San Diego State vs. Old Dominion

Comparable Facts

Compare San Diego State University in San Diego, CA with Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

San Diego State University is larger than Old Dominion based on total student enrollment (41,137 students vs. 23,743 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Diego State University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); Old Dominion University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• San Diego State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Old Dominion University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Diego State University 27:1; Old Dominion University 13:1.

San Diego State vs. Old Dominion Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Diego State 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 San Diego State University than Old Dominion ($14,704 vs. $16,419).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Old Dominion University are 35.4% lower than at San Diego State University ($14,878 vs. $23,030).
• Old Dominion University is 46.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Diego State (about $4,022 more per year; $12,750.00 vs. $8,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 58.4% higher at Old Dominion than at San Diego State University (about $12,452 more per year; $33,780.00 vs. $21,328.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Old Dominion University than at San Diego State University (94% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by San Diego State University students is 2.7% larger than aid received by Old Dominion University students ($12,053 vs. $11,740).

San Diego State vs. Old Dominion Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, San Diego State 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 San Diego State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at San Diego State University (1200) is 10 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 San Diego State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 1090/1300; Old Dominion University 1100/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 22/29; Old Dominion University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Diego State - Test-free; Old Dominion - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Diego State Nov 30, 2026; Old Dominion Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman San Diego State students have a 0.52 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at Old Dominion (3.3).
• Old Dominion has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than San Diego State (36.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at San Diego State vs. 19.9% at Old Dominion.

San Diego State vs. Old Dominion Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for San Diego State 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).

• San Diego State University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Old Dominion University's (50%).
• Graduates from San Diego State University earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than Old Dominion graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,400 vs. $47,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Diego State University graduates have a $8,151 lower median loan debt than Old Dominion graduates ($15,349 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, San Diego State graduates have an estimated $84 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Old Dominion graduates ($158 vs. $242).
• More San Diego State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Old Dominion students, three years after graduation. (65% 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.