Liberty University vs Old Dominion University
Both schools offer relatively easy admission, with Liberty accepting 99.3% of applicants compared to Old Dominion's 95.1%. This makes both accessible options for most students.
Cost differences are substantial. Virginia residents pay $12,262 at Old Dominion versus $21,222 at Liberty, while out-of-state students face $32,662 at Old Dominion compared to Liberty's flat $21,222 rate. However, Old Dominion's average net price of $14,170 is significantly lower than Liberty's $29,552, indicating better financial aid at the public institution.
Liberty enrolls 50,059 students across its extensive online and residential programs, creating a much larger student body than Old Dominion's 17,521. Old Dominion offers better student-faculty ratios at 15:1 versus Liberty's 18:1, potentially meaning more personalized attention.
Academic outcomes favor different aspects at each school. Liberty achieves a higher graduation rate of 63.5% compared to Old Dominion's 44.4% and slightly better retention at 78.8% versus 75.9%. However, Old Dominion graduates earn more ten years post-graduation, with median earnings of $54,914 compared to Liberty's $44,813. Both schools maintain similar debt levels around $24,000-$24,500.
Both institutions compete in NCAA Division I athletics and offer comprehensive campus experiences, though with different cultural emphases.
Liberty suits students seeking a faith-based education with strong support systems and consistent graduation outcomes, while Old Dominion better serves students prioritizing affordability, smaller class sizes, and higher long-term earning potential in a traditional public university setting.
Both schools offer relatively easy admission, with Liberty accepting 99.3% of applicants compared to Old Dominion's 95.1%. This makes both accessible options for most students.
Cost differences are substantial. Virginia residents pay $12,262 at Old Dominion versus $21,222 at Liberty, while out-of-state students face $32,662 at Old Dominion compared to Liberty's flat $21,222 rate. However, Old Dominion's average net price of $14,170 is significantly lower than Liberty's $29,552, indicating better financial aid at the public institution.
Liberty enrolls 50,059 students across its extensive online and residential programs, creating a much larger student body than Old Dominion's 17,521. Old Dominion offers better student-faculty ratios at 15:1 versus Liberty's 18:1, potentially meaning more personalized attention.
Academic outcomes favor different aspects at each school. Liberty achieves a higher graduation rate of 63.5% compared to Old Dominion's 44.4% and slightly better retention at 78.8% versus 75.9%. However, Old Dominion graduates earn more ten years post-graduation, with median earnings of $54,914 compared to Liberty's $44,813. Both schools maintain similar debt levels around $24,000-$24,500.
Both institutions compete in NCAA Division I athletics and offer comprehensive campus experiences, though with different cultural emphases.
Liberty suits students seeking a faith-based education with strong support systems and consistent graduation outcomes, while Old Dominion better serves students prioritizing affordability, smaller class sizes, and higher long-term earning potential in a traditional public university setting.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Liberty University | Old Dominion University | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 99.3% | 95.1% |
| SAT Average | 1,170 | |
| Enrollment | 50,059 | 17,521 |
| In-State Tuition | $21,222 | $12,262 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $21,222 | $32,662 |
| Net Price | $29,552 | $14,170 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 63.5% | 44.4% |
| Retention Rate | 78.8% | 75.9% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $44,813 | $54,914 |
| Median Debt | $24,500 | $24,000 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| Liberty University | Old Dominion University | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $72,022 | Computer Engineering. | $72,231 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $68,219 | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $66,126 |
| Computer Engineering. | $63,600 | Civil Engineering. | $63,005 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $62,936 | Mechanical Engineering. | $62,654 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | $57,705 | Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $61,516 |