Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia · Public · 90.4% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 53/100 · Below Average Value
Old Dominion University
Below Average ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $12,750/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $33,780/yr |
| Average net price | $14,638/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $58,552 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,914 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $38,300 |
| Median debt at graduation | $24,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $254 |
| Estimated payback period | 10 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 46.3% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 17,514 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,739 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,114 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,123 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,940 |
| $110,001+ | $23,567 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Old Dominion University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | $51,907 | D |
| Political Science and Government | $56,659 | C |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $55,889 | C |
| Registered Nursing | $90,917 | B+ |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | $54,390 | D |
| Biology | $55,304 | D |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration | $65,838 | B |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $61,442 | C |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $47,604 | D |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $56,564 | D |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Old Dominion University is $12,750/year ($33,780/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $14,638/year, or roughly $58,552 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $9,739/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $23,567/year.
The median graduate leaves with $24,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $254 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $54,914 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.63 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 58.1% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 62.0% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 57.8% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 65.0% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 90.4% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 530-630 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 570-650 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 24-29 |
| Enrollment | 17,514 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 36.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $10,583 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Dominion University (this school) | 53 | $14,638 | $54,914 |
| William & Mary | 91 | $19,096 | $73,490 |
| Christopher Newport University | 64 | $23,015 | $60,509 |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | 59 | $15,014 | $54,990 |
| Appalachian State University | 58 | $16,836 | $51,836 |
| Sam Houston State University | 58 | $16,404 | $54,211 |
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for Old Dominion University is mixed. At $14,638 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $54,914 ten years after entry - a payback period of 10 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Areas of concern include a 46.3% graduation rate and concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $24,000 against $54,914 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.