Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University admits 90.5% of applicants, making admission accessible for most students who apply. This open access approach means roughly 9 in 10 applicants receive an offer of admission, positioning Old Dominion among institutions prioritizing educational opportunity over selectivity.

The peer median admission rate of 78.1% indicates that Old Dominion is more accessible than typical four-year universities, admitting students at a rate 12.4 percentage points higher than similar institutions. This accessibility reflects the university's mission to serve diverse student populations, including many first-generation and lower-income students.

For most applicants with basic college preparation, admission to Old Dominion represents a realistic outcome rather than an uncertain reach. Students should focus on academic preparation for success once enrolled rather than worrying about admission competition.

This admission profile makes Old Dominion an excellent option for students building balanced college lists that include both accessible and more selective institutions. The combination of open admission with solid post-graduation outcomes creates opportunities for students who might be excluded from more selective universities but can thrive in Old Dominion's supportive academic environment.

Old Dominion University's published cost of attendance reaches $27,180 annually, including $12,262 in in-state tuition, $32,662 for out-of-state students, $14,592 for room and board, and $1,800 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid.

The average net price across all income levels is $14,170, representing $13,010 in financial aid savings compared to the sticker price. This net price exceeds the peer median by $1,420, making Old Dominion slightly more expensive than similar institutions.

For Virginia residents, the in-state tuition advantage helps control costs, though out-of-state students face substantially higher published prices. The financial aid system provides meaningful support, covering nearly half of the total cost of attendance on average.

Students should focus on net price rather than sticker price when evaluating affordability, as the published cost substantially overstates what most families actually pay. The significant gap between published and net prices reflects Old Dominion's commitment to making education accessible despite rising higher education costs.

Old Dominion graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over time. Median earnings rise from $46,732 six years after enrollment to $51,738 at eight years and $54,914 at ten years, representing 17.5% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 6,004 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures across a broad range of academic programs. The institution generates $8,382 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it at the 82.5th percentile nationally for value-added performance.

This indicates that Old Dominion graduates earn substantially more than would be predicted based on their incoming academic credentials and demographic characteristics. Low-income graduates earn $45,900 ten years after enrollment, demonstrating that the institution supports economic advancement for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Approximately 24.9% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pathways. The earnings distribution from $37,373 to $80,436 reflects meaningful variation across programs and career choices.

Old Dominion offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for analysis. Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies ranks #1 nationally, producing 170 graduates with median earnings of $75,927 and a perfect value score of 100.0.

Creative Writing ranks #6 nationally and #3 in Virginia, graduating 218 students with median earnings of $45,919 and a strong value score of 88.1. Clinical Pastoral Counseling/Patient Counseling ranks #5 nationally and #2 in Virginia, with 206 graduates earning $39,989.

Criminology ranks #23 nationally and #1 in Virginia, graduating 239 students with median earnings of $44,575. Agricultural Teacher Education ranks #27 nationally and #1 in Virginia, producing 198 graduates with earnings of $44,081.

Psychology, General represents the largest program by enrollment with 297 graduates, while Adult Health Nurse/Nursing delivers strong outcomes with graduates earning $76,840 annually.