Old dominion vs Rhode island — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rhode island is the more selective of the two (72.2% vs 90.4% acceptance). Rhode island graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($70K vs $55K). Old dominion has lower sticker-price tuition ($33,780 vs $37,146 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, lower graduate debt.
Choose Rhode island for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Rhode island is more selective (72.2% vs 90.4% acceptance); Old dominion has a higher median SAT (1197 vs 1160).
Rhode island graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($70K vs $55K); Rhode island has a higher 6-year graduation rate (73.3% vs 46.3%).
Old dominion has lower sticker-price tuition ($33,780 vs $37,146); Old dominion offers a larger average aid package ($30,437 vs $17,388).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Old dominion | Rhode island |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #801-900 | #801-900 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 90.4% | 72.2% |
| Yield rate | 19.9% | 15.4% |
| Median SAT | 1197 | 1160 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.50 | 3.60 |
| Number of applications | 15,100 | 26,987 |
| International students | 3% | 3% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $55K | $70K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $49K | $58K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $80K | $102K |
| Graduation rate | 46.3% | 73.3% |
| Retention rate | 77% | 83.6% |
| Median debt | $24,000 | $22,250 |
| Tuition · year | $33,780 | $37,146 |
| Avg. aid package | $30,437 | $17,388 |
| % of need met | 53% | 60% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,043 | $40,247 |
| Application fee | $50 | $65 |
| Enrollment | 23,743 | 17,649 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Old dominion or Rhode island?
It's harder to get into Rhode island. Old dominion accepts 90.4% of applicants, while Rhode island accepts 72.2%.
Do Old dominion or Rhode island graduates earn more?
Rhode island graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $70K vs $55K.
How much is tuition at Old dominion vs Rhode island?
Sticker-price tuition is $33,780 per year at Old dominion and $37,146 per year at Rhode island.
What SAT score do you need for Old dominion or Rhode island?
The median admitted SAT score is 1197 at Old dominion and 1160 at Rhode island; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university offers more financial aid — Old dominion or Rhode island?
The average aid package is $30,437 at Old dominion and $17,388 at Rhode island.
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