About

About Old Dominion University

high acceptance ratehealth sciences focusdoctoral research universitylarge public university

Old Dominion University is a public research university in Norfolk, VA, known for its high acceptance rate, health sciences focus, and doctoral research university. With an acceptance rate of 95%, ODU is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 3,084 students each year. Admitted students typically score between 1120–1270 on the SAT and 24–29 on the ACT. ODU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $10,645 per year; the sticker price of $48,248 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Old Dominion University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

95%
Overall Accept Rate
3.25
Typical Admitted GPA
1195
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1120 – 1270

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Old Dominion University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
ODU sits in the middle of the Hampton Roads region with direct ties to the naval sector, maritime industry, and a thriving health sciences scene, so if any of those fields connect to your interests, name them specifically in your application rather than writing a generic statement about why you want to attend.
Application Strategy
With a 95 percent acceptance rate, ODU is a strong safety school, but submitting a complete application early in the fall keeps you in line for merit scholarship consideration since awards like the Monarch Scholarship are reviewed on a rolling basis.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Old Dominion University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$48k/yr$9.7k
30k-48k~$48k/yr$10.1k
48k-75k~$48k/yr$13.1k
75k-110k~$48k/yr$16.9k
110k+~$48k/yr$23.6k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

44%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$47k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
18:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
15,887
Undergrad Enrollment
Old Dominion University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch