Virginia vs Old dominion — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Virginia is the more selective of the two (16.8% vs 90.4% acceptance). Virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #801-900). Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $55K). Old dominion has lower sticker-price tuition ($33,780 vs $59,512 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 Virginia for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Old dominion for: lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Virginia is more selective (16.8% vs 90.4% acceptance); Virginia has a higher median SAT (1480 vs 1197).
Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $55K); Virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.6% vs 46.3%).
Old dominion has lower sticker-price tuition ($33,780 vs $59,512); Virginia offers a larger average aid package ($37,123 vs $30,437).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Virginia | Old dominion |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #801-900 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 16.8% | 90.4% |
| Yield rate | 40% | 19.9% |
| Median SAT | 1480 | 1197 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.50 |
| Number of applications | 58,951 | 15,100 |
| International students | 12% | 3% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $87K | $55K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $79K | $49K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $130K | $80K |
| Graduation rate | 95.6% | 46.3% |
| Retention rate | 97.9% | 77% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $24,000 |
| Tuition · year | $59,512 | $33,780 |
| Avg. aid package | $37,123 | $30,437 |
| % of need met | 100% | 53% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $25,137 | $32,043 |
| Application fee | $75 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 26,470 | 23,743 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Virginia or Old dominion?
It's harder to get into Virginia. Virginia accepts 16.8% of applicants, while Old dominion accepts 90.4%.
Do Virginia or Old dominion graduates earn more?
Virginia graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $87K vs $55K.
How much is tuition at Virginia vs Old dominion?
Sticker-price tuition is $59,512 per year at Virginia and $33,780 per year at Old dominion.
What SAT score do you need for Virginia or Old dominion?
The median admitted SAT score is 1480 at Virginia and 1197 at Old dominion; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Virginia or Old dominion?
Virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Virginia vs #801-900 for Old dominion.
Which university offers more financial aid — Virginia or Old dominion?
The average aid package is $37,123 at Virginia and $30,437 at Old dominion.
Harvard
Stanford
Massachusetts institute of technology
Princeton
Yale
Cornell
Penn
Johns hopkins
Washington university
Northwestern