Head-to-head · 2026
Old Dominion University vs University of Virginia-Main Campus
Compare average net price ($14,638 at Old Dominion University; $21,565 at University of Virginia-Main Campus), ROI score (9.38 vs 10.07), ten-year median earnings ($54,914 vs $86,863), and admissions selectivity (90.4% acceptance at Old Dominion University; 16.8% at University of Virginia-Main Campus) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Virginia-Main Campus has a 6-1 metric-level edge. University of Virginia-Main Campus leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Old Dominion University | University of Virginia-Main Campus |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.38 | 10.07 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $14,638 ✓ | $21,565 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $54,914 | $86,863 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 90.4% | 16.8% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 46.3% | 95.6% ✓ |
| Median debt | $24,000 | $17,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 17,514 | 17,597 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1197 | 1480 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 6 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Virginia-Main Campus costs $6,927 more per year than Old Dominion University ($21,565 vs $14,638). University of Virginia-Main Campus graduates report $31,949 higher median earnings after ten years ($86,863 vs $54,914). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Virginia-Main Campus ahead on projected ROI (10.07 vs 9.38, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (University of Virginia-Main Campus) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Old Dominion University is accessible at 90.4% acceptance versus 16.8% (selective) at University of Virginia-Main Campus.
Frequently asked
Old Dominion University vs University of Virginia-Main Campus, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Old Dominion University or University of Virginia-Main Campus the better value?
University of Virginia-Main Campus has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.07 vs 9.38), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Old Dominion University is cheaper — average net price $14,638 per year vs $21,565 at University of Virginia-Main Campus. The annual difference of $6,927 adds up to about $27,708 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Virginia-Main Campus reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $86,863 vs $54,914 at Old Dominion University. The annual gap in the federal data is $31,949.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Virginia-Main Campus is more selective at 16.8% acceptance vs 90.4% at Old Dominion University.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Old Dominion University reports a B value grade; University of Virginia-Main Campus reports B.