Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Old Dominion University at a Glance
Old Dominion University (ODU) is a public research university in Norfolk, Virginia, United States. Established in 1930 as the two-year Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary, the school became an independent college in 1962 and attained university status in 1969. In 2023, it had an enrollment of 23,494 students, and its main campus covers 250 acres.
1930
96 years old
$389M
$388.9 million (2025)
23,469
17,504 undergrad · 5,965 grad
2,927
251 acres
Identity
Is Old Dominion University Worth It?
Old Dominion University offers moderate value at $14,638/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $54,914, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.1 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 45% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 90% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
How Old Dominion University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #69 of 105 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | California State University-Bakersfield | 100 | $5,652 | $59,009 |
| #2 | California State University-Stanislaus | 100 | $6,067 | $63,188 |
| #3 | California State University-San Bernardino | 100 | $4,564 | $59,977 |
| #4 | California State University-Fresno | 100 | $7,000 | $61,244 |
| #5 | California State University-Los Angeles | 100 | $3,967 | $59,211 |
| #6 | Foothill College | 100 | $7,653 | $57,072 |
| #69 | Old Dominion University | 43 | $14,638 | $54,914 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Old Dominion University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in VA.
Best Programs at Old Dominion University
The highest-earning program at Old Dominion University is Computer Engineering at $67,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at $16,700/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer Engineering graduate from Old Dominion University earns $67,100, while a Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduate earns $16,700. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Computer Engineering graduates carry $26,750 in median debt vs. $26,250 for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $14,638/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $67,100 | $67,100 | $26,750 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $64,100 | $64,100 | $24,966 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $60,200 | $60,200 | $23,898 |
| Civil Engineering | $59,300 | $59,300 | $21,500 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $58,800 | $58,800 | $21,750 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $58,600 | $58,600 | $18,725 |
| Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other | $55,900 | $55,900 | $23,672 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions | $55,500 | $55,500 | $25,000 |
| Mathematics | $44,900 | $44,900 | $24,075 |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $41,200 | $41,200 | $25,839 |
| Marketing | $40,100 | $40,100 | $21,575 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $39,200 | $39,200 | $25,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $39,200 | $39,200 | $25,346 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other | $39,000 | $39,000 | $25,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $36,900 | $36,900 | $25,000 |
| Political Science and Government | $36,600 | $36,600 | $25,000 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $35,000 | $35,000 | $25,000 |
| History | $33,600 | $33,600 | $21,905 |
| Geography and Cartography | $32,400 | $32,400 | N/A |
| Sociology | $31,500 | $31,500 | $25,000 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | $31,100 | $31,100 | $25,000 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $30,200 | $30,200 | $25,000 |
| Criminology | $29,900 | $29,900 | $25,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $27,600 | $27,600 | $25,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $27,600 | $27,600 | $25,197 |
| Psychology, General | $27,100 | $27,100 | $24,775 |
| Biology, General | $25,700 | $25,700 | $25,000 |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management | $25,600 | $25,600 | $24,250 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $25,600 | $25,600 | $28,125 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $23,200 | $23,200 | $19,875 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $16,700 | $16,700 | $26,250 |
Similar Colleges in VA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Norfolk, VA
- Student Body
- 17,514 students
- Admission Rate
- 90%
- Graduation Rate
- 45%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $14,638
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $54,914
- Median Student Debt
- $24,000