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Old Dominion University vs Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Old Dominion University is a public university in Norfolk, VA. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is a public institute in Blacksburg, VA. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University admits about 55% of applicants and Old Dominion University about 90%, making Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $14,638 a year at Old Dominion University after aid, and about $24,953 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. About 86% of students graduate at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, compared with 45% at Old Dominion University. Ten years after enrolling, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University alumni earn a median of about $81,698, against $54,914 for Old Dominion University.

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA · Public

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Norfolk, VA
Blacksburg, VA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
17,514
30,923
Acceptance rate
90%
55%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.27–3.77
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1100–1280
1280–1450
ACT (middle 50%)
24–29
28–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,638
$24,953
Full cost / yr
$29,446
$36,951
In-state tuition
$12,750
$15,948
Out-of-state tuition
$33,780
$37,764
Application fee
$50
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,739
$11,689
$30k - $48k
$10,114
$11,670
$48k - $75k
$13,123
$17,894
$75k - $110k
$16,940
$25,835
Over $110k
$23,567
$34,201
Outcomes
Graduation rate
45%
86%
Freshman retention
77%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,732
$67,377
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,914
$81,698
Median debt at graduation
$24,000
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
37%
15%
First-generation students
33%
18%
International students
1%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Dec 1
Nov 15
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 Polytechnic Institute and State University harder to get into?
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is harder to get into. It admits about 55% of applicants, compared with 90% at Old Dominion 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 Polytechnic Institute and State University?
Old Dominion University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,638 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $24,953 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State 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 Polytechnic Institute and State University?
Before aid, Old Dominion University costs about $29,446 a year and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University about $36,951. 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 Polytechnic Institute and State University?
Old Dominion University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,739 there, against about $11,689 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State 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 Polytechnic Institute and State University?
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is the larger of the two, with about 30,923 undergraduates against 17,514 at Old Dominion University.
Does Old Dominion University or Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University have a better graduation rate?
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 86% against 45% at Old Dominion University.
Do graduates of Old Dominion University or Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University earn more?
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $81,698 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 Polytechnic Institute and State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Old Dominion University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Old Dominion University and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1100–1280 at Old Dominion University and 1280–1450 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State 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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