About Old Dominion University

Founded in 1930, Old Dominion University. is a Public college. Located in Virginia, which is a city setting in Virginia, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 19,793 full time undergraduate students, and 4,529 full time graduate students.

The Old Dominion University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 18:1. There are 834 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Old Dominion University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate84%
Application Deadline
Application Fee50
SAT Range890-1130
ACT Range18-25

Admissions at ODU are considered Less Selective, with ,164% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 24 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

78% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 33% were in the top quarter, and 9% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Old Dominion University.

4%
“We”re apathetic”
23%
“We know about current events and vote”
64%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
9%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
6%
“We save it for the classroom”
20%
“Sometimes, but not often”
60%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
14%
“All the time, including weekends”
3%
“I”m always terrified”
14%
“I only go out in groups”
55%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
28%
“I feel extremely safe”
3%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
22%
“We bought the gear”
75%
“We live for the big game”
6%
“It”s not really our thing”
16%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
58%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
20%
“We”re a very artistic group”
7%
“Haven”t met them”
3%
“Available in class”
62%
“They keep regular office hours”
28%
“They”re always available”
3%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
18%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
73%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
6%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
7%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
28%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
36%
“We only party on weekends”
29%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
19%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
55%
“There might be people who do”
19%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
7%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
4%
“We”re apathetic”
23%
“We know about current events and vote”
64%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
9%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
6%
“We save it for the classroom”
20%
“Sometimes, but not often”
60%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
14%
“All the time, including weekends”
3%
“I”m always terrified”
14%
“I only go out in groups”
55%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
28%
“I feel extremely safe”
3%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
22%
“We bought the gear”
75%
“We live for the big game”
6%
“It”s not really our thing”
16%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
58%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
20%
“We”re a very artistic group”
7%
“Haven”t met them”
3%
“Available in class”
62%
“They keep regular office hours”
28%
“They”re always available”
3%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
18%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
73%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
6%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
7%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
28%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
36%
“We only party on weekends”
29%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
19%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
55%
“There might be people who do”
19%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
7%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    379 Students rated on-campus housing 3.2 stars. 14 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    299 Students rated off-campus housing 3.4 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    416 Students rated campus food 3.4 stars. 17 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    422 Students rated campus facilities 4.1 stars. 36 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    424 Students rated class size 4 stars. 34 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    422 Students rated school activities 4 stars. 39 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    424 Students rated local services 3.9 stars. 36 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    424 Students rated academics 4 stars. 34 % gave the school a 5.0.

Old Dominion University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Old Dominion University?

191 Students rated Old Dominion University

Brynn - 11/28/2024

Old Dominion has great opportunities to succeed in many career paths. The faculty to student ratio leads to smaller class sizes which will provide more one on one time with the professors. The school is centrally located in Norfolk allowing for easy commutes. Overall, this is a great campus.

Kennedy - 11/20/2024

I believe that Old Dominion University offers a strong academic foundation and diverse opportunities for students to excel in their chosen fields. With its commitment to innovation and excellence, I think it is a great place for individuals to further their education and reach their full potential. Additionally, the university's supportive community and vast resources provide a conducive environment for personal and professional development. Overall, I believe Old Dominion University is a top choice for those looking to achieve their academic and career goals. The social environment here is great. There is something for everyone. Whether you are interested in joining clubs and organizations, attending events, or simply enjoying the vibrant campus atmosphere, Old Dominion University offers a well-rounded experience for all students. The university's strong sense of community fosters connections and friendships that last a lifetime.

Kristi - 03/12/2024

I really enjoyed my time at ODU. I loved that the class sizes post100 levels were small. The professors I had were very hands on and always available. I enjoyed the variety of extracurriculars offered on campus. I will say the access to resources without a car is very limited.

Kyle - 02/23/2024

It is a good school for me. It provides safety and I have friends. I love the campus life and all the shops and places to eat. It is warm and cozy in my room. My roommate is my best friend. We play soccer in the neighborhood and walk everywhere always feeling safe and secure.

Old Dominion University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Old Dominion University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Old Dominion University is 84%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    If I could go back in time and talk to myself, I would tell myself to keep focused on all lectures that are heavily dependent on power point and not from the text book. However, use the textbooks as a guide to what the teacher has covered, as well as what the teacher has notified you will be covered in the next session. Do not allow your friends to preoccupy your time. Prioritize the issues at hand, but do not overwhelm yourself. It is okay to have fun, but when you know that a deadline is rapidly approaching, and that an assignment needs to have plenty of time and attention, do not be afraid to tell your friends that you have to focus on school work. No matter what your friends may think of you, knowing that you have given your best time and effort into the task at hand, and that God will lead you the rest of the way, it does not matter. While they sit and procrastinate and then try to do their work at the last mintue, you can then rest knowing that all your work has been done and that it is time for fun.

    Read all 401 answers

  3. Describe the students at your school.

    My classmates are intelectual.

    Read all 84 answers

  4. What's unique about your campus?

    The Criminal Justice Department.

    Read all 79 answers

  5. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    I consider safety the worst thing about my school because it is not safe to walk around by yourself at night.

    Read all 77 answers

  6. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    Every school has it's own culture of people and community. I wish I had known what kind of community resides here at ODU because I believe that college is meant for the sole pupose of learning, but not just in academics but within our very selves. It gives us the opportunity to grow ourselves individually, and make relationships. In a school that is mostly known in past years to be a communter school (it is no longer a communter school now), it can be difficult at times to involve oneself in the present community.

    Read all 72 answers

  7. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    My school offers programs and support staff to help new students feel comfortable from day 1. They offer several days of Orientation for new students to get them acclimated to campus life. The students on campus are friendly and willing to offer assistance when needed.

    Read all 71 answers

  8. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    My school has a great learning envrionment as well as a great social environment. You'll never feel out of place at ODU, there is always a group of people for you to hang out with. Also, the students have a great sense of school spirit and pride.

    Read all 69 answers

  9. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    Shy students or people who really want to be challenged

    Read all 57 answers

  10. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Outgoing people looking for new experiences. Coming from a very small town in NJ, ODU's diversity has opened me up to new outlooks on life and has changed me for the better. I couldn't imagine going to any other school.

    Read all 56 answers

  11. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    I use these exact sentences: "ODU is the best school ever! Seriously, come visit if you don't believe me. It's the best school and everyone should go there!"

    Read all 53 answers

  12. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    the most frustrating thing is parking and on campus housing.

    Read all 52 answers

  13. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    Old Dominion University is best known for its basketball teams.

    Read all 45 answers

  14. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    I think the stereotype of students at my school is that they are southern as the school is located in southern Virginia. The stereotypical southern person is depicted as slightly uneducated, unclean, "hillbilly", and predominantly white as well as racist. The students at my school are so far detached from this stereotype. They are a diverse group from all over the country as well as the world as we have international students as well. And they are obviously a well educated group!

    Read all 15 answers

  15. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    I love Old Dominion University. I am an online distance learner but I have visited the campus in Norfolk, VA and was welcomed with open arms as an ODU Monarch. The tuition is comparable, the professors are knowledgeable and compassionate, and the curriculum is challenging and thorough.

    Read all 13 answers

  16. What are the academics like at your school?

    Academics are the most important thing at any college. The thing that makes ODU different is that the students here are always get the work done in a timely manner so that they can still have fun. It is all about time management skills. The professors here have interesting classes that keep the students interested. Another great factor is that there is always someone to help you out. There are professors, teacher assistants, tutors, and mentor available for extra help. As a computer science major, I have used all of those resources!

    Read all 13 answers

  17. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    The most popular activities at Old Dominion are the football games and basketball games. Whether you are an athlete or just attending, the school spirit of ODU absolutely shines. The university has recently acquired a football team under a high demand of the students, and despite the fact that ODU is relatively new to having a football team they definitely do not play like they are new. And at each game the students are very excited to cheer the Monarchs on. Not only that, but at basketball games, our most renowned sport, the famous "ice cream and cake" dance always gets the students going. These are the times that students are most proud to wear our school colors.

    Read all 10 answers

  18. What do students complain about most?

    The two things I hear students complaining about the most are the food, and parking for commuters, and I know I've complained about both of these, too.

    Read all 2 answers

  19. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    Ghetto, hood, blackish...The official school language is ebonics.

    Read all 2 answers

  20. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    No, ODU is not ghetto. Yes, ODU is very diverse.

    Read all 2 answers

  21. Tell us about your professors.

    Some of the professors I've had are really great. One of them was completely out of their mind, and a couple of them are monotone and really hard to listen to. I think the professors are probably pretty hit or miss, but I can't imagine that there's a school out there with all amazing professors.

    Read all 1 answers

Student Body

Students

54%

female

46%

male

19,793

Total Undergrad Enrollment

4,529

Total Grad Students

10%

Out-Of-State

87%

In-State

3%

International

Organizations

321

Student Organizations

16

Fraternities

11

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

19%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
4%
% Black or African-American
29%
% Hispanic/Latino
8%
% White or Caucasian
46%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

90% of students attending Old Dominion University receive some sort of financial aid. 41% were awarded federal grants. While 66% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$26,730

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,000

Books and Supplies

$10,864

Room and Board

38,594

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$11,470
$30 - $48K
$13,224
$48 - $75K
$16,227
$75 - $110K
$18,997
$110K & UP
$20,860

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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