Wilkes vs. Old Dominion

Comparable Facts

Compare Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, 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 Wilkes based on total student enrollment (23,743 students vs. 5,381 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Wilkes vs. Old Dominion Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wilkes 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 Wilkes ($16,419 vs. $28,511).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Old Dominion University are 8% lower than at Wilkes University ($14,878 vs. $16,166).
• Wilkes University is 241.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Old Dominion (about $30,746 more per year; $43,496.00 vs. $12,750.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.8% higher at Wilkes than at Old Dominion University (about $9,716 more per year; $43,496.00 vs. $33,780.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wilkes University than at Old Dominion University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wilkes University students is 141.3% larger than aid received by Old Dominion University students ($28,324 vs. $11,740).

Wilkes vs. Old Dominion Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Wilkes 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 Wilkes.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Old Dominion University (1190) is 50 points higher than at Wilkes (1140).
• Incoming Old Dominion students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Wilkes).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wilkes University 1020/1250; Old Dominion University 1100/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wilkes University 22/29; Old Dominion University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wilkes - Test optional; Old Dominion - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Old Dominion Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Wilkes students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Old Dominion (3.3).
• Wilkes has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than Old Dominion (90.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.3% at Wilkes vs. 19.9% at Old Dominion.

Wilkes vs. Old Dominion Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wilkes 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).

• Wilkes University's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Old Dominion University's (50%).
• Graduates from Wilkes University earn a median of about $10,600 more per year than Old Dominion graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,200 vs. $47,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Old Dominion University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Wilkes graduates ($23,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Old Dominion graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wilkes graduates ($242 vs. $268).
• More Wilkes graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Old Dominion students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.