Old Dominion University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
ODU’s high acceptance rate means your bigger opportunity may be funding, not just admission. A 1280+ SAT paired with a 3.80+ GPA meets the listed threshold for several Dominion scholarships, so aiming just above the middle 50% SAT range can put you in a stronger position for merit aid.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Old Dominion University facts and stats
Old Dominion University enrolls 17,746 undergraduate students in an urban campus setting. ODU’s freshman retention rate is 77%, above the national average of roughly 70%, and its 6-year graduation rate is 46%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1.
Norfolk, VA
How do your scores compare at ODU?
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Key Old Dominion University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
February 1
Early Action
December 1
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
January 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Because ODU is test-optional, follow this timeline only if you plan to submit scores or want to qualify for scholarships that require a score, such as the SAT 1280+ Dominion awards. Take your first SAT or ACT by spring of junior year, then use summer and fall for superscore-focused retakes; for the December 1 Early Action deadline, the October test is the last safe fall retake.
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What you'll actually pay
ODU is a public Sun Belt Conference university with in-state tuition of $12,240 and out-of-state tuition of $33,270. About 62% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is January 1.
At ODU, out-of-state tuition is $33,270, while in-state tuition is $12,240; room and board adds $15,260. About 62% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $30,437. Merit awards average $7,523 for students who qualify. Graduates leave with an average debt of $32,043.
Student life at Old Dominion University
28% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
Averett University
Danville, VAAcceptance rate: 56.6%
SAT: 850–1170
ACT: 15–28
Bluefield University
Bluefield, VAAcceptance rate: 59.3%
Blue Ridge Community College, Virginia
Weyers Cave, VAAcceptance rate: 47.8%
Bridgewater College
Bridgewater, VAAcceptance rate: 91.7%
SAT: 1010–1390
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