Elon vs. Old Dominion

Comparable Facts

Compare Elon University in Elon, NC with Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Old Dominion University is larger than Elon based on total student enrollment (23,743 students vs. 7,239 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elon University is located in Elon, NC (Small Suburban setting); Old Dominion University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Elon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Old Dominion University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elon University 11:1; Old Dominion University 13:1.

Elon vs. Old Dominion Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elon or Old Dominion? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Old Dominion University than Elon ($16,419 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Old Dominion University are 0.7% lower than at Elon University ($14,878 vs. $14,985).
• Elon University is 268.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Old Dominion (about $34,208 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $12,750.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39% higher at Elon than at Old Dominion University (about $13,178 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $33,780.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Old Dominion University than at Elon University (94% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elon University students is 52.2% larger than aid received by Old Dominion University students ($17,867 vs. $11,740).

Elon vs. Old Dominion Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elon or Old Dominion? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Old Dominion and Elon.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elon University (1210) is 20 points higher than at Old Dominion (1190).
• Incoming Old Dominion students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Elon).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 1130/1280; Old Dominion University 1100/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 23/28; Old Dominion University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elon - Test optional; Old Dominion - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Elon Jan 10, 2027; Old Dominion Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Elon students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Old Dominion (3.3).
• Old Dominion has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than Elon (66.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Elon vs. 19.9% at Old Dominion.

Elon vs. Old Dominion Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elon and Old Dominion? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Elon University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Old Dominion University's (50%).
• Graduates from Elon University earn a median of about $8,600 more per year than Old Dominion graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,200 vs. $47,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elon University graduates have a $250 lower median loan debt than Old Dominion graduates ($23,250 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, Elon graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Old Dominion graduates ($240 vs. $242).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Old Dominion students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 53%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.