Old Dominion University (ODU) vs Florida Atlantic University (FAU)
Old Dominion University (ODU) and Florida Atlantic University (FAU) are two distinct universities with unique offerings and characteristics. ODU, located in Norfolk, Virginia, is known for its strong engineering and health sciences programs, while FAU, situated in Boca Raton, Florida, excels in business, education, and nursing. Both universities boast diverse student bodies, with ODU having a slightly higher acceptance rate and a larger undergraduate population. FAU, on the other hand, has a higher graduation rate and a more significant international student presence. To help you make an informed decision about your higher education journey, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table highlighting the key differences between these two institutions. Explore the table to discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() Florida Atlantic University |
![]() Old Dominion University |
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Overview |
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Location | Boca Raton, Florida | Norfolk, Virginia |
Campus setting | City: Small | City: Midsize |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 80.0% | 72.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 78.0% | 96.2% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$30
Graduate:
$30
|
Undergraduate:
$50
Graduate:
$50
|
SAT range | 1020 - 1200 | 1020 - 1220 |
ACT range | 20 - 26 | 20 - 27 |
Students submitting SAT score | 77.0% | 83.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 23.0% | 11.0% |
Total number of applicants | 25,148 | 13,586 |
Total number of admissions given out | 19,617 | 13,074 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 3,925 | 2,899 |
Yield rate | 20.0% | 22.2% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$24,605
Out of state:
$37,050
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In state:
$28,088
Out of state:
$48,248
|
Average net price | $8,771 | $17,254 |
Tuition |
In state:
$2,522
Out of state:
$14,374
|
In state:
$7,029
Out of state:
$26,664
|
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$6,100
Meal plan:
$3,902
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Room/dormitory:
$7,690
Meal plan:
$5,398
|
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
82.0%
Average amount $11,013 |
91.0%
Average amount $7,702 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
28.0%
Average amount $4,899 |
57.0%
Average amount $5,222 |
Students taking out private loans |
3.0%
Average amount $14,642 |
7.0%
Average amount $15,206 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
24,799
Men 41.9% Women 58.1% |
18,678
Men 43.9% Women 56.1% |
Graduate students |
5,356
Men 38.0% Women 62.0% |
4,816
Men 39.4% Women 60.6% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Moderate
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Moderate
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Out-of-state students | N/A | 10.2% |
International students | 3.8% | 2.8% |
Campus local/setting | City: Small | City: Midsize |
Dormitory capacity | 5,131 | 4,361 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | N/A | Virginia Maryland Pennsylvania North Carolina New Jersey |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 21:1 | 16:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 55.4% | 48.7% |
Dropout rate | 11.4% | 19.7% |
Transferred out | 31.1% | 28.2% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
Taxation (Master's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Ocean Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Engineering, General (Master's Degrees)
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Education, Other (Doctoral Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
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