North carolina vs Old dominion — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
North carolina is the more selective of the two (15.3% vs 90.4% acceptance). North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#35 vs #801-900). North carolina graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($72K vs $55K). Old dominion has lower sticker-price tuition ($33,780 vs $41,203 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose North carolina for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Old dominion for: lower tuition, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
North carolina is more selective (15.3% vs 90.4% acceptance); North carolina has a higher median SAT (1439 vs 1197).
North carolina graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($72K vs $55K); North carolina has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.2% vs 46.3%).
Old dominion has lower sticker-price tuition ($33,780 vs $41,203); Old dominion offers a larger average aid package ($30,437 vs $20,705).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | North carolina | Old dominion |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #35 | #801-900 |
| Rank · THE | #70 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 15.3% | 90.4% |
| Yield rate | 45.5% | 19.9% |
| Median SAT | 1439 | 1197 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.50 | 3.50 |
| Number of applications | 66,535 | 15,100 |
| International students | 9% | 3% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $72K | $55K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $69K | $49K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $112K | $80K |
| Graduation rate | 91.2% | 46.3% |
| Retention rate | 96.6% | 77% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $24,000 |
| Tuition · year | $41,203 | $33,780 |
| Avg. aid package | $20,705 | $30,437 |
| % of need met | 100% | 53% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $20,382 | $32,043 |
| Application fee | $85 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 32,680 | 23,743 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into North carolina or Old dominion?
It's harder to get into North carolina. North carolina accepts 15.3% of applicants, while Old dominion accepts 90.4%.
Do North carolina or Old dominion graduates earn more?
North carolina graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $72K vs $55K.
How much is tuition at North carolina vs Old dominion?
Sticker-price tuition is $41,203 per year at North carolina and $33,780 per year at Old dominion.
What SAT score do you need for North carolina or Old dominion?
The median admitted SAT score is 1439 at North carolina and 1197 at Old dominion; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — North carolina or Old dominion?
North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #35 for North carolina vs #801-900 for Old dominion.
Which university offers more financial aid — North carolina or Old dominion?
The average aid package is $20,705 at North carolina and $30,437 at Old dominion.
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