Old dominion vs Houston — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Houston is the more selective of the two (73.9% vs 90.4% acceptance). Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#801-900 vs #201-300). Houston graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($62K vs $55K). Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $33,780 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 Old dominion for: a larger aid package.
Choose Houston for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Houston is more selective (73.9% vs 90.4% acceptance); Houston has a higher median SAT (1250 vs 1197).
Houston graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($62K vs $55K); Houston has a higher 6-year graduation rate (64.6% vs 46.3%).
Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $33,780); Old dominion offers a larger average aid package ($30,437 vs $16,450).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Old dominion | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #801-900 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 90.4% | 73.9% |
| Yield rate | 19.9% | 26.5% |
| Median SAT | 1197 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.50 | 3.50 |
| Number of applications | 15,100 | 31,716 |
| International students | 3% | 16% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $55K | $62K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $49K | $61K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $80K | $93K |
| Graduation rate | 46.3% | 64.6% |
| Retention rate | 77% | 87% |
| Median debt | $24,000 | $18,194 |
| Tuition · year | $33,780 | $22,547 |
| Avg. aid package | $30,437 | $16,450 |
| % of need met | 53% | 55.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,043 | $21,819 |
| Application fee | $50 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 23,743 | 47,980 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Old dominion or Houston?
It's harder to get into Houston. Old dominion accepts 90.4% of applicants, while Houston accepts 73.9%.
Do Old dominion or Houston graduates earn more?
Houston graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $62K vs $55K.
How much is tuition at Old dominion vs Houston?
Sticker-price tuition is $33,780 per year at Old dominion and $22,547 per year at Houston.
What SAT score do you need for Old dominion or Houston?
The median admitted SAT score is 1197 at Old dominion and 1250 at Houston; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Old dominion or Houston?
Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #801-900 for Old dominion vs #201-300 for Houston.
Which university offers more financial aid — Old dominion or Houston?
The average aid package is $30,437 at Old dominion and $16,450 at Houston.
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