At $14,170/yr net price, Old Dominion University graduates earn $54,914/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,914/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,170 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $56,680 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,914/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,914/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,627/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,883/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,142/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,121/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,658/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering, Other. | Master | $106,421 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $95,295 | $41,000 |
| Engineering, General. | Master | $78,719 | $20,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $74,576 | |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $72,231 | $23,000 |
| Education, Other. | Doctoral | $71,854 | $55,877 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $71,114 | $65,250 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,126 | $25,000 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $23,406 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $62,654 | $25,000 |
The Risk Factor
44.4% of students at Old Dominion University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Old Dominion University delivers solid financial returns for students who choose the right majors, but your program selection will make or break your investment. The low graduation rate of 44% creates significant risk that you won't finish your degree at all.
Engineering programs offer strong returns, with specialized engineering fields reaching $106,000 annually and general engineering at $78,000. Computer engineering and accounting also provide strong outcomes above $70,000. Nursing graduates earn $95,000 but carry higher debt loads at $41,000, though this remains manageable given the salary potential.
The university's location in Norfolk benefits graduates seeking engineering and healthcare positions, with major employers like Norfolk Naval Shipyard and regional hospitals providing steady job opportunities. Your low net price of $14,170 annually makes this an affordable option even if you don't qualify for aid.
You face real completion risk with less than half of students graduating. If you have concerns about your academic preparation or commitment, consider starting at a community college first. The 76% retention rate suggests many students struggle after their first year.
This school works best if you can commit to high-earning majors like engineering, nursing, or accounting. Students pursuing lower-earning fields should look elsewhere, as the weak graduation rate amplifies the risk of poor outcomes. Merit aid opportunities exist but aren't extensive, so your financial aid package will likely depend on need-based grants.
Your median debt of $24,000 stays reasonable for strong-earning majors but becomes problematic for lower-paying fields or if you don't graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Old Dominion University worth the cost?
Old Dominion University offers decent value with a low net price of $14,170 and median debt of $24,000, but the 44% graduation rate is concerning. Engineering and nursing programs provide strong returns, while other majors may struggle to justify the investment.
What is the return on investment for Old Dominion University graduates?
ODU graduates earn a median of $54,914 ten years after graduation, which is reasonable given the low cost. However, nearly half of students don't graduate, making completion the biggest factor in determining your ROI.
Which Old Dominion University programs have the best job prospects?
Engineering programs at ODU lead to median earnings over $100,000, while nursing graduates earn around $95,000. These programs offer clear career paths and strong earning potential compared to other majors at the school.
How much student debt do Old Dominion University graduates typically have?
ODU graduates leave with a median debt of $24,000, which is manageable compared to the national average. The relatively low tuition keeps debt levels reasonable for those who complete their degrees.