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Norfolk , VA
Old Dominion University (ODU) is a public research university located in Norfolk, Virginia. Established in 1930 as a division of the College of William & Mary, ODU is now an independent institution offering over 120 undergraduate and graduate programs. With a student population of over 24,000, ODU is the second largest university in Virginia.
ODU is known for its strong commitment to innovation and research. The university has been designated as a Doctoral University with "Higher Research Activity," indicating its significant contributions to cutting-edge research. ODU's research centers cover a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, business, health sciences, maritime and maritime security, and the humanities. The university's research efforts have led to breakthroughs in various fields, and ODU continues to collaborate with numerous industry partners to drive innovation and impact the local and global community.
As a comprehensive university, ODU offers a diverse range of academic programs across its seven colleges. Students can choose from a variety of disciplines, including engineering and technology, health sciences, business, education, arts and letters, sciences, and interdisciplinary studies. The university emphasizes experiential learning, providing students with opportunities to gain practical skills and real-world experiences through internships, co-ops, and research projects. ODU's vibrant campus community fosters a supportive and inclusive environment, with numerous student organizations and clubs catering to diverse interests and identities.
In summary, Old Dominion University is a leading research institution in Virginia, known for its commitment to excellence and innovation. With a wide range of academic programs, a strong research focus, and a vibrant campus community, ODU offers students a comprehensive and engaging educational experience. Whether in the sciences, humanities, business, or engineering, students at ODU can benefit from the university's academic rigor and commitment to preparing them for successful careers and impactful contributions to society.
Located in Norfolk, VA and set in an urban environment, Old Dominion University is a public university. This school uses a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 90%. The freshman retention rate at Old Dominion University is 77% and the six-year graduation rate is 46%.
The freshmen application deadline for this school is February 1. For transfer students, the application deadline is May 1.
To find out more about what Old Dominion University has to offer to its students, read on for the latest data reported by this school.
Quick Facts
17,746
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
13:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
46%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
Learning as much as possible about the school's criteria for admission increases your chances of getting admitted. Here are the most vital information you should know about admission policy and requirements at Old Dominion University.
According to the most recent data, this institution uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 13,645 in 2025. Old Dominion University has an official test-optional admission policy but takes into consideration standardized test scores if the applicant chooses to submit them. Looking at entrance difficulty level for all or most incoming freshmen, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is moderately difficult to get into.
Test Scores
13% of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students submitted their SAT scores for admission, and 2% submitted ACT scores, out of the total number of those who submitted test scores. 4.9% of the first-year students submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 42.2% between 1,200 and 1,399, 50.1% between 1,000 and 1,199, and 2.7% between 800 and 999. The percent of new students who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 23.4, 57.45 between 24-29, 17.02 in the range between 18-23, and 2.13 between 12-17.
The average ACT score for all the admitted students in 2025 was 26 and the average GPA was 3.45. This implies that you'll probably need a GPA above the average to secure admission, as well as an above-average ACT score.
The SAT Critical Reading average score was 613 for the newly enrolled students, while the average SAT Math score was 582.
Deadlines
Be sure to apply to this school by February 1. If you are applying for a transfer, the application deadline is May 1.
Retention Rate
The student retention rate is the percentage of students who re-enroll from one year to the next. That information can tell you if the majority of freshmen liked their first year enough to come back.
As reported in 2025, the freshman retention rate for Old Dominion University was 77%, indicative of the exceptional educational experience and supportive environment at this school.
The graduation rate is another indicator to take into account. It reflects the proportion of students who obtain their degrees within the expected timeframe. The six-year graduation rate at this school is 46%.
Student Body
Figuring out which school is the right fit for you is not a task you should take lightly. You can better comprehend the culture and life of the school by finding out more about the student body.
Main Student Body
In 2025, the institution enrolled 23,743 students.
That year, the school had an out-of-state student body percentage of 8. There was a total of 17,746 undergraduate students, including 212 international students. 1,738 students enrolled as transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
With a coeducational student body, the school had 7,252 male and 9,194 female full-time students in 2025.
Student Population Diversity
In order to promote a sense of inclusion and belonging among its students, higher education is dedicated to increasing student diversity. In a diverse learning space, you will be exposed to people from different backgrounds, which promotes the feeling of inclusion and acceptance. Discover more about the many ethnic communities that go to this school.
In 2025, out of the total number of students enrolled at the institution, the number of students of Asian origin was 948, while the number of Black American students was 5,586. 1,971 undergrads at this school identified as Hispanic/Latino and 1,297 as multirace. The school also had 36 students who identified as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and 26 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 325 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
Before you send an application to any college or university, you should take into account the financial component. Here are some details you should know about the expenses at Old Dominion University that the majority of students face.
Tuition and Fees
If you were wondering how much the tuition cost for Old Dominion University is, here are some recent data that will come in handy.
Tuition fees for area resident were $12,660, as reported by public county or municipal institutions. Tuition fees were $33,225 for students coming from out of state. If you are an international student at Old Dominion University, you should know that the 2025 tuition was $33,225, as well. Fees per academic year required of full-time students amounted to $510 in 2025.
| Category | Tuition | Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State | $33,225 | $510 | $33,735 |
| In-State | $12,660 | $510 | $13,170 |
Books and Supplies
Another important expense to consider is the approximate price of books and supplies for a college or university. Most students have to spend about $1,311.9 for books and supplies during their time at Old Dominion University.
Boarding
When choosing a college, you should factor in the price of a dorm room and meals at the school cafeteria. What do colleges and universities typically charge for room and board?
At Old Dominion University, the 2025 annual cost of room and board (on campus) was $15,676. The cost of a dorm room only at this school in 2025 was $8,782 for one academic year.
| Expense Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $ 12,660 |
| Room and Board | $ 15,676 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 1,312 |
| Total Expense | $ 29,647 |
Financial Aid
There are different types of financial help: grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs. If you want to find out more about need-based and non-need-based aid at Old Dominion University, here are some recent data you should consider.
According to the most recent data, 1,869 freshmen were awarded financial aid. The average amount of financial aid given to students was $20,153.
Need-based
If you need help with paying for your studies and you meet some eligibility requirements, you may be eligible for need-based aid.
There were 7,476 students who got need-based financial aid of any kind. Need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid at Old Dominion University is available to international students. The total number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need ended up being 8,688. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution came to $43,464,499, and state $60,700,272. The students of Old Dominion University received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $1,410,021, and external in the amount of $524,946.
$7,673
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Non-need-based financial aid is any type of financial aid provided to a student who does not meet the criteria for need-based aid. Most students get non-need-based financial aid as Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the TEACH Grant.
3,401 students, including freshmen, were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid at this institution in 2025. 1,263 full-time freshmen were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid. The total amount of institutional scholarships and awards that were not based on financial need was $22,982,577. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. The amount the students of this school received from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) was $2,526,888 USD.
Open Applications
Find open programs by choosing your preferred academic interest from the list below, and select your desired term start. Get started with your application process and find more information using the Apply button.
The Common Application for Transfer (Common App for transfer)
Majors
Faculty
13:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
The student-to-faculty ratio can tell you a lot about the teaching resources a school provides for its students.
According to the most recent data, the student-faculty ratio at Old Dominion University was 13:1: that means 13 students per one teacher, which is considered a good ratio. According to the most recent information, there are 1,989 teachers at this school. Out of that number, there were 906 men and 1,083 women. The fact that female faculty members outnumber the male ones at this school is telling of the importance gender equality has at Old Dominion University.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Not everything at Old Dominion University is about learning and grades: campus life is an essential part of your educational experience. Find out some details about social life at Old Dominion University.
Its campus spans 251 acres.
Student Organizations
Student organizations are run by students of an institution, and its membership usually consists only of current students and/or alumni.
The number of student organizations and groups with open membership at this school is 245. Sororities and fraternities are included in that number. The percentage of male students who are members of organizations is 5 and female students 4. The student organization that gathers the largest number of students is Student Veterans of America, followed by Physical Therapy Club and Student Activities Council. Other popular organizations among the students at Old Dominion University are Asian Pacific American Student Association and Student Government Association.
If you are interested in music, you can join the Old Dominion University band or chorus. There is a drama club you can join if acting is something that interests you. You have a passion for media and communication? Old Dominion University publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
At Old Dominion University, there are many amenities that make life on campus pleasant and safe.
There are 24-hour emergency phone and alarm devices. The dormitory entrances are electronically operated. There is a 24-hour security patrol. The late-night transport/escort service is available.
There is a medical clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Veteran's Affairs and Women's Center are available to the students of Old Dominion University.
All in all, campus life at Old Dominion University is rich and vibrant and provides everything most students need.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at Old Dominion University.
Career Counselling
At Old Dominion University, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a job bank and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. The school has campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be excellent for your future career. Individual job placement is available to all students at this school.
Job Placement
Knowing what salary you can expect once you have completed your studies can help you decide if a certain school matches your career goals.
Within six months of graduation, this school's students can expect an average base annual starting salary of 80,152 USD.
$80,152
Average Starting Salary After 6 Months of Graduation
FAQ
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Old Dominion University is located in Norfolk, VA.
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Old Dominion University offers need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid to international students.
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This school has an official test-optional admission policy but makes use of SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, or other standardized test scores in admission decisions for the candidates who choose to submit them.
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According to the latest information, the acceptance rate for Old Dominion University is 90%.
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The most recent reported freshman retention rate for Old Dominion University is 77%.
Contact Information
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.