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) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 90.5%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
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
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
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
⏳ 197 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. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.50-3.70 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.00 and 3.3, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
ODU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at ODU utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.3, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
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
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- 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
- The Rigor Metric: At ODU, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board 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
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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
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into ODU Without SAT or ACT?
Old Dominion University requires test (SAT/ACT) scores to determine the merit for admission. It means that students will not be allowed to apply without test scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test multiple times to improve their scores.
Old Dominion University Average SAT Score: 1190
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Old Dominion University is 1190 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1190 — Less Competitive
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1190 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1290 SAT or 27 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Old Dominion University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1110, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at ODU. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is 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 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1110 then you are below most of the admitted students at ODU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1290 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1200
Can I get into Old Dominion University (ODU) with a 1300 SAT?
With a 1300 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Old Dominion University (ODU) are good but the admission staff at ODU tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Old Dominion University (ODU) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at ODU is 25.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 25 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes Old Dominion University slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 25 on the ACT.
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 places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Old Dominion University — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Old Dominion University use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Old Dominion University — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Old Dominion University uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 27 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for ODU
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
ODU provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
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?
Getting into ODU can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. ODU offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at ODU is $63,800 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.04%.
How much does a degree from ODU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Old Dominion University is $27,180. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Old Dominion University is $14,170.
36.9% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 42.2 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to ODU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Old Dominion University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist ODU as your choice in the form.
How much does a ODU Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $54,914. An average ODU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
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
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $54,914 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $27,180 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
36.9% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Old Dominion University is 90.5% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.3. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.9 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.3, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Old Dominion University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1190 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1110–1290.
The application deadline for Old Dominion University is February 1 for Regular Decision applicants.
The application fee for Old Dominion University is 50. Fee waivers may be available for eligible students.
The scholarship priority deadline is December 1, 2026. Submit your FAFSA before this date for maximum aid consideration.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
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