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Old Dominion University vs Virginia Commonwealth University

Old Dominion University is a public university in Norfolk, VA, and Virginia Commonwealth University is a public university in Richmond, VA. Old Dominion University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 90% of applicants against 93% at Virginia Commonwealth University. Old Dominion University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,638 a year against $23,433 at Virginia Commonwealth University. About 64% of students graduate at Virginia Commonwealth University, compared with 45% at Old Dominion University. Ten years after enrolling, Virginia Commonwealth University alumni earn a median of about $58,128, against $54,914 for Old Dominion University.

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA · Public

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Norfolk, VA
Richmond, VA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
17,514
20,753
Acceptance rate
90%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.27–3.77
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
1100–1280
1010–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
24–29
22–30
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,638
$23,433
Full cost / yr
$29,446
$38,954
In-state tuition
$12,750
$16,945
Out-of-state tuition
$33,780
$40,109
Application fee
$50
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,739
$17,512
$30k - $48k
$10,114
$17,777
$48k - $75k
$13,123
$20,925
$75k - $110k
$16,940
$24,691
Over $110k
$23,567
$32,739
Outcomes
Graduation rate
45%
64%
Freshman retention
77%
85%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,732
$47,161
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,914
$58,128
Median debt at graduation
$24,000
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
37%
31%
First-generation students
33%
28%
International students
1%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Dec 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Old Dominion University or Virginia Commonwealth University harder to get into?
Old Dominion University is harder to get into. It admits about 90% of applicants, compared with 93% at Virginia Commonwealth University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Old Dominion University or Virginia Commonwealth University?
Old Dominion University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,638 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,433 at Virginia Commonwealth University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Old Dominion University and Virginia Commonwealth University?
Before aid, Old Dominion University costs about $29,446 a year and Virginia Commonwealth University about $38,954. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Old Dominion University or Virginia Commonwealth University?
Old Dominion University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,739 there, against about $17,512 at Virginia Commonwealth University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Old Dominion University or Virginia Commonwealth University?
Virginia Commonwealth University is the larger of the two, with about 20,753 undergraduates against 17,514 at Old Dominion University.
Does Old Dominion University or Virginia Commonwealth University have a better graduation rate?
Virginia Commonwealth University has the higher graduation rate, at about 64% against 45% at Old Dominion University.
Do graduates of Old Dominion University or Virginia Commonwealth University earn more?
Virginia Commonwealth University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,128 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,914 for Old Dominion University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Old Dominion University and Virginia Commonwealth University require SAT or ACT scores?
Old Dominion University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Virginia Commonwealth University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Old Dominion University and Virginia Commonwealth University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1100–1280 at Old Dominion University and 1010–1270 at Virginia Commonwealth University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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