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Old Dominion University vs Virginia State University

Old Dominion University is a public university in Norfolk, VA. Virginia State University is a public university in Petersburg, VA. Virginia State University admits about 89% of applicants and Old Dominion University about 90%, making Virginia 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 $15,840 at Virginia State University. About 45% of students graduate at Old Dominion University, compared with 40% at Virginia State University. Ten years after enrolling, Old Dominion University alumni earn a median of about $54,914, against $45,543 for Virginia State University.

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA · Public

Virginia State University

Petersburg, VA · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Norfolk, VA
Petersburg, VA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
17,514
5,074
Acceptance rate
90%
89%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.27–3.77
3.19–3.69
SAT (middle 50%)
1100–1280
840–1070
ACT (middle 50%)
24–29
14–20
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,638
$15,840
Full cost / yr
$29,446
$27,661
In-state tuition
$12,750
$10,043
Out-of-state tuition
$33,780
$22,650
Application fee
$50
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,739
$13,220
$30k - $48k
$10,114
$14,758
$48k - $75k
$13,123
$19,463
$75k - $110k
$16,940
$22,223
Over $110k
$23,567
$25,508
Outcomes
Graduation rate
45%
40%
Freshman retention
77%
69%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,732
$33,630
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,914
$45,543
Median debt at graduation
$24,000
$26,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
37%
72%
First-generation students
33%
34%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Dec 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Rolling

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 State University harder to get into?
Virginia State University is harder to get into. It admits about 89% 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 State University?
Old Dominion University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,638 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $15,840 at Virginia 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 State University?
Before aid, Virginia State University costs about $27,661 a year and Old Dominion University about $29,446. 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 State University?
Old Dominion University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,739 there, against about $13,220 at Virginia 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 State University?
Old Dominion University is the larger of the two, with about 17,514 undergraduates against 5,074 at Virginia State University.
Does Old Dominion University or Virginia State University have a better graduation rate?
Old Dominion University has the higher graduation rate, at about 45% against 40% at Virginia State University.
Do graduates of Old Dominion University or Virginia State University earn more?
Old Dominion University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $54,914 ten years after enrolling, against about $45,543 for Virginia State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Old Dominion University and Virginia 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 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 State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1100–1280 at Old Dominion University and 840–1070 at Virginia State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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