Overview
Old Dominion University was founded in 1930 as the Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary and became an independent institution in 1962, adopting its current name shortly thereafter. Since then it has grown into a major public research university with a strong reputation in engineering, modeling and simulation, business, health sciences, and maritime and coastal studies, leveraging its location near the world's largest naval base and a thriving defense and shipbuilding industry. ODU holds R1 Carnegie classification, reflecting its very high research activity, and is particularly recognized for its pioneering work in modeling, simulation, and visualization technology.
At a Glance
| Type | Public Research |
| Location | Norfolk, Virginia |
| Founded | 1930 |
| Total students | 23,700 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 17:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 90% |
| Graduation rate | 58% |
| Average starting salary | $52,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $11,900 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $32,800 |
| Room & board | $12,200 |
| Average financial aid | $12,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 85% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 990-1170 |
| ACT range | 18-24 |
| Average GPA | 3.40 |
| Regular deadline | March 1 |
Top Programs
- Modeling and Simulation Engineering
- Nursing
- Business Administration
- Mechanical Engineering
- Criminal Justice
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.