Old dominion vs North carolina — 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 (#801-900 vs #35). 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 Old dominion for: lower tuition, a larger aid package.
Choose North carolina 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
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 | Old dominion | North carolina |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #801-900 | #35 |
| Rank · THE | — | #70 |
| Acceptance rate | 90.4% | 15.3% |
| Yield rate | 19.9% | 45.5% |
| Median SAT | 1197 | 1439 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.50 | 4.50 |
| Number of applications | 15,100 | 66,535 |
| International students | 3% | 9% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $55K | $72K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $49K | $69K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $80K | $112K |
| Graduation rate | 46.3% | 91.2% |
| Retention rate | 77% | 96.6% |
| Median debt | $24,000 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $33,780 | $41,203 |
| Avg. aid package | $30,437 | $20,705 |
| % of need met | 53% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,043 | $20,382 |
| Application fee | $50 | $85 |
| Enrollment | 23,743 | 32,680 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Old dominion or North carolina?
It's harder to get into North carolina. Old dominion accepts 90.4% of applicants, while North carolina accepts 15.3%.
Do Old dominion or North carolina graduates earn more?
North carolina graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $72K vs $55K.
How much is tuition at Old dominion vs North carolina?
Sticker-price tuition is $33,780 per year at Old dominion and $41,203 per year at North carolina.
What SAT score do you need for Old dominion or North carolina?
The median admitted SAT score is 1197 at Old dominion and 1439 at North carolina; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Old dominion or North carolina?
North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #801-900 for Old dominion vs #35 for North carolina.
Which university offers more financial aid — Old dominion or North carolina?
The average aid package is $30,437 at Old dominion and $20,705 at North carolina.
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