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 gives you a solid financial return if you pick the right major and finish. Median earnings ten years out sit near $55,000 against a $24,000 debt load, so the typical graduate comes out ahead. The catch is the 44% graduation rate, which is the single biggest risk here.
Engineering is where the money is. Computer engineering graduates clear $72,000, and electrical, civil, and mechanical engineering all land in the low-to-mid $60,000s while carrying debt around $23,000 to $25,000. Those degrees plug directly into Norfolk's shipbuilding, naval, and defense-contractor economy, so the regional job market backs up the salary numbers. Computer and information sciences also pays well at $61,500. If you graduate in any of these five fields, the debt is easy to justify.
The risk is finishing at all. Fewer than half of students graduate, and a quarter don't even return after year one. If you borrow the median $24,000 and leave without a degree, you carry the debt with none of the earning power. That's the scenario that turns this school from a good deal into a bad one.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay under $10,000 a year, and the jump to the $48,000-$75,000 tier is modest. Above $75,000, the price climbs sharply to $18,000, and over $110,000 you pay close to $23,000 a year.
This school fits you if you're aiming for an engineering or computing degree and you're confident you'll finish, especially if your family income keeps your net price low. Look elsewhere if you're undecided, prone to dropping out, or planning a major outside the technical fields, since only the engineering and CS salaries here are strong enough to clearly outrun the debt.
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.