Widener University vs. Old Dominion

Comparable Facts

Compare Widener University in Chester, PA 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 Widener University based on total student enrollment (23,743 students vs. 5,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Widener University vs. Old Dominion Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Widener University 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 Widener University ($16,419 vs. $26,778).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Old Dominion University are 10% lower than at Widener University ($14,878 vs. $16,530).
• Widener University is 337.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Old Dominion (about $42,980 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $12,750.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 65% higher at Widener University than at Old Dominion University (about $21,950 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $33,780.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Widener University than at Old Dominion University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Widener University students is 272.3% larger than aid received by Old Dominion University students ($43,706 vs. $11,740).

Widener University vs. Old Dominion Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Widener University 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 Widener University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Widener University (1190) is the same as at Old Dominion (1190).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Widener University 1080/1290; Old Dominion University 1100/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsOld Dominion University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Widener University - Test optional; Old Dominion - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Old Dominion Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Widener University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Old Dominion (3.3).
• Old Dominion has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than Widener University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.8% at Widener University vs. 19.9% at Old Dominion.

Widener University vs. Old Dominion Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Widener University 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).

• Widener University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Old Dominion University's (50%).
• Graduates from Widener University earn a median of about $11,900 more per year than Old Dominion graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,500 vs. $47,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Old Dominion University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Widener University graduates ($23,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Old Dominion graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Widener University graduates ($242 vs. $279).
• More Widener University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Old Dominion students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.