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