Old Dominion University is a public university located in Norfolk, Virginia, with academic performance above average. It is a large institution, with 15,582 full-time undergraduate students and 7,525 part-time undergraduate students. Old Dominion University’s admission rate is 91%. Popular majors include psychology, humanities, and criminology. The university’s graduation rate is 44%. 5 Important Factors to Consider When Choosing an American University Degree
Flagship Programs and Academic Rankings
Old Dominion University has been named to *U.S. News & World Report*’s 2026 “Best Colleges in the U.S.” list for the eighth consecutive year, with significant improvements in the rankings of several disciplines:
- Undergraduate Nursing: Ranked 31 places higher nationally and 5th in Virginia
- Undergraduate Business: Ranked 26 places higher nationally, demonstrating strong momentum
- College of Engineering and Technology: Aerospace Engineering ranked 66th nationally; Industrial, Manufacturing, and Systems Engineering ranked 80th nationally
- College of Education and Professional Studies: Ranked 90th nationally; Educational Administration and Supervision ranked 24th nationally
- Master of Science in Nursing: Ranked 34th nationally and 3rd in Virginia; Doctor of Nursing Practice ranked 36th nationally and 2nd in the state
The university is classified as an R1 Research University (the highest level of research activity) under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and is at the forefront of innovation in fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and machine learning.
Exceptional Career Support System
The ODU Center for Career and Leadership Development provides students with comprehensive career support from enrollment through graduation:
- Handshake Platform: A free online career system for students, offering employer profiles, job postings, recruitment schedules, and interview scheduling features
- Career Counseling Services: One-on-one career counseling, resume optimization, mock interviews, and training in salary negotiation skills
- Recruitment Events: Two large-scale career fairs held annually, along with specialized recruitment events for specific majors
- Internships and Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with government agencies, businesses, and research organizations to provide a wealth of internship and cooperative education opportunities
64% of ODU undergraduates receive some form of financial aid, and 85% of those recipients also receive Pell Grants. The university offers a variety of scholarships; in 2024, students in the ODU Global program received a total of $1.7 million in scholarships.
Campus Environment and Life
My overall impression of Old Dominion University is that it seems like a solid, practical choice, particularly for students who want to stay in Virginia and be close to a city. From what I’ve seen, the campus features a mix of new and older buildings, and its location in downtown Norfolk means there are plenty of amenities nearby. This impressed me because it doesn’t feel isolated like some other schools do. A major advantage of Old Dominion
University is its strong focus on preparing students for their future careers. Due to its proximity to businesses, the military, and the port, students have access to numerous internship opportunities and professional networks that can be genuinely beneficial after graduation. Student life also appears vibrant, with a variety of clubs, events, and sports, so there are plenty of ways to get involved and meet new people. At the same time, it doesn’t look like a particularly flashy or top-ranked university, and some parts of the campus appear a bit dated. Additionally, if you’re looking for a quiet, traditional college atmosphere, living in the city might not be the best fit for you.
Overall, I think Old Dominion University (ODU) is a good school where you can gain many opportunities as long as you’re willing to work hard. It may not be the most prestigious university, but it seems like a place where you can receive a solid education and lay a strong foundation for the future.
5 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a U.S. College Degree
- Academic Strength of the Program: Evaluate the academic strength and industry connections of the program you are applying to.
- Location: Consider the campus’s location and cultural environment.
- Class Size: Smaller class sizes typically mean more personalized guidance.
- Professor Accessibility: Professors’ academic expertise and accessibility have a significant impact on the learning experience.
- Major Change/Double Degree Policies: Understand the school’s policies on changing majors and pursuing double degrees to prepare for your future academic development.
