Online Computer Science Programs in Virginia- Graduation Rate
- 45% D+
- Lower completion rate than most colleges
- Earnings (10yr)
- $54,914 B
- Well above the typical college graduate
- Net Price
- $14,638 C+
- Close to the national average
- Acceptance Rate
- 90% D+
- Accessible to most qualified applicants
Bottom line: A C+ overall grade — average outcomes for a U.S. college. 22.8× return on investment — every $1 spent returns $22.8 over 20 years. Ranked #4 in Best Online Computer Science Programs in Virginia.
Every $1 spent returns $22.8 over 20 years — debt pays back in ~under a year. Net gain: $1,276,022.
What The Data Says
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A C+ overall — outcomes above the typical U.S. college.
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Earnings 35% above the national college median.
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Graduation of 45% — 21% below the national average.
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Social mobility rate of 2.37% — an engine of upward economic mobility.
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Every $1 invested returns $22.8 over 20 years — an exceptional return.
Economic Footprint
- Inventor Rate
- 0.2%
- Top 74%
- Patents
- 15
- Linked to graduates
- World Rank
- #351-400
- Times Higher Education
- Patent Citations
- 41
- Downstream influence
- Research Score
- 14/100
- Times Higher Education
Why Old Dominion University Matters
Old Dominion University is a public research university in Norfolk, VA ranked #351-400 in the world by Times Higher Education, and its outcomes are not an accident. They are driven by a top-tier research enterprise, a well-connected, high-opportunity alumni network, and a strong record of moving students up the income ladder. The result: graduate earnings well above the typical college.
Interpretation generated from this school's federal outcomes, research, and mobility data.
Institutional Profile
- Institution Type
- Public Research University
- Carnegie Class
- R1 · Very High Research
- Enrollment
- 17,514
- Setting
- Urban
- Primary Strengths
- Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, Psychology
Why students choose Old Dominion University
CollegeRanker Report Card
Graded on outcomes, against every U.S. college.
Each grade is this school's national percentile on a real outcome — earnings, value, mobility, and more.
How we grade →Admissions
Accessible — admits about 90% of applicants, with a middle-50% SAT of 1100–1280. Run your numbers in the admissions predictor below.
Check your odds →Net price + aid
Students pay about $14,638 a year after grants and scholarships — 15% below the typical U.S. college. See net price by family income below.
See cost & aid →Earnings + debt
Graduates earn a median of $54,914 ten years after enrolling — 35% above the typical college, against $24,000 in median debt.
See outcomes →Mobility + social capital
Moves 2.4% of its students from the bottom income fifth to the top — top 19% nationally for mobility. High social capital (1.60 economic connectedness).
See mobility →Overview
With an acceptance rate of 90%, Old Dominion University attracts a diverse group of students looking for accessible education options. This public university in Norfolk, Virginia, is particularly appealing for those interested in fields like Health Professions, Business and Marketing, Computer Science and IT, Psychology, and Social Sciences. It’s a great fit for students who want to engage in a vibrant campus life while pursuing practical, career-oriented degrees.
When it comes to life after graduation, the average earnings for alumni ten years after completing their degree is about $54,914. This figure suggests that many graduates find solid opportunities in their chosen fields. The affordability of attending Old Dominion is also noteworthy, especially considering that 37% of students receive Pell Grants, which can help offset costs. While the graduation rate stands at 45%, the potential for earning a degree here can lead to significant gains in income and career advancement for those who persist.
Financially, the net price after aid is approximately $14,638, which is manageable for many students, especially in light of the median debt of $24,000 they may incur. Those who thrive at Old Dominion often come from a variety of backgrounds and are motivated to take advantage of the educational resources available to them. The university’s supportive environment can be beneficial for students seeking to balance education with other life commitments, helping them navigate their journeys toward successful careers.
Rankings
- #4 Best Online Computer Science Programs in Virginia
- #4 Best Online Education Programs in Virginia
- #5 Best Education Colleges in Virginia
- #5 Best Online Business Programs in Virginia
- #5 Best Online Nursing Programs in Virginia
- #6 Best Engineering Colleges in Virginia
- #6 Best MBA Programs in Virginia
- #8 Best Online Colleges in Virginia
Can I Get In?
How selective Old Dominion University is — and how your numbers stack up.
Tool
Will I Be Accepted?
Enter your credentials to see your chances at this school.
Academics & Admissions
Is It Hard to Get Into Old Dominion University? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
As a public institution in Norfolk, Virginia, Old Dominion University admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 90%. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 1,197. The graduation rate is roughly 45%.
- Acceptance Rate
- 90%
- Retention Rate
- 77%
- SAT Average
- 1197
- ACT Midpoint
- 24
- SAT Range
- 1100–1280
- ACT Range
- 24–29
- Full-Time Faculty
- 96%
- Faculty Salary (mo)
- $10,583
- Student–Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Diversity Index
- 0.71
- First-Gen Students
- 33%
- Applicants
- 14,435
- Admitted
- 13,734
Inside the Admissions Office
School-reported Common Data Set · 2025-26
The acceptance rate tells you how hard Old Dominion University is to get into. Its Common Data Set tells you what happens once you are admitted: how many students say yes, how many arrived without test scores, and whether applying early tilts the odds. 20% of admitted students go on to enroll here, making it a school most admitted students ultimately pass on.
- Yield Rate
- 20%
- of admits enroll
- Submitted SAT
- 7%
- of enrolled freshmen
- Submitted ACT
- 100%
- of enrolled freshmen
There is an early lane. Old offers Early Action, so you can apply ahead of the regular deadline and hear back sooner without committing to enroll.
Can I Afford It?
What you'll actually pay after grants and aid — not the sticker price.
Cost & Financial Aid
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Old Dominion University? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at Old Dominion University is $33,780, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $14,638. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $9,739 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $24,000 in federal student loans.
- In-State Tuition
- $12,750
- Out-of-State
- $33,780
- Avg Net Price
- $14,638
- Median Debt
- $24,000
- Pell Grant Rate
- 37%
- Federal Loan Rate
- 41%
What Families Actually Pay
- Family Income $0–$30K
- $9,739
- Family Income $30K–$48K
- $10,114
- Family Income $48K–$75K
- $13,123
- Family Income $110K+
- $23,567
What Happens After?
Earnings, debt, and where graduates actually land.
Students Like You
Tell us a little about yourself to see what students like you have typically experienced at Old Dominion University — the net price for your income, your admission odds, and the outcomes that follow. These are patterns from federal data, not predictions.
Graduate Outcomes
Is Old Dominion University Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of Old Dominion University earn a median of $54,914, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
- 6 Years After Entry
- $46,732
- 8 Years
- $51,738
- 10 Years
- $54,914
- Debt-to-Earnings
- 0.44x
- Earning > $25K
- 68%
Earnings Trajectory
Graduation by Timeframe
- 100% (718)
- 27%
- 100% (718)
- 27%
- 100% (718)
- 27%
- 100% (718)
- 27%
How Old Compares
Dot right of center = above national average.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.
The Mobility Equation
Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?
College ROI Calculator
Is Old Dominion University Worth It?
A data-driven look at the return on your educational investment — using real federal data.
Yes — for most students, Old Dominion University delivers a positive return. Over four years, the typical net price is $14,638/year ($58,552 total). Graduates earn $54,914 at ten years, and over a 20-year career we project $1,334,574 in total earnings — a net gain of $1,276,022 (22.8× your investment). The median debt is $24,000, which takes less than a year to pay back at typical earnings. With a 45% graduation rate, the path to that return is well-tested. This is a exceptional ROI compared to national averages.
- Total Cost (4yr)
- $58,552
- Projected 20yr Earnings
- $1,334,574
- Net Return
- $1,276,022
- ROI Multiple
- 22.8×
- Cost Per Year
- $14,638
- Median Debt
- $24,000
- Debt Payback
- Less than 1 yr
- Graduation Rate
- 45%
Does It Change Lives?
Mobility, social capital, and innovation — does it move people up?
Social Mobility
Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records
Does Old Dominion University Drive Upward Mobility? Economic Mobility & Low-Income Outcomes
Old Dominion University is a genuine engine of upward mobility. Its mobility rate, the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top, is 2.37%, among the highest in the country. About 8.5% of students come from families in the bottom income quintile. Among bottom-quintile students who attend, roughly 28% go on to reach the top of the income ladder. The median family income of students sits near $82,400, a snapshot of the campus's socioeconomic mix.
- Mobility Rate
- 2.37%
- Bottom 20% → Top 20%
- Success Rate
- 28.0%
- If bottom 20% get in
- From Bottom 20%
- 8.5%
- Share of students
- Parent Median Income
- $111,953
- today's $ (2015 cohort data)
Innovation & Knowledge Creation
Patents, inventors, and research influence · Opportunity Insights & Times Higher Education
Old Dominion University produces inventors at a measurable rate, with 15 patents tied to its graduates, and ranks among research universities with a 14/100 research score.
- Inventor Rate
- 0.22%
- Top 74% nationally
- Patents Produced
- 15
- Linked to graduates
- Patent Citations
- 41
- Downstream influence
- Research Score
- 14/100
- Times Higher Ed
- Academic Influence
- 59/100
- Citation impact (THE)
Institutional Finances
Data: NCES IPEDS
- Federal Grants
- $9,179,401
- Investment Income
- $-1,340,427
Top Programs
The fields Old Dominion University awards the most degrees in, by share of completions. Where federal field-of-study data exists, we show what graduates in that major earned early in their careers. Each links to its degree guide — or see what someone with your income, scores, and major would pay and earn here in the Students Like You simulator.
- Health Professions 16% $72,587 early-career
- Business & Marketing 15% $68,388 early-career
- Computer Science & IT 12% $73,093 early-career
- Psychology 8% $35,787 early-career
- Social Sciences 7% $45,495 early-career
- Education 6% $37,093 early-career
- Engineering 6% $85,824 early-career
- Biology & Biomedical 5% $32,383 early-career
Early-career median earnings by major (typically 1–2 years after completion, bachelor's level where available), in today's dollars (CPI-adjusted). Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard field of study. Distinct from the school-wide 10-year median; suppressed for small programs.
Top Careers
Where these majors tend to lead — common career paths for Old Dominion University's most popular programs, ranked by median pay with our proprietary scorecard insights.
- CChief Executive Officer$189,520 · 3% growthAdaptable 64
- C+IT Manager$169,510 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- C+Cloud Architect$142,000 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- B-Site Reliability Engineer$140,000 · 20% growthAdaptable 52
- CSolutions Architect$138,000 · 12% growthAdaptable 52
- CHR Manager$136,350 · 5% growthAdaptable 64
- CPharmacist$136,030 · 3% growthResilient 82
- CPetroleum Engineer$135,690 · 2% growthResilient 72
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Hard to Get Into Old Dominion University? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
As a public institution in Norfolk, Virginia, Old Dominion University admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 90%. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 1,197. The graduation rate is roughly 45%.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Old Dominion University? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at Old Dominion University is $33,780, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $14,638. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $9,739 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $24,000 in federal student loans.
Is Old Dominion University Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of Old Dominion University earn a median of $54,914, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
Does Old Dominion University Drive Upward Mobility? Economic Mobility & Low-Income Outcomes
Old Dominion University is a genuine engine of upward mobility. Its mobility rate, the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top, is 2.37%, among the highest in the country. About 8.5% of students come from families in the bottom income quintile. Among bottom-quintile students who attend, roughly 28% go on to reach the top of the income ladder. The median family income of students sits near $82,400, a snapshot of the campus's socioeconomic mix.
How Connected Is Old Dominion University? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks
Social capital, the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility, runs high at Old Dominion University. Its economic connectedness score is 1.60, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (-0.03), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 5% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
How Research-Intensive Is Old Dominion University? World Rank, Teaching & Citations
Times Higher Education places Old Dominion University at #351-400 worldwide. Its profile spans a research score of 14/100, teaching at 21/100, and citation impact of 59/100, reflecting both the volume of research output and how often that work is cited by scholars elsewhere.
Does Old Dominion University offer Early Decision?
No. Old Dominion University does not report a binding Early Decision plan, though it does offer a non-binding Early Action option (2025-26 Common Data Set).
Is Old Dominion University really test-optional?
Old Dominion University reports test-optional admission, but most enrolled students still submit scores: about 1% of first-year students sent an SAT or ACT (2025-26 Common Data Set). Submitting strong scores is the norm here.
What percentage of admitted students enroll at Old Dominion University?
About 20% of admitted students choose to enroll at Old Dominion University — its yield rate (2025-26 Common Data Set). Yield reflects how often a school wins when applicants weigh competing offers.
Similar Schools
Schools with similar outcomes, selectivity, and student profiles to Old Dominion University.
- University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee, WI · Close peer50% grad $54,990 earn 91% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- Sam Houston State UniversityHuntsville, TX · Close peer55% grad $54,211 earn 90% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- Northern Arizona UniversityFlagstaff, AZ · Close peer59% grad $54,384 earn 90% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar size
- University of Nebraska at OmahaOmaha, NE · Close peer47% grad $53,909 earn 87% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- West Virginia UniversityMorgantown, WV · Close peer63% grad $55,939 earn 89% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar size
- Georgia Southern UniversityStatesboro, GA · Close peer53% grad $53,236 earn 88% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
Social Capital
Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
How Connected Is Old Dominion University? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks
Social capital, the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility, runs high at Old Dominion University. Its economic connectedness score is 1.60, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (-0.03), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 5% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
Research Note