Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Norfolk, VA & Boulder, CO
Choosing between Old Dominion University and University of Colorado Boulder means weighing two very different risk profiles. Old Dominion, in Norfolk, Virginia, serves a broad-access student population — more than a third receive Pell grants — and costs significantly less.
CU Boulder, in Boulder, Colorado, carries a higher price tag but graduates students at a dramatically higher rate. When nearly three in ten additional students complete their degree at one institution versus another, that difference shapes everything from earnings to debt burden.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$24,000
federal loans
$19,500
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$18,866
borrowed by parents
$46,340
borrowed by parents
Old Dominion emphasizes health and human services fields, with its largest programs including Psychology (316 graduates), Registered Nursing (222), Criminology (213), and Rhetoric and Composition (210). Its broader mix includes 13% Business, 11% Social Sciences, and 7% Education.
University of Colorado Boulder concentrates on Business (15%), Engineering (12%), and Social Sciences (12%). CU Boulder's top programs — Business Administration (1,087 graduates), Psychology (567), and Computer Science (473) — skew toward higher-earning fields, which partly explains the earnings gap between the two institutions.
For students who are confident in their ability to complete a four-year degree, University of Colorado Boulder's higher graduation rate, stronger earnings trajectory at the median, and greater institutional effectiveness make it the stronger long-term financial value — despite costing $10,708 more per year. Old Dominion University is the better choice for students who need a more affordable path, particularly those from lower-income families: ODU's net price for low-income students runs just $9,739/year versus $14,231 at CU Boulder.
ODU also serves a much higher share of Pell grant recipients (37% versus 14%), reflecting a genuine commitment to access. The right choice depends on your financial circumstances, program interests, and realistic assessment of your path to completion.
Families taking on significant Parent PLUS debt for CU Boulder should weigh that obligation carefully against the earnings outcomes typical graduates achieve.
Key Takeaway
The numbers are close, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
