Old Dominion University: A Parent's Guide to Admissions, Cost & Outcomes

Norfolk, Virginia · Public · Open access · CDS 2025-2026

Acceptance rate
91%
15,024 applicants
Median SAT
1190
Mid 50: 1120–1270
In-state tuition
$12,750
per year, before aid
Net price (avg)
$14,638
after aid, what families pay
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Quick answer

Old Dominion University is a public university in Norfolk, Virginia that admits about 91% of applicants, making it a open access school. The average family pays about $14,638 a year after financial aid, which matters more than the published sticker price. It is best known for Psychology, General, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing and Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other, its largest undergraduate programs by number of graduates. About 43% of students graduate within six years. Its most recent Clery Act report shows roughly 3.8 criminal offenses per 1,000 students.

Old Dominion University is a public institution located in Norfolk, Virginia. For the most recent reporting cycle, Old Dominion University admits the majority of qualified applicants, with an overall admission rate of 91%. Admitted students typically post a median SAT of 1190 and an ACT composite around 24. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $14,638 per year, which is the figure most families actually pay rather than the published sticker price.

What GPA does my child need for Old Dominion University?

62% of enrolled students at Old Dominion University had a high school GPA of 3.25 or above, and the average was 3.43, according to its 2025-2026 Common Data Set.

Actual GPA distribution of admitted students
4.00
19.0%
3.75–3.99
13.0%
3.50–3.74
15.0%
3.25–3.49
15.0%
3.00–3.24
13.0%
2.50–2.99
25.0%
From the 2025-2026 Common Data Set submitted by Old Dominion University.

What does Old Dominion University weight in admissions?

Old Dominion University reports these factor weights in its Common Data Set (2025-2026). What the weights mean

Very Important2 factors
  • Rigor of secondary school record
  • Academic GPA
Important4 factors
  • Recommendations
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Volunteer work
  • Work experience

SAT and ACT scores Old Dominion University typically admits

The middle-50 SAT Math range is 530–630, with an EBRW midpoint near 570. The middle-50 ACT composite range is 24–29. Many applicants here submit scores; even slightly below the average can be competitive when combined with a strong GPA and curriculum.

SAT Composite
25th percentile1120
50th percentile1190
75th percentile1270
% submitting SAT7%
ACT Composite
25th percentile22
50th percentile25
75th percentile27
% submitting ACT1%
Current testing policy
  • Test-optional: Standardized test scores are not required, but may be submitted and considered.
  • • Policy detail: Required for some

Where admitted students ranked in their high school class

Class rank distribution gives parents a clear sense of how academically dominant a typical admitted student was within their own high school cohort — often a more meaningful signal than absolute GPA.

Top 10% of class12%
Top 25% of class35%
Top 50% of class71%
% submitting class rank75%

How much does Old Dominion University actually cost?

Published tuition is $12,750 for in-state students and $33,780 for out-of-state, before grants and scholarships. Room and board adds roughly $14,878 annually. After need-based and merit aid, the average family pays a net price of $14,638 per year — the number that actually matters for budgeting. Roughly 37% of students receive Pell Grants.

In-state tuition$8,040
Out-of-state tuition$28,605
Room and board$15,720
Average net price (after aid)$14,638
Application fee (waivers available)

Application deadlines and early decision data for Old Dominion University

Regular admission
Regular deadline2/1
Notification dateRolling, beginning 10/15
Reply deadlineMay 1 or within 4 weeks if notified thereafter
Rolling admissionsYes
Early admission
Offers Early ActionYes
EA deadlineDecember 1

Will my child graduate from Old Dominion University?

These predict outcomes at Old Dominion University better than its acceptance rate does. How to read retention and graduation rates

Freshman retention
79%
returned for sophomore year
4-year graduation
null%
finished on time
6-year graduation
43%
finished within 6 years

Most popular majors at Old Dominion University

The most popular undergraduate programs at Old Dominion University, measured by the number of students who actually graduate each year, are Psychology, General, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing and Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. Across all programs, Old Dominion University confers roughly 1,710 bachelor's degrees a year. Graduates of its Psychology, General program report a median income of about $50,828 five years after entering college. What these figures mean

MajorGraduates / yearMedian earnings (5 yrs out)
Psychology, General316$50,828
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing222$83,865
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other218$49,302
Criminology213$51,760
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies210$53,896
Biology, General196$53,794
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions175$45,128
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas160$50,910
Bachelor's-degree completions from federal IPEDS data; earnings from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Is Old Dominion University safe? Campus crime & safety

In its most recent Clery Act report (2024), Old Dominion University disclosed 66 total criminal offenses across its campus and surrounding public property, about 3.8 per 1,000 students. That figure includes 18 violent offenses and 23 reported sexual assaults or VAWA offenses. Why per-1,000 rates, not counts

Total offenses
66
3.8 per 1,000 students
Violent crime
18
1.03 per 1,000
Sexual assault / VAWA
23
1.31 per 1,000
Burglary
0
reported incidents
Clery Act 2024, rates per 17,514 enrolled.

What is campus life like at Old Dominion University?

About 24% of undergraduates at Old Dominion University live in campus housing, so a meaningful share of students commute or live off campus. In Greek life, 5% of men join a fraternity and 5% of women join a sorority. Residential rate and Greek participation shape day-to-day social life and are worth weighing alongside academics and cost.

Live on campus
24%
of undergraduates
In fraternities
5%
of men
In sororities
5%
of women
From the 2025-2026 Common Data Set submitted by Old Dominion University.

Other colleges in Virginia parents ask about

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Common questions parents ask about Old Dominion University

What GPA do I need for Old Dominion University?

62% of enrolled students at Old Dominion University had a high school GPA of 3.25 or above, and the average was 3.43, according to its 2025-2026 Common Data Set.

What SAT or ACT score does Old Dominion University typically admit?

The middle-50 SAT Math range is 530–630, with an EBRW midpoint near 570. The middle-50 ACT composite range is 24–29.

How much does Old Dominion University actually cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Old Dominion University after grants and scholarships is $14,638 per year, against a published in-state tuition of $12,750 and $33,780 out of state. Budget against the net figure.

Is Old Dominion University realistic for my child?

Old Dominion University admits 91% of applicants, so 530–630 SAT Math is target range and below 530 is a reach. Then check the $14,638 average net price against what your family can carry.

What is the acceptance rate at Old Dominion University?

Old Dominion University accepts about 91% of applicants out of roughly 15,024 who apply each year. It admits the majority of qualified applicants.

Is Old Dominion University test-optional?

Yes. Old Dominion University is test-optional, so SAT and ACT scores are not required, but strong scores can still be submitted and will be considered.

What is the graduation rate at Old Dominion University?

About 43% of students at Old Dominion University graduate within six years. 79% of freshmen return for sophomore year. Graduation rate predicts real outcomes better than acceptance rate.

What does Old Dominion University look for in applicants?

Old Dominion University rates course rigor and GPA as "very important" in its Common Data Set. These are the factors the admissions committee weighs most heavily when reviewing an application.

Is Old Dominion University a public or private school, and where is it located?

Old Dominion University is a public institution located in Norfolk, Virginia.

What are the most popular majors at Old Dominion University?

The largest undergraduate majors at Old Dominion University by annual graduates are Psychology, General, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing and Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. The school awards about 1,710 bachelor's degrees a year in total. These figures come from federal IPEDS completion data.

Is Old Dominion University safe? What is its campus crime rate?

Old Dominion University reported 66 total criminal offenses in its most recent Clery Act disclosure (2024), roughly 3.8 per 1,000 students. Compare the per-1,000 rate rather than the raw total, since larger schools report more incidents.

What is campus life like at Old Dominion University?

At Old Dominion University, 24% of undergraduates live on campus, 5% of men are in fraternities, 5% of women are in sororities, according to its most recent Common Data Set.

Sources: the 2025-2026 Common Data Set submitted by Old Dominion University, the College Scorecard and IPEDS, and Clery Act disclosures. What each source covers