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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.
Old Dominion University is a public university located in Norfolk, VA and set in an urban environment. This school follows 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%.
For freshmen, the application deadline for this school is February 1. The transfer application deadline is May 1.
Read more about what you can expect if you get into Old Dominion University.
Quick Facts
17,746
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
13:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
46%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
You need to learn as much as you can about the entrance requirements of the university in order to improve your chances of being accepted. Read on to find out some relevant data about admission 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 for the applicants who choose 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
Out of the number of those who submitted test scores, the percentage of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students who submitted SAT scores was 13% and ACT scores 2%. 4.9% of the new 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 first-year 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 ACT composite average score for all the accepted students in 2025 was 26 while the average GPA was 3.45. That means that you need a GPA that's above average in order to get into Old Dominion University; the same goes for your ACT score.
The new students had an average SAT Critical Reading score of 613 and an average SAT Math score of 582.
Deadlines
Be sure to apply to this school by February 1. If considering applying as a transfer student, note that the application deadline is May 1.
Retention Rate
The percentage of first-year students at a college or university who stay on for their second year is known as the freshman retention rate. This piece of data is important as it can reveal to the prospective students how many freshmen liked the school enough to return to it as sophomores.
As reported in 2025, the freshman retention rate for Old Dominion University was 77%, a reflection of the high standards and excellent educational experience at this school.
Another important metric to consider is the graduation rate. This rate indicates how many students finish their degrees within a certain timeframe. At this school, the rate of students graduating within six years is 46%.
Student Body
It is never easy to figure out which school is the best match for you. Knowing more about the student population can help you get a clearer picture of the school's culture and life.
Main Student Body
The overall number of students enrolled at Old Dominion University in 2025 was 23,743.
That year, the school had 8% of out-of-state students. The total number of undergraduate students enrolled at the school was 17,746, 212 of which were 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.
This school had 948 Asian students and 5,586 Afro-American students in 2025. 1,971 undergraduate students at this school identified as Hispanic/Latino and 1,297 identified with more than one race. The school also had 36 students who declared 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 sending an application to any college or university, the financial component should be taken into consideration. The latest information on the expenses that most students at this school incur are detailed below.
Tuition and Fees
Here are some facts that can be useful if you were curious about Old Dominion University estimated tuition price.
According to the reports from public county and municipal institutions, tuition fees were $12,660 for area residents. Tuition fees were $33,225 for students coming from a different state. For international students, tuition fees at this school amounted to $33,225, as well. Full-time students in 2025 needed to pay additional fees in the amount of $510.
| Category | Tuition | Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State | $33,225 | $510 | $33,735 |
| In-State | $12,660 | $510 | $13,170 |
Books and Supplies
The approximate price of books and supplies for a college or university should also be taken into account as another significant expense. The cost of books and supplies for full-time students of this school is estimated at about $1,311.9.
Boarding
When choosing a college, you should factor in the price of a dorm room and meals at the school cafeteria. How much do room and board fees average around at schools?
The cost of room and board (on campus) per academic year at Old Dominion University was $15,676 in 2025. The cost of a dorm room only at this school in 2025 totaled $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
Getting some financial aid in forms of grants, loans, scholarships or work-study programs can be crucial for completing your studies. 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.
The most recent records show that 1,869 freshmen received some sort of financial help. Students of this school received an average of $20,153 in financial help.
Need-based
Need-based aid is financial aid that a student can receive if they are determened to have financial need and meet other eligibility criteria.
7,476 students obtained some form of need-based financial aid. Need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid at Old Dominion University is available to international students. The overall 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 was $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, received institutional non-need-based financial aid at this school 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.
In 2025, this ratio at Old Dominion University was 13:1. That means that there were 13 times more students than teachers at this school. The faculty of this school consists of 1,989 members, according to the most recent data reported. Out of that number, there were 906 male and 1,083 female faculty members. The fact that female faculty members outnumber the male ones at this school speaks volumes for gender equality at Old Dominion University.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Knowing what to expect out of campus life at a college or university can set you up for success. Find out some details about campus life at Old Dominion University.
Its campus is 251 acres in size.
Student Organizations
Being a member of a student organization will make you connect better with your fellow students and enjoy your college years more.
There are 245 student organizations and groups with open membership at this school. Sororities and fraternities are included in that number. 5 percent of male and 4 of female students are active in different organizations at Old Dominion University. The student organization with the highest level of popularity is Student Veterans of America, followed by Physical Therapy Club and Student Activities Council. Other popular student organizations at this school are Asian Pacific American Student Association and Student Government Association.
Those interested in music can join the Old Dominion University band or chorus. For individuals with a passion for acting, there is a drama club available. You have a talent for media and communication? Old Dominion University publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
Old Dominion University offers a number of services needed for a pleasant and secure life on campus.
There are 24-hour emergency phone and alarm devices. There are electronically operated dormitory entrances. There is a round-the-clock 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 highly beneficial for your future career. Individual job placement is available to all students at this school.
Job Placement
Being aware of the projected salary upon finishing your studies can be important in determining if a specific school is in line with your career ambitions.
The average annual salary for graduates employed six months after graduation from this institution is 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 uses standardized test scores for admission.
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The most recent data indicate that the acceptance rate for Old Dominion University is 90%.
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According to the latest information, the 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.
