Kentucky vs. Old Dominion

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY with Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Kentucky is larger than Old Dominion based on total student enrollment (34,709 students vs. 23,743 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, KY (Large City setting); Old Dominion University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• University of Kentucky is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Old Dominion University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kentucky 18:1; Old Dominion University 13:1.

Kentucky vs. Old Dominion Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kentucky 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 Kentucky ($16,419 vs. $21,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Old Dominion University are 7.1% lower than at University of Kentucky ($14,878 vs. $16,016).
• University of Kentucky is 5.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Old Dominion (about $752 more per year; $13,502.00 vs. $12,750.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.1% higher at Kentucky than at Old Dominion University (about $360 more per year; $34,140.00 vs. $33,780.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Kentucky than at Old Dominion University (95% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Kentucky students is 9.9% larger than aid received by Old Dominion University students ($12,898 vs. $11,740).

Kentucky vs. Old Dominion Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Kentucky 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 Kentucky.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Old Dominion University (1190) is 10 points higher than at Kentucky (1180).
• Incoming Old Dominion students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at Kentucky).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 1070/1290; Old Dominion University 1100/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 21/28; Old Dominion University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kentucky - Test optional; Old Dominion - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kentucky Feb 15, 2027; Old Dominion Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Kentucky students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at Old Dominion (3.3).
• Kentucky has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Old Dominion (90.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Kentucky vs. 19.9% at Old Dominion.

Kentucky vs. Old Dominion Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kentucky 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).

• University of Kentucky's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Old Dominion University's (50%).
• Graduates from University of Kentucky earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than Old Dominion graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $47,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kentucky graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than Old Dominion graduates ($22,750 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, Kentucky graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Old Dominion graduates ($235 vs. $242).
• More Kentucky graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Old Dominion students, three years after graduation. (62% 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.