
5115 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA


Old Dominion University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, which authorizes the institution to award bachelor's, master's, education specialist, and doctoral degrees. This accreditation is a key indicator of the university's adherence to standards of quality in higher education. Additionally, many individual programs within the university have received specialized accreditations relevant to their fields, reinforcing the credibility and rigor of specific areas of study offered.
Prospective students seeking admission to Old Dominion University must hold a General Educational Development (GED) credential or equivalent high school completion. The university requires submission of secondary school records and a minimum secondary school GPA as part of the application process. Although Old Dominion University does not have an open admission policy and does not offer dual credit options, it does accept transfer credits and Advanced Placement (AP) credits.
Applicants must submit standardized test scores, including the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for non-native English speakers, and general admission test scores are mandatory. While some additional testing is recommended, it is not compulsory. Competencies are suggested but not required to strengthen the application. The university does not require applicants to provide computer access or a computer lease for admission.
Regarding standardized testing performance, the average SAT score for enrolled students is 1120, placing them in the lower 40th percentile nationally. Breaking it down further, the SAT math average score is 550, and the SAT writing average is 570. The average ACT score is 24, which is around the 45th percentile. A notable portion of enrolled students (about 58%) scored below 29 on the ACT, with an additional 23% scoring below the maximum 36.
Admission to Old Dominion University is highly accessible, with an acceptance rate near 91%, ranking among the high end nationally. The institution receives over 15,000 applicants annually and admits nearly 13,800 of them, enrolling approximately 2,700 students each year. Women constitute a slight majority among both applicants and admitted students.
Applying to Old Dominion University requires payment of an application fee, which is set at $40 for both undergraduate and graduate applicants. This fee is non-refundable and must be submitted with the application for admission to be considered complete.
The university offers application fee waivers under specific circumstances. Prospective students who demonstrate financial need, participate in certain college access programs, or meet other eligibility criteria can request a waiver to bypass the application fee. To obtain a fee waiver, applicants typically need to submit documentation or verification as outlined by the admissions office.
These fee waivers aim to reduce financial barriers and encourage diverse applicants to apply. Interested students should consult the admissions website or contact the university's admissions office directly to learn about the detailed requirements and how to apply for the waiver.
Old Dominion University hosts a branch unit of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) on its campus. This unit provides students the opportunity to engage in military leadership training and development alongside their academic studies. The presence of this ROTC branch allows students to pursue commissioned officer status in the armed forces while completing their university education.
Old Dominion University welcomes transfer students for the fall, spring, and summer terms, providing multiple entry points throughout the academic year. Prospective transfers can submit credits earned through CLEP (both subject and general exams) as well as DANTES test scores, enhancing flexibility in credit acceptance. The admissions process is considered moderately difficult, reflecting a balanced level of selectivity. Additionally, recommendations are accepted as part of the application, which may support an applicant's case. The university does accept transfer credits in general, facilitating the continuation of academic progress for students transferring from other institutions.
Old Dominion University offers a variety of study abroad programs designed to accommodate diverse academic interests and schedules. Students can choose from short-term, semester, and summer programs that provide international educational experiences in numerous countries. These programs emphasize cultural immersion alongside academic coursework, allowing students to gain global perspectives relevant to their fields of study.
The university's study abroad options include faculty-led programs, where professors accompany students to provide focused instruction, and exchange programs that enable a semester or year abroad at partner institutions. Additionally, students have the opportunity to participate in internship abroad programs, combining practical work experience with cross-cultural learning.
Old Dominion University supports its students throughout the study abroad process by offering pre-departure orientations, academic advising, and assistance in securing credit transfers. These measures ensure that students can integrate their international experiences smoothly into their degree pathways while enriching their educational journey.
Median composite SAT score
1120Median composite ACT score
24Percent of students submitting ACT scores
2%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
13%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
RequiredTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer