Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) vs Old Dominion University (ODU)

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and Old Dominion University (ODU) are two prominent public universities in Virginia, each offering a unique educational experience. VCU, located in the heart of Richmond, is known for its strong programs in the arts, humanities, and health sciences, while ODU, situated in Norfolk, excels in engineering, technology, and business. With acceptance rates of 73% and 84%, respectively, both universities welcome a diverse student body, with VCU's student population being slightly larger at over 31,000 compared to ODU's 24,000. While VCU boasts a higher graduation rate of 62%, ODU's rate stands at 58%. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details about these universities, including popular majors, tuition fees, and additional factors that may influence your decision in choosing the best fit for your academic and personal aspirations.

	Old Dominion University	Virginia Commonwealth University
Overview
Location	Norfolk, Virginia	Richmond, Virginia
Campus setting	City: Midsize	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	72.0%	84.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	96.2%	92.8%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $70
SAT range	1020 - 1220	1070 - 1300
ACT range	20 - 27	20 - 29
Students submitting SAT score	83.0%	29.0%
Students submitting ACT score	11.0%	5.0%
Total number of applicants	13,586	17,579
Total number of admissions given out	13,074	16,308
Admitted students who chose to enroll	2,899	4,084
Yield rate	22.2%	25.0%
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

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $28,088 Out of state: $48,248	In state: $36,861 Out of state: $58,199
Average net price	$17,254	$19,656
Tuition	In state: $7,029 Out of state: $26,664	In state: $12,094 Out of state: $32,742
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,690 Meal plan: $5,398	Room/dormitory: $6,953 Meal plan: $5,820
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	91.0% Average amount $7,702	78.0% Average amount $13,623
Students receiving federal student loan	57.0% Average amount $5,222	44.0% Average amount $5,174
Students taking out private loans	7.0% Average amount $15,206	8.0% Average amount $17,903

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	18,678 Men 43.9% Women 56.1%	21,394 Men 36.9% Women 63.1%
Graduate students	4,816 Men 39.4% Women 60.6%	7,200 Men 33.7% Women 66.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	10.2%	7.0%
International students	2.8%	3.6%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	4,361	5,958
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Virginia Maryland Pennsylvania North Carolina New Jersey	Virginia Maryland North Carolina New Jersey Pennsylvania

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Education Engineering Computer and Information Science Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Health Professions Visual & Performing Arts Business Public Administration and Social Service Multidisciplinary Studies
Students to faculty ratio	16:1	18:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	48.7%	67.6%
Dropout rate	19.7%	10.5%
Transferred out	28.2%	19.2%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $98,047 Year 2: $106,421 Year 3: $104,107 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $105,948 Year 2: $95,295 Year 3: $103,379 Engineering, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $79,161 Year 2: $78,719 Year 3: $83,937 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,137 Year 2: $72,231 Year 3: $83,852 Education, Other (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $74,043 Year 2: $71,854 Year 3: $77,597 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $64,315 Year 2: $58,673 Year 3: $75,302 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,709 Year 2: $66,126 Year 3: $74,887 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,357 Year 2: $71,114 Year 3: $74,858 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,112 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $73,924 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,804 Year 2: $62,654 Year 3: $72,559	Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $234,763 Year 3: $225,432 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $166,030 Year 2: $181,454 Year 3: $181,915 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $87,586 Year 2: $106,935 Year 3: $134,578 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $101,582 Year 2: $119,256 Year 3: $121,903 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $94,371 Year 2: $93,178 Year 3: $105,544 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $94,094 Year 2: $93,467 Year 3: $97,893 Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $100,759 Year 2: $86,867 Year 3: $94,244 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $73,726 Year 2: $82,440 Year 3: $90,664 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $77,993 Year 2: $89,305 Year 3: $82,470 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,920 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $82,210

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in location between Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and Old Dominion University (ODU)?

VCU is located in Richmond, Virginia, the state's capital, offering an urban environment with access to government, arts, and a vibrant city life. ODU is situated in Norfolk, Virginia, a coastal city with a strong maritime presence and access to beaches and the Chesapeake Bay. The location influences the overall campus culture and available activities.
How do the academic programs at VCU and ODU compare?

VCU is known for its strong programs in the arts, particularly at the School of the Arts (VCUarts), as well as its medical programs. ODU excels in engineering, business, and maritime studies. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, but their areas of specialization differ significantly. Consider your intended major when making your decision.
What is the student life like at VCU versus ODU?

VCU's student life is characterized by its urban setting, with students often engaging in city-based activities, including exploring museums, attending concerts, and participating in community events. ODU offers a more traditional college experience, with a focus on campus activities, Greek life, and proximity to beaches and outdoor recreation. The atmosphere at ODU is generally considered more relaxed than VCU.
What are the tuition and fees like at VCU and ODU?

Tuition and fees are generally comparable between VCU and ODU for in-state students. However, costs can vary depending on the specific program and residency status (in-state vs. out-of-state). It's recommended to check the official university websites for the most up-to-date and detailed information on tuition, fees, and financial aid opportunities.
How does the campus environment differ between VCU and ODU?

VCU has a more integrated campus within the city of Richmond, with buildings spread throughout the urban landscape. This provides easy access to city amenities but can feel less contained. ODU has a more traditional, self-contained campus environment in Norfolk, with a more defined campus feel and green spaces.
What are the athletic programs like at VCU and ODU?

Both universities have Division I athletic programs. VCU's basketball team is particularly well-regarded, often competing in the NCAA tournament. ODU's football and basketball programs are also competitive. The specific sports and level of success vary, so research the teams that interest you most.
What are the career opportunities like for graduates of VCU and ODU?

VCU graduates often find opportunities in the arts, healthcare, and government sectors, given Richmond's location. ODU graduates are well-positioned for careers in engineering, business, maritime industries, and the military, reflecting Norfolk's economic landscape. Both universities have career services departments to assist students with job placement and internships.
How do the admission requirements compare for VCU and ODU?

Admission requirements, including GPA and standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), are generally similar between VCU and ODU. However, admission standards can fluctuate year to year. It's essential to review the specific requirements on each university's website and apply early to increase your chances of acceptance.
Which university is better for students interested in the arts?

VCU is widely considered the stronger choice for students interested in the arts, particularly due to its renowned VCUarts program, which includes a wide range of disciplines and a strong reputation nationally and internationally.
Which university is better for students interested in engineering?

ODU is generally considered the stronger choice for students interested in engineering, offering a well-regarded engineering program and strong connections to the maritime and defense industries in the Norfolk area.

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