About Old Dominion University
Students pay an average net price of $14,170 after financial aid, making this one of Virginia's more affordable options for in-state families. Graduates earn a median of $54,914 ten years after leaving school, while carrying typical debt of $24,000. The employment rate hits 94%, reflecting strong regional job markets in defense contracting, healthcare, and maritime industries. Low-income families pay just $9,627 on average after aid.
The student body reflects Hampton Roads diversity, with 32% Black students and 88% from Virginia. Only 44% graduate within six years, a rate that lags behind state averages but improves for students who stay engaged. The Monarchs compete in Division I athletics across 18 sports, building school spirit around basketball and football programs.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 95.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 46.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 44.4%
- Retention Rate
- 75.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,914
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering, Other. | Master | $106,421 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $95,295 |
| Engineering, General. | Master | $78,719 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $74,576 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $72,231 |
| Education, Other. | Doctoral | $71,854 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $71,114 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,126 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $62,654 |
Campus Life
Campus life revolves heavily around the military presence that defines Hampton Roads. With major naval installations nearby, many students have military connections or pursue defense-related careers. Basketball games draw solid crowds to support the Monarchs, especially during conference play. Norfolk's midsize city setting provides internship opportunities without big-city costs, while Virginia Beach's boardwalk offers weekend entertainment just 20 minutes away. Students often hang out in the Webb Center or explore Norfolk's revitalized downtown district. The 88.53% in-state enrollment creates a distinctly Virginian atmosphere, and many students stay local after graduation, with median earnings reaching $54,914 ten years out.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 4,790 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1930
Campus Safety (2023)
107 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 14 | 11 | 1 | 1 |
| Aggravated Assault | 10 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| Rape | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 11 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 6 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Statutory Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Murder | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 34°–50°F
- July Avg
- 72°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 45.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 3.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 45.6%
- Women
- 54.4%
- White
- 41.4%
- Black
- 32.3%
- Hispanic
- 10.6%
- Asian
- 5.4%
- In-State Students
- 88.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 36.9%
Location
- Address
- Norfolk, Virginia 23529
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,914
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $57,859
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 52.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $254/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Old Dominion University?
Old Dominion University accepts 95.14% of applicants, making it highly accessible to students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1090-1250 on the SAT. This open admissions approach reflects ODU's mission as a public university serving the Hampton Roads region.
How much does Old Dominion University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $14,170 annually after aid at Old Dominion University. In-state tuition runs $12,262 while out-of-state students pay $32,662. About 37% of students receive Pell Grants, helping make ODU affordable for middle and lower-income families.
What academic programs is Old Dominion University known for?
Old Dominion University maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs, with particular strength in engineering. The university serves 17,521 students and benefits from its proximity to major naval installations in Hampton Roads. ODU's research focus complements its strong ties to the defense and maritime industries.
What are the graduation and career outcomes at Old Dominion University?
Old Dominion University graduates 44.40% of students within six years, with graduates earning a median salary of $54,914 after ten years. The employment rate reaches 94%, reflecting strong regional job connections. Graduates typically carry $24,000 in debt with monthly payments of $254.
Where do students live at Old Dominion University?
Old Dominion University houses students in facilities with a capacity of 4,790 on its Norfolk campus. The university retains 75.92% of first-year students, indicating solid campus satisfaction. Norfolk's midsize city setting provides urban amenities while maintaining the feel of a college town.
How competitive are athletics at Old Dominion University?
Old Dominion University competes in NCAA Division I as the Monarchs in the Sun Belt Conference. The university fields 18 varsity sports with 476 total athletes and awards $11.2 million in athletic scholarships. ODU's basketball program has gained national recognition, building on the legacy of notable alumni like Nancy Lieberman.
