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Old Dominion University

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University Guide

About Old Dominion University

Explore overview, courses, fees, admissions, campus life, scholarships and student accommodation guidance in one premium Admistay guide.

Old Dominion University, also known as ODU, is a public university situated in Norfolk, Virginia. The university has a total enrollment of 24,176 students. Among these, 19,372 are undergraduate enrollments and 4,804 graduate enrollments. The university is home to 769 international students as well, coming from 89 countries.

It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The average freshman retention rate at ODU is 80% for full-time students and 58% for part-time students. The average 6-year graduation rate of the university is 53%. Old Dominion University is named a “Best National University” in the U.S. News and World Report.

  • Old Dominion University offers admissions in both undergraduate and graduate levels of study.
  • It has a 17:1 student to faculty ratio and has over 901 faculties in the campus, out of which 546 are administrators and professional faculty.
  • It has four regional Higher Education Centers, and a dozen of other on-site learning locations throughout Arizona, Virginia, and the state of Washington.

Old Dominion University Rankings

Here are the rankings of Old Dominion University. As per the Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings:

Category Rank
University Ranking #801-1000
Business & Economics (postgraduate) #301-400
Engineering and Technology (postgraduate) #601-800
Computers (postgraduate) #301-400

Rankings according to the U.S. News and World Report are given below:

Category Rank
National Universities #258
Top Performers for Social Mobility #129
Top Public Schools #126
Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs #145
Business Course (undergraduate) #180
Civil Engineering (postgraduate) #127
Mechanical Engineering (postgraduate) #117
Computer (postgraduate) #119

Highlights

Type of University Public
Year of Establishment 1930
Campus Setting Urban
Acceptance Rate 86%
Graduation Rate 94%
Total Enrollment 24,176
Intake Seasons Fall, Winter, and Summer
Student-Faculty Ratio 17:1

Campus Facilities at Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University Campus

Old Dominion University's waterfront campus is located in Coastal Virginia. The main campus is located five miles away from Downtown Norfolk. The campus size is 335 acres and comprises 148 buildings. The campus setting is urban.

  • The campus is home to 300+ student organizations. 25% of the students are military-affiliated.
  • It also has 3 extended centers for Higher Education & Learning. The Old Dominion University Libraries has more than 3 million items.

Residence Facilities at Old Dominion University

Students are provided with 14 different housing options for living on-campus. ODU offers resident students with a variety of living options, from apartments to traditional-style residence halls. Every room is equipped with air conditioning, beds, dressers, heaters, cable TV, and wifi.

  • There are a total of 28 Fraternities and Sororities on-campus.
  • The Center for Social Mobility is the innovation hub.
  • The Off-Campus Student Life Office at ODU provides help and guidance, for students off-campus.
  • ODU's Housing application is accepted separately for each session Fall, Spring, and Summer.

Programs offered at Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University offers various programs. Nearly 150 programs run on-campus, out of which 91 are Bachelor's Degrees, 41 are Master's Degrees and 22 are Doctoral Degrees.

  • It provides 2 Educational Specialist Degrees also.
  • ODU through distance learning offers 100 programs through ODU Online.
  • $50.9 M was expanded in the research in 2017 and the university received $49 M research funding.
  • ODU comprises 8 academic colleges and one graduate school.
  • The most popular courses that students opt for at Old Dominion University are – Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences, Marketing, Finance, and Masters in Business Animation.
Programs Fees Per Annum
M.Sc Electrical and Computer Engineering $41,610
M.B.A $45,240
M.Sc Mechanical Engineering $41,490
Master of Public Administration $41,490
Master of Public Health $41,490

Old Dominion University Application Process

International students who want to seek admissions at Old Dominion University can follow the below-mentioned application process:

Application Portal: Common Application, both online and offline

Application Fee: 50 USD

Supporting Documents:

  • Completed Application Form,
  • Copy of Passport,
  • Interview (if required),
  • Letter of Recommendation,

Master's of Business Administration application fee is 75 USD. Processing of UG application requires 4-6 weeks and for graduate applications, it takes 8-10 weeks. Programs of study include over 70 UG and PG degrees, along with other certificate & licensure programs. Students in F-1 or J-1 visa status can only attend classes on the main Norfolk campus.

Application Deadlines:

Here are the application deadlines for international students applicable for both undergraduate and graduate programs:

Term Application Deadline
Fall (August) April 15
Spring (January) October 1
Summer (May) February 1

English Proficiency Test Score

International students who are non-native English speakers need to submit proof of English Proficiency so as to seek admissions at the university.

Exam Minimum Required Score
TOEFL IBT 79
TOEFL Paper-Based 550
GRE (verbal reasoning) 150
GRE (verbal) 480
IELTS 6.5 overall
SAT (critical reading) 480
SAT (reading test) 26
CPE C or higher
GCSE or GCE "O" level passes in English
PTE Academic Test 53

Old Dominion University Cost of Attendance 

The estimated cost of attendance for international students to study in the university is mentioned below:

Budget Item Undergraduate Graduate
Tuition 31,700 USD 25,600 USD
Room and Board 6,500 USD 6,500 USD
Student Body Fee 246 USD 492 USD
Books and Personal 4,700 USD 4,700 USD
Full-access meal plan 5,026 USD per semester 5,026 USD per semester
Health Insurance Plan 2,200 USD 2,200 USD

Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Students

Students in F-1 status are allowed to work on-campus 20 hours per week during school, and 40 hours while not in session. The Office of Student Financial Aid at ODU provides support to students seeking educational program financial assistance and scholarships to study in the USA.

  • The Old Dominion University financial aid programs are funded by the federal, state government and also by the University, and private sources.
  • Various grants, federal work-study programs, merit, and need-based scholarships are offered to international students at ODU.
  • Various loan programs such as Federal Direct Subsidized loans, Federal Direct PLUS Loan, and the William D. Ford Federal Direct and Unsubsidized Loan are also provided.
  • Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship is provided to a Pell-eligible student and has less than 24 years of age.
  • The Virginia Student Financial Assistance Program is based on financial need and is provided to Virginia resident students. 
  • All entering freshmen and transfer students are eligible for merit-based scholarships.
  • The Alumni Association Outstanding Scholar Fellowships is awarded to two graduate students based on good academic standing.
  • The Friends of Women’s Studies Scholarship is provided for students majoring in women’s studies. 

Old Dominion University Alumni Network

A few notable alumni: 

  • Ben Bailey: Comedian,
  • Kent Bazemore: NBA Player
  • Bootie Barker: NASCAR crew chief
  • Michael Bloomfield: Space Shuttle and ISS Astronaut

The university has over 124,000 alumni across all the 67 counties of the world and 50 states. The Old Dominion University Alumni Association of ODU campus works to reconnect alumni with present students. ODU Alumni Association organizes many events, football games, homecoming, and other seminars. Old Dominion University provides an advantage to its alumni under its alumni advantage program and students with its recruiting advantage program.

Old Dominion University Placements

For a graduate student of the Old Dominion University, the Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation are nearly $43,700/ year. The university has a Graduation Rate of 54%. 49% of the students get Employed 2 Years After Graduation. 94% of graduates get employed as soon as six months after graduation. Curricular Practical Training and Optional Practical Training internship opportunities are also provided for students.

A list of salaries offered to alumni of Old Dominion University as per different courses are given below:

Degree Salary (in USD)
Bachelor of Science 75,000
Master of Science 70,000

FAQs

Ques. How much is the tuition for Old Dominion University?

Ans. The tuition for undergraduates at Old Dominion University is 31,700 USD and for graduates is 25,600 USD.

Ques.What GPA is required for admission to Old Dominion University?

Ans. An average high school GPA of 3.3 or above is recommended for admission to Old Dominion University.

Ques.Are SAT/ ACT scores required for admission to Old Dominion University?

Ans. SAT or ACT scores are optional for admission to Old Dominion University however, it is highly recommended.

Ques.How much is the application fee for Old Dominion University?

Ans. The non-refundable application fee of 50 USD is required of all applicants. The application fee for the MBA course is 75 USD.

Ques.How long is the entire application process?

Ans. Processing a complete undergraduate application requires 4-6 weeks; complete graduate applications take 8-10 weeks.

Ques.Is Old Dominion University Division I?

Ans. Yes.Old Dominion University has 18 varsity sports out of which 16 are a part of NCAA Division I.

Ques.Where do I send my application and correspondence?

Ans. Old Dominion University Office of International Admissions 2101 Dragas Hall Norfolk, Virginia, 23529 USA

Ques. Is my degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree?

Ans. Generally, a 3-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required for a Master’s program.

Ques.Does Old Dominion University accept credential evaluations from agencies?

Ans. All academic credentials must be sealed, stamped/attested by a school official (Registrar, Principal, or Controller of Exams), and sent directly from the institution.

Ques.Can international students receive transfer credit?

Ans. The Office of International Admissions awards general education and elective undergraduate course credit from classes taken at accredited post-secondary institutions.

Courses & Fees

Compare courses in a cleaner, easier way

Explore tuition, duration, language, eligibility, and exam requirements without the clutter.

Courses

60

Fee from

₹25,43,271.69

Exams

TOEFL · IELTS

Showing 5 of 35 bachelors

Overview
Degree TypeBachelor
Duration4 years
Study ModeFull Time
LanguageEnglish
Fees
Tuition FeeINR 30.1 L/Yr
Native FeeUSD 32,200 /Yr
Fee trendTuition progression
Official Program Page
Admission Guide

Admission Process

Old Dominion University had an acceptance rate of 86% for admissions. The university offered around 24,176 students admissions. Out of these, 19,372 were enrolled in various undergraduate programs. The remaining 4,804 were enrolled in various graduate and professional programs.It has 3 extended higher educational centers for students. There are over 700 international students at Old Dominion University, from over 89 countries.

ODU has eight academic colleges and one graduate school, offering more than 150 degree programs on-campus. The university also provides online programs for over 100 courses. Approximately, it has 91 bachelor's degrees and 41 master's degrees. The university also offers 22 doctoral degree programs. 

The university offers around 156 academic programs to students. Some of the popular courses for graduates include Psychology, Nursing, and Criminology. Admissions are offered at Old Dominion University during the Fall and Spring sessions. 

  • Old Dominion University calls freshmen for two seasons, i.e. Fall, and Spring, while Transfer students can take admissions into the university in the Fall, Spring, and Summer seasons
  • Applications are invited on a rolling basis.
  • 87% of applicants submit their SAT scores, while just 13% submit their ACT scores.
  • Beginning with fall applicants, Old Dominion University uses self-reported ACT or SAT scores to make admission and scholarship decisions.
  • The Office of Admissions reserves the right to reevaluate an applicant’s admission or scholarship decision upon receipt of official test scores.
  • After six months, 94% of graduates are employed or in a graduate school taking higher studies. The university has been named as the 17th largest employer in Hampton Roads.

Highlights

Application Portal UG: Common Application/ODU Application Portal
PG: ODU Application Portal
Application Fee 50 USD (Non-Refundable)
Acceptance Rate 86%
Mode of Payment Online
ACT Score 18-25
SAT Score 980-1200
GPA Required
Academic Calendar Semester wise
Intake Sessions Fall, Spring
Financial Aid Available
International Admissions ODU International

Application Deadlines

Students seeking admission at Old Dominion University must ensure that they submit their applications on or before the given deadlines:

Term/Semester Deadlines
Undergraduate Applications
Early Action December 1
Regular Decision (Fall) Rolling
Regular Decision (Spring) October 1
Graduate Applications
Fall April 15
Spring October 1
Summer February 1

Old Dominion University International Admissions

International applicants are required to meet additional requirements to secure a spot at the university in their preferred course of study. Some of them are:

  • All prior Secondary/High School or College/University transcripts 
  • Diploma or Leaving Certificate.
  • Equivalent U.S. Bachelor's Degree (For graduate admissions)
  • English Language Proficiency Scores for evaluation by the university.
  • Different standardized exams 
    • SAT/ACT optional, though highly recommended
    • Test Scores of GRE/GMAT
  • Passport identification page, if available
  • Financial Documentation (seeking F-1/J-1 visas only)
  • Essay/Personal Statement/Resume
  • Letters of Recommendation to study in US

Old Dominion University Country Specific Requirements

Country Requirements
Australia Senior Secondary Certificate of Education, Year 12 Certificate
Brazil Certificado de Conclusion de Secundo Grau
India Higher Secondary School Certificate
Japan Kotogakko/ Secondary School Diploma of Graduation
Malaysia MCE/SPM
Saudi Arabia General Secondary Certificate
United Kingdom 7-8 GCSEs (O Levels) with grades of A-C and predicted A-Level results in at least 3 subjects. Up to 6-8 credits awarded for A level grades of A-C (up to a maximum of 24 credits); CXCs with grades of 1 or 2.

Visa Requirements

Once the applicant receives the I-20 Form, they must apply for a F-1 /J-1 student visa and pay the required SEVIS fee within two weeks upon receiving the form. The following documents are supposed to be carried mandatorily to the visa interview:

  • Valid passport
  • Original financial documentation
  • All previous or current I-20’s or DS-2019’s
  • Documentation from the academic advisor regarding the classes completed for the degree or if any are incomplete.
  • I-901 SEVIS fee receipt
  • One passport size photograph

Score Requirements for International Students

If your native language is not English, evidence of English proficiency must be demonstrated to enroll in academic, credit-bearing courses. Acceptable scores of exams to study in USA:

Test Score
TOEFL IBT 79
TOEFL Paper-based 550
IELTS 6.5 overall
GRE (verbal reasoning) 150
GRE (Verbal) 480
SAT (Critical Reading) 480
SAT (Reading Test) 26
GCSE or GCE “O” level passes in English
CPE C or Higher
PTE Academic Test 53

Old Dominion University Undergraduate Admissions

The most popular programs at Old Dominion University include BUisness Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Health Professions and Related Programs; Social Sciences; Engineering; and Psychology. Details of the admissions procedure at the university are as follows:

Apply: Common Application or ODU Application Portal

Application fee: 50 USD

Documents Required: The following requirements have to be submitted by the freshman applicants:

  • Official High School Transcript or GED Transcript has to be submitted for the admission process (must be kept in its original sealed envelope).
  • Official SAT/ACT scores are required for admission.
  • Apply Test (Optional), only if the applicant wishes to take and submit to the university.
  • Activity Resume can be submitted but not an essential requirement. 
  • 1-3 Letters of Recommendation ( as many as the applicant can manage)
  • Essay of 400 words (max), the topic can be selected by the applicants on their own (Optional)
  • Official AP test scores or Dual Enrollment Transcript can be submitted along with the application form but not necessary.

Note: The University encourages students to participate in a college preparatory program of study. Preference will be given to students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB), honours and college-level dual enrollment courses.

Old Dominion University Graduate Admissions

There are over 63 graduate programs offered by the university. Online programs are also offered and students can pick from the traditional or online courses. Around 4,804 applicants were offered admissions. Some of the commonly opted programs are:

  • Master of Business Administration (application fee: 75 USD)
  • MS in Accounting
  • MS in Computer Science
  • ME in Civil Engineering
  • MA in Applied Sociology

Application Portal: ODU Application Portal

Application Fee: 50 USD

Documents Required: Resume, an essay (personal goals), GMAT/GRE test scores, official transcripts and one LOR

Academic Requirements for International Students: In order to get admission, applicants must submit TOEFL/IELTS scores along with GRE/GMAT.

Minimum scores required for GRE are:

  • Verbal Reasoning: 150
  • Verbal: 480

The competition to get admission at Old Dominion University is not very high, a fair number of promising candidates can get admission into the university. It offers quality academics, a thriving residential community, and some initiatives that keep contributing 2.6 billion USD annually to Virginia's economy.

Students can check the status of their application through our online status check. Overall, admissions at Old Dominion University are moderately difficult in terms of entry requirements, test score submissions and basic fulfilment of eligibility to be considered for admission.

FAQs

Ques. Where do I send my applications and credentials?

Ans. Unless indicated otherwise by the department, application materials and credentials should be sent directly to: Old Dominion University, Office of Graduate Admissions, 1000 Alfred B. Rollins Jr. Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529-0050, or at [email protected].

Ques. Can any of the department requirements be waived?

Ans. Transcripts from the institutions you received your bachelor’s degree from and beyond cannot be waived. However, it is at the discretion of your Graduate Program Director (GPD) to waive any other application requirements. The GPD will send written verification or an email to the Office of Graduate Admissions approving the removal of certain requirements.

Ques. Should my letters of recommendation be sent electronically or sent through the mail?

Ans. On the application, you will add an email for each of your references. When you do this your references will be able to complete the recommendation electronically and you will have the option to re-notify if necessary after your submission.
Letters of Recommendations can also be sent from your reference directly to the Office Graduate Admissions’ email or through the mail. References can write a stand-alone letter of recommendation or use the Recommendation Form as a guideline and attach a letter to it.

Ques. Can I apply for more than one program at a time?

Ans. Yes. You will have to create a second application. Communication with the program directors in both departments is crucial and students are encouraged to start this conversation as early as possible.

Ques. How long is the entire application process?

Ans. Processing a complete undergraduate application requires 4-6 weeks; a complete graduate application takes 8-10 weeks. Please be mindful that evaluation times may vary during the peak application season.

Ques. What happened if my application is not complete by the deadline?

Ans. You may defer your application up to one year from your initial application entry term by completing the graduate deferment form. Or, the Graduate Program Director may wish to continue the review process past the application deadline date. You also have the option to take up to 12 graduate credits as a Non-Degree seeking student and then roll those courses into a degree-seeking program during the next entry term. You will need to fill out the graduate application again and select “Non-Degree” as both your student type and program of interest. Please note that Non-Degree is not eligible for financial aid.

Ques. Are any scholarships available to international undergraduate students?

Ans. The office of International Admissions offers a competitive, merit-based scholarship, renewable (up to 4 years) for newly admitted, initial Bachelor's degree-seeking international students. For eligible recipients, the ISS scholarship offers between $5,000-$14,000 USD per academic year to be applied to out-of-state tuition costs.​​​​​​

Placements & Recruiters

Old Dominion University Placement Details

Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, United States placement details include salary insights, top recruiters, and hiring trends to help students understand career outcomes and campus opportunities.

Students usually compare highest package, average package, and recruiter profile before applying. This section gives a compact overview of career outcomes and placement visibility in Norfolk, Virginia, United States.

Recruiters
N/A
Salary Metrics
0/2
Placement Metric

Highest Package

N/A

Represents the top salary package reported in the available placement information.

Placement Metric

Average Package

N/A

Shows the typical package range students may expect based on the available average salary data.

Placement information is currently limited.

More salary or recruiter data may be updated later for this college.

Rankings over the years

Year-wise highlights from global and country rankings available for this university.

2022

Highlights
2022
  • Best overall country rank: #46
  • Earth Sciences: #26 in country
  • Top source: ARWU
  • 25 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
  • 4 ranking records in 2022

2023

Highlights
2023
  • Best overall country rank: #62
  • Computer Science: #29 in country
  • Top source: US News
  • 32 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
  • 2 ranking records in 2023

2024

Highlights
2024
  • Best overall country rank: #62
  • Nursing: #25 in country
  • Top source: US News
  • 9 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Engineering, Health Care
  • 2 ranking records in 2024

2025

Highlights
2025
  • Best overall country rank: #57
  • English: #7 in country
  • Top source: US News
  • 12 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
  • 3 ranking records in 2025

2026

Highlights
2026
  • Best overall country rank: #59
  • Overall: #59 in country
  • Top source: THE
  • 6 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
  • 2 ranking records in 2026

Contact Information

5115 Hampton Blvd

+1-757-683-3000

Student Reviews & Ratings

Overall sentiment and category-wise rating summary

Overall score

7.8/10
Top Rated

Based on 2 ratings

Rating Breakdown

Visual summary of rating distribution and categories

Live Summary
Academic
8.5/10
Faculty
9.0/10
Infrastructure
8.5/10
Accommodation
9.5/10
Placement
7.5/10
Extracurricular
8.0/10