Public
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Norfolk, Virginia
90.5% Acceptance Rate
Old Dominion University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
90.5%Acceptance Rate
3.3Avg GPA
1190Avg SAT
25Avg ACT
$27,180Annual Cost
$54,914Grad Salary
36.9%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
90.5%
Avg GPA
3.3
Avg SAT
1190
Avg ACT
25
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1110–1290
ACT Middle 50%
22–27
Avg Net Price
$14,170
Need-Based Aid
36.9% receive Pell
Old Dominion University is a public research university known for its focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and diverse perspectives. Admissions are competitive and prioritize high academic achievement in a rigorous course load, as well as a demonstration of potential for research or professional initiative. The university seeks students who can thrive in a large, dynamic environment and contribute to its vibrant, interconnected community.
Prospective students should highlight any relevant internships, research projects, or leadership roles in high school that demonstrate their professional readiness. Because ODU emphasizes professional impact and research, applicants who can connect their studies to real-world challenges often stand out. The admissions team favors students who are not only academically prepared but also ambitious, self-directed, and eager to participate in the university's active research and professional networking communities.
Old Dominion University Acceptance Rate
Old Dominion University (ODU) runs an open-access admission policy. With a 90.5% acceptance rate, the focus is on getting qualified students in, not filtering them out.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 90.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.30 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.10 – 3.29
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.85
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Old Dominion University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for Old Dominion University is February 1 for Regular Decision applicants, with additional plans listed below.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 177 days left — Regular Decision
Regular Decision
February 1
Early Action
December 1
Decision by: January 15
💡 The scholarship deadline (December 1, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
ODU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at ODU is 3.3. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 3.00–3.3 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently. For an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.50–3.70.ODU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.30 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.10 – 3.29
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.90 – 3.09
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.89
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Test-blind for undergraduate admission: SAT/ACT scores are not used at all for admission or standard scholarship decisions, though they may still be submitted for course-placement purposes or certain endowed scholarships
- Admission to ODU does not guarantee admission to specific degree programs; several majors (including nursing) require a separate secondary application after general admission
- Ellmer School of Nursing Guaranteed Entry Program (GEP) for high school seniors requires a 3.5+ GPA, B-or-better grades in Chemistry and Biology, and a June 1 request-form deadline - distinct from and earlier than the standard competitive secondary-application pathway
- VCCS transfer students completing an articulated/transfer-oriented associate degree with a 2.5+ GPA are guaranteed ODU admission under a formal statewide agreement
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at ODU
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Old Dominion University's verified institutional data
--%
Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Old Dominion University (ODU) Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if ODU is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into ODU Without SAT or ACT?
ODU requires SAT or ACT scores. Applications without them won't be reviewed. Plan test dates early, and if your first score lands below the average shown below, sit for it again.
Old Dominion University Average SAT Score: 1190
The average SAT score of admitted students at Old Dominion University is 1190 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1190 — Less Competitive
This average is slightly below the national mean SAT score.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1290 SAT or 27 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Old Dominion University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1110, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at ODU. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 585 | 540 | 630 |
| SAT Reading | 615 | 570 | 660 |
| SAT Composite | 1190 | 1110 | 1290 |
Below 1110, you're behind most admitted students; at 1290 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1200
Can I get into Old Dominion University (ODU) with a 1300 SAT?
A 1300 SAT puts you ahead of most of ODU's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Old Dominion University (ODU) ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at ODU is 25.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 25 — Slightly Competitive
This sits close to the national average ACT score.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 23 | 20 | 25 |
| ACT English | 24 | 21 | 26 |
| ACT Composite | 25 | 22 | 27 |
Can I get into Old Dominion University with a 27 ACT?
A 27 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of ODU's admitted students. That's a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several that admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section, especially Science at STEM-focused schools, stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at ODU.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for ODU
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
ODU's open-access model means the real strategic decisions happen after enrollment: course planning, advising, and whether to transfer later.
Don't confuse "admission to ODU" with "admission to a degree program" - several majors run a genuinely separate secondary process
ODU's catalog states explicitly that admission to the university does not imply admission to specific degree programs, and lists named programs (nursing among them) that require a secondary admission process completed only after general admission. Students admitted via a "Letter of Intent" are directed to contact the relevant department directly for that program's secondary deadlines and criteria - a step that's easy to miss since it isn't automatic or bundled with the general acceptance letter. Confirm with an advisor immediately after admission whether the intended major is one of these secondary-gate programs.
For nursing specifically, decide between the standard pathway and ODU's June 1 Guaranteed Entry Program (GEP) before senior year ends
ODU's Ellmer School of Nursing GEP lets current high school seniors lock in guaranteed admission if they apply to ODU, hold at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA, and complete Chemistry and Biology with grades of B or better - but the request form deadline is June 1, and missing it means defaulting into the standard, competitive secondary-application pathway (where a department GPA of 3.0 is the floor but recent admits have averaged 3.6+). A strong student aiming for nursing should treat June 1, not the general ODU deadline, as their real cutoff.
Use ODU's test-blind admission policy to focus energy on the optional resume - it's the one "soft" item that actually moves the needle
ODU does not consider SAT/ACT scores for undergraduate admission or standard scholarship decisions at all (true test-blind, not merely test-optional), and while the essay, activity resume, and recommendation letters are all listed as optional, ODU specifically flags the activity resume as "highly recommended for institutional scholarship consideration." A family deciding where to invest limited application-prep time should prioritize a strong resume over a personal statement, since ODU's own guidance signals that's the more consequential optional document.
Use the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) guarantee deliberately if transferring from a VA community college
ODU guarantees admission to any student completing a transfer-oriented or articulated applied associate degree at a Virginia Community College with a 2.5+ cumulative GPA - a real, named guarantee distinct from the general transfer process for out-of-state community college students. A Virginia community-college student should confirm their specific degree program is "transfer-oriented" or "articulated" under this guarantee, since not every associate credential at a VCCS school automatically qualifies.
Expert Insight:
Because general admission to ODU is test-blind and not especially document-heavy, families can mistakenly assume the entire process is equally light - but Ellmer School of Nursing decisions are made through a wholly separate, competitive committee process (notification arrives in April, separate from the general admission timeline), require the HESI A2 exam (now expanded to cover all sections rather than the previously accepted five), and admission to ODU itself guarantees nothing about the nursing program. A student who only tracks the general ODU deadline can miss program-specific deadlines entirely.
ODU Profile
Full Name
Old Dominion University (ODU)
City
Norfolk
State
Virginia
ZIP Code
23529
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a ODU Degree Worth It?
ODU offers a rigorous academic environment, but 'worth it' is a personal calculation of cost, program fit, and outcomes. The figures below are a starting point.
The average household income among admitted students is $63,800, with a graduate unemployment rate of 3.04%.
How much does a degree from ODU Cost?
The sticker price is $27,180/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is closer to $14,170.
36.9% of students receive a Pell Grant and 42.2% take federal loans at ODU. File your FAFSA early and list ODU as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a ODU Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $54,914. That's about 35% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Old Dominion University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Florida International University | Miami, FL | 1154 | 23 |
| Georgia College & State University | Milledgeville, GA | 1150 | 24 |
| Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA | 1149 | 23 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah, GA | 1178 | 25 |
| Toccoa Falls College | Toccoa Falls, GA | 1155 | 23 |
| Chaminade University of Honolulu | Honolulu, HI | 1155 | NA |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Old Dominion University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Willimantic, CT | 1200 | NA |
| University of New Haven | West Haven, CT | 1190 | NA |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Old Dominion University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
Degree Programs at ODU
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About ODU Admissions
Median graduate earnings at Old Dominion University run about $54,914 a year.
At about $27,180 a year, Old Dominion University is on the more affordable end.
About 36.9% receive a Pell Grant at Old Dominion University. The odds are moderate and largely income-dependent, but an early FAFSA filing still helps.
At 90.5%, Old Dominion University's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at Old Dominion University average a 3.3 GPA.
Old Dominion University doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 3 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 2.9, Old Dominion University becomes a harder reach, though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at Old Dominion University — aim above 1190, ideally within the 1110–1290 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for Old Dominion University is February 1 for Regular Decision applicants.
The application fee is 50. Fee waivers may be available. Check with admissions.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is December 1, 2026. Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.
Explore Other Options
Acceptance Rate of all Virginia Colleges
Average SAT Score of Virginia Colleges
Average ACT Score
Admissions deadlines of Colleges in Virginia
Bachelor Programs in Virginia
Test Optional Colleges in Virginia
SAT Score Wise Best Colleges
ACT Score Wise Best Colleges
Rolling Admissions Colleges in Virginia