Mission
Old Dominion University (ODU) is a preeminent public research university located in Coastal Virginia. Our world-class faculty fosters dynamic on-campus and global online learning for undergraduate and graduate students that enriches their lives, promotes insightful and perceptive leadership, and motivates the pursuit of excellence in dedicated fields and professions. We collaborate with strategic partners to address challenges and propose solutions that impact the economy, environment, health and wellness, and social justice. In pursuit of equity and inclusion, ODU provides opportunities for educational, artistic, and professional growth to our diverse Monarch community.
ODU History
Campus
337 | Campus Acres
150 | Campus Buildings
300+ | Student Organizations
3 | Extended Higher Education Centers
International Students
600 international students from 99 countries
Military
25% | Military Affiliated Students
ODU is ranked the top "Best for Vets" among public higher ed in Virginia.
ODU is a "Military Friendly School"
Alumni
165,000+ | Alumni
50+ | Home States, Puerto Rico, Guam & US Virgin Islands
52 | Home Countries
85% | Graduates Employed or in Graduate School Six Months After Graduation
Faculty & Staff
35 Outstanding Faculty Awards
by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia
867 Faculty
5th Largest Employer in Norfolk
627 Administrators & Professional Faculty
16:1 Student to Faculty Ratio
921 Classified Employees
262 Part Time Employees
ODU has a time-honored tradition of providing a diverse and welcoming community where we learn from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. As a close campus and caring community, we demonstrate understanding and respect for each other. This has defined ODU for many decades, and it will continue as we move forward.
Colleges
ODU has 7 academic colleges and 3 schools.
Accreditation
Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, education specialist, and doctoral degrees. Old Dominion University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Old Dominion University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website.
The University's programs are also accredited by numerous specialized and professional accrediting agencies.
Degree Programs
More than 175 programs available on-campus.
90 | Bachelor's Degrees
42 | Master's Degrees
2 | Education Specialist Degrees
22 | Doctoral Degrees
Digital Learning
More than 120 programs available online through ODUGlobal.
Diversity at ODU
ODU has a time-honored tradition of providing a diverse and welcoming community where we learn from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. As a close campus and caring community, we demonstrate understanding and respect for each other. This has defined ODU for many decades, and it will continue as we move forward.
38% | STUDENTS COME FROM UNDERREPRESENTED ETHNIC GROUPS
47% | FIRST-TIME MINORITY STUDENTS GRADUATE FROM ODU WITHIN 6 YEARS
1,191 | FIRST-TIME, FULL-TIME AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS, FALL 2021
28% | MINORITY FACULTY AT ODU
Research
$73.6M | TOTAL RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT EXPENDITURES IN FY 2021
$51.6 M | NEW RESEARCH FUNDING AWARDED IN FY 2021
Social Mobility
The Center for Social Mobility at ODU is an innovation center providing information and best practices to educators, policy makers, graduate students, researchers, and parents to support the social mobility of all students. The Center is at the forefront of higher education social mobility issues and focuses on approaches institutions can take to support students and address systems that may promote social mobility. ODU is in the top 15% of schools in the country on CollegeNET's Social Mobility Index (SMI). Learn more.
Tuition Rates (2022-2023)
$374 | Per Credit Hour (In State Undergraduate)
$1039 | Per Credit Hour ( Out of State Undergraduate)
$571 | Per Credit Hour ( In State Graduate)
$1394 | Per Credit Hour ( Out of State Graduate)
Economic Outreach
$2.6BN | Contributions in GDP Annually to Virginia's Economy
Economic Impact: Business and research initiatives contribute $2.6 billion annually to Virginia's economy. The Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship serves as a thought leader, convener and catalyst for initiatives throughout Virginia. It provides a streamlined entry point to the intellectual capital, innovative technologies and world-class infrastructure of the University.
Athletics
SUN BELT
ODU IS A PROUD MEMBER OF THE SUN BELT CONFERENCE
FOOTBALL, MEN'S & WOMEN'S SOCCER, MEN'S & WOMEN'S BASKETBALL, MEN'S & WOMEN'S GOLF, MEN'S & WOMEN'S TENNIS, BASEBALL, WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL
CCSA
ODU SWIMMING IS A MEMBER OF THE COASTAL COLLEGIATE SPORTS ASSOCIATION
AAC
ODU WOMEN’S ROWING AND LACROSSE ARE MEMBERS OF THE AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
BIG EAST
ODU FIELD HOCKEY IS A MEMBER OF BIG EAST CONFERENCE
ICSA
ODU SAILING IS A MEMBER OF THE INTER-COLLEGIATE SAILING ASSOCIATION
Rankings and Honors
A "Best National University" - U.S News & World Report
Among "America's Top Colleges" - Forbes
ODU is ranked the top "Best for Vets" among public higher ed in Virginia. - Military Times
Named a Top 15 University in the Nation for African American Student Success - Education Trust
3rd largest percentage of degrees awarded in STEM-H fields among Virginia doctoral universities
Designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations Fundamental for 2019-2024 by the National Security Agency (NSA)
Awarded Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement as being one of the nation's leaders in engagement and outreach (2020)
Ranked in the top 65 globally and the top 5 in the nation for reducing inequality - Times Higher Education World University Rankings
2022: Center for World University Rankings’ Global 2000 list
- Ranked in the top 4.4% out of 19,788 universities worldwide
2022: Times Higher Education Impact Rankings
- Ranked fifth among U.S. institutions for reducing inequalities
2022: U.S. News Top Tier Institution
- Top performer on social mobility
2022: U.S. News Best Graduate Schools
- 8 programs ranked in the Top 100 Best Graduate Schools by U.S. News & World Report
- Earned 22 Rankings in Best Graduate Schools by U.S. News & World Report
- 5 graduate programs ranked Best Online Programs by U.S. News & World Report
2021: Collegefactual.com rankings
- Best for the Money Virginia (undergraduate)
- Overall Diversity
- Overall Non-traditional Students
- Overall Veterans
2021: U.S. News Best Online Programs
- Bachelor's Programs
- Graduate Computer Information Technology Programs
- Graduate Education Programs
- Graduate Engineering
- Graduate Nursing Programs
- MBA Programs
Updated April 2023