Choosing the right university is a crucial decision for every student. In this article, we will provide a comparison between two universities located in different states: West Virginia University (WVU) and Old Dominion University (ODU). Each section below will cover critical factors to consider when comparing these schools, such as cost, admissions, degree programs, academics, diversity, student life, and more. By the end of this article, you should have a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each institution to aid in your decision-making process.
[West Virginia University] Overview
Established in 1867, West Virginia University (WVU) is a public research university located in Morgantown, West Virginia. WVU is the flagship institution of West Virginia’s higher education system and offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation, the university is classified as R1, meaning it has the highest research activity level. With over 26,000 students, WVU has a diverse campus community and offers various clubs, organizations, and social activities to enrich its students’ lives.
[West Virginia University] Costs & Tuition
The cost of attendance at West Virginia University varies depending on residency status. For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state undergraduate students can expect to pay approximately $8,976 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state undergraduate students will face higher costs, with tuition and fees reaching $25,320. Additional expenses, such as room and board, books, and personal expenses, can bring the total cost of attendance to an estimated $21,834 for in-state students and $38,178 for out-of-state students.
[West Virginia University] Admissions
Admissions at West Virginia University are considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 83% in 2020. The admissions process requires applicants to submit a completed application, official high school or college transcripts, and SAT or ACT scores. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.62, while the average SAT score is 1140, and the average ACT score is 23.7. West Virginia University also considers extracurricular activities, recommendations, and personal essays in their evaluation process.
[West Virginia University] Degrees Offered
West Virginia University offers over 130 undergraduate majors across 14 colleges and schools. Some of the most popular majors at WVU include engineering, health professions, business, journalism, and agriculture. The university also offers a wide range of graduate and doctoral degrees, including professional programs in medicine, law, and pharmacy.
[West Virginia University] Academics
WVU boasts a strong academic reputation, with a student-faculty ratio of 17:1 and around 48% of the classes having fewer than 20 students. This allows for personalized attention and support from faculty members. Additionally, the university emphasizes research opportunities and hands-on learning experiences, enabling students to gain valuable skills and knowledge applicable to their future careers.
[West Virginia University] Diversity
West Virginia University is committed to promoting diversity and inclusiveness on its campus. While the majority of the student body is composed of Caucasian students (79.4%), efforts are being made to increase the representation of ethnic minority students. Additionally, the university provides support and resources for LGBTQ+ students, international students, and students with disabilities through various centers and offices on campus.
[West Virginia University] Students
Students at WVU have numerous opportunities to get involved in campus life, with over 480 student clubs and organizations available. These organizations cover a wide range of interests, including academics, cultural, recreational, and service-oriented groups. Additionally, students can participate in various events and activities throughout the year, such as sports, theater performances, and music concerts.
[West Virginia University] Campus
The WVU campus, located in Morgantown, West Virginia, spans over 1,500 acres and is divided into three main areas: Downtown, Evansdale, and Health Sciences. The campus features a mixture of historic and modern buildings, including state-of-the-art research facilities and lecture halls. Additionally, WVU offers on-campus housing options for students, including residence halls and apartment-style living arrangements.
[West Virginia University] Alumni
Notable alumni from West Virginia University include NASA astronaut Jon McBride, actress and comedian Cheryl Hines, and former NBA player Jerry West. The university also boasts a strong alumni network, with regional alumni chapters across the United States and various programs to help graduates stay connected and support current students.
[West Virginia University] Rankings
In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, West Virginia University ranked #249 in National Universities, #121 in Top Public Schools, and #133 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs. Additionally, several of WVU’s graduate programs have received high rankings, including the College of Law and the School of Medicine.
[West Virginia University] Outcomes
Graduates of West Virginia University have a strong employment rate, with 82% of recent graduates finding employment or continuing their education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for WVU graduates is around $50,000. Additionally, the university offers various resources for career development, such as career counseling, networking events, and internship opportunities.
[ODU Old Dominion] Overview
Old Dominion University (ODU) is a public research university located in Norfolk, Virginia. Established in 1930 as a division of the College of William and Mary, ODU became an independent institution in 1962. Today, the university serves over 24,000 students and offers a wide variety of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Known for its commitment to research and innovation, ODU has a strong focus on engineering, health sciences, education, and business programs.
[ODU Old Dominion] Costs & Tuition
Tuition and fees at Old Dominion University vary based on residency status. For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state undergraduate students can expect to pay approximately $10,560 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state undergraduate students will face higher costs, with tuition and fees reaching $30,840. Additional expenses, such as room and board, books, and personal expenses, can bring the total cost of attendance to an estimated $26,422 for in-state students and $46,702 for out-of-state students.
[ODU Old Dominion] Admissions
Admissions at Old Dominion University are considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 87% in 2020. The admissions process requires applicants to submit a completed application, official high school or college transcripts, and SAT or ACT scores. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.4, while the average SAT score is 1090, and the average ACT score is 21. ODU also considers extracurricular activities, recommendations, and personal essays in their evaluation process.
[ODU Old Dominion] Degrees Offered
Old Dominion University offers over 120 undergraduate majors across six colleges. Some of the most popular majors at ODU include engineering, health professions, business, education, and social sciences. The university also offers a wide range of graduate and doctoral degrees, including professional programs in education, health sciences, and engineering.
[ODU Old Dominion] Academics
ODU provides a supportive academic environment, with a student-faculty ratio of 17:1 and around 35% of the classes having fewer than 20 students. This allows for personalized attention and support from faculty members. Additionally, the university emphasizes research opportunities and hands-on learning experiences, enabling students to gain valuable skills and knowledge applicable to their future careers.
[ODU Old Dominion] Diversity
Old Dominion University is committed to promoting diversity and inclusiveness on its campus. The student body at ODU is composed of 46% Caucasian students, 32% African American students, and 10% Hispanic students. Additionally, the university provides support and resources for LGBTQ+ students, international students, and students with disabilities through various centers and offices on campus.
[ODU Old Dominion] Students
Students at ODU have numerous opportunities to get involved in campus life, with over 300 student clubs and organizations available. These organizations cover a wide range of interests, including academics, cultural, recreational, and service-oriented groups. Additionally, students can participate in various events and activities throughout the year, such as sports, theater performances, and music concerts.
[ODU Old Dominion] Campus
The ODU campus, located in Norfolk, Virginia, spans over 250 acres and features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including state-of-the-art research facilities and lecture halls. Additionally, ODU offers on-campus housing options for students, including residence halls and apartment-style living arrangements.
[ODU Old Dominion] Alumni
Notable alumni from Old Dominion University include comedian and actor Patton Oswalt, former NFL player Justin Durant, and engineer and astronaut Susan Kilrain. The university also boasts a strong alumni network, with regional alumni chapters across the United States and various programs to help graduates stay connected and support current students.
[ODU Old Dominion] Rankings
In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Old Dominion University ranked #263 in National Universities, #129 in Top Public Schools, and #175 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs. Additionally, several of ODU’s graduate programs have received high rankings, including the College of Engineering and Technology and the Strome College of Business.
[ODU Old Dominion] Outcomes
Graduates of Old Dominion University have a strong employment rate, with 82% of recent graduates finding employment or continuing their education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for ODU graduates is around $49,000. Additionally, the university offers various resources for career development, such as career counseling, networking events, and internship opportunities.
[West Virginia University] vs [ODU Old Dominion] Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending West Virginia University and Old Dominion University, it is important to consider both tuition and fees and additional expenses such as room and board, books, and personal expenses. For in-state students, ODU has a slightly higher cost of attendance at $26,422 compared to $21,834 at WVU. For out-of-state students, the cost difference is more significant, with ODU’s cost of attendance at $46,702 and WVU’s at $38,178. While costs are an important factor in the decision-making process, it is also essential to consider factors such as financial aid, scholarships, and potential future earnings when comparing these schools.
[West Virginia University] vs [ODU Old Dominion] Admissions Difficulty
Both West Virginia University and Old Dominion University have moderately selective admissions processes, with acceptance rates of 83% and 87% respectively. While the average high school GPA of admitted students is slightly higher at WVU (3.62) compared to ODU (3.4), the average SAT and ACT scores are comparable between the two schools. Ultimately, the admissions difficulty between these universities is relatively similar, and students should focus on submitting a strong application that highlights their achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal essays.
[West Virginia University] vs [ODU Old Dominion] Academic Difficulty
Both universities provide supportive academic environments, with comparable student-faculty ratios of 17:1. The percentage of classes with fewer than 20 students is slightly higher at WVU (48%) compared to ODU (35%), potentially indicating more personalized attention and support from faculty members at WVU. Both universities emphasize research opportunities and hands-on learning experiences, allowing students to gain valuable skills and knowledge applicable to their future careers.
[West Virginia University] vs [ODU Old Dominion] Outcome Comparison
The outcomes for graduates of West Virginia University and Old Dominion University are quite similar, with both schools reporting an 82% employment or continuing education rate within six months of graduation. Additionally, the average starting salaries for graduates are comparable, with WVU graduates earning an average of $50,000 and ODU graduates earning an average of $49,000. Both universities offer resources for career development, such as career counseling, networking events, and internship opportunities, to help students prepare for their post-graduation plans.
In conclusion, both West Virginia University and Old Dominion University have various strengths and weaknesses to consider when choosing a university. Factors such as cost, location, available degree programs, campus life, and future outcomes should all be considered in the decision-making process. Students should evaluate their personal preferences and goals to determine which university best aligns with their educational and career aspirations.
