Head-to-head · 2026
Old Dominion University vs Virginia Military Institute
Compare average net price ($14,638 at Old Dominion University; $17,113 at Virginia Military Institute), ROI score (9.38 vs 11.30), ten-year median earnings ($54,914 vs $77,369), and admissions selectivity (90.4% acceptance at Old Dominion University; 71.3% at Virginia Military Institute) using federal College Scorecard data. Virginia Military Institute has a 6-1 metric-level edge. Virginia Military Institute 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 | Virginia Military Institute |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.38 | 11.30 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $14,638 ✓ | $17,113 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $54,914 | $77,369 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 90.4% | 71.3% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 46.3% | 76.2% ✓ |
| Median debt | $24,000 | $22,996 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 17,514 | 1,527 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1197 | 1244 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 6 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Virginia Military Institute costs $2,475 more per year than Old Dominion University ($17,113 vs $14,638). Virginia Military Institute graduates report $22,455 higher median earnings after ten years ($77,369 vs $54,914). On EduGradify's model that puts Virginia Military Institute ahead on projected ROI (11.30 vs 9.38, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (Virginia Military Institute) 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 71.3% (accessible) at Virginia Military Institute.
Frequently asked
Old Dominion University vs Virginia Military Institute, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Old Dominion University or Virginia Military Institute the better value?
Virginia Military Institute has the higher EduGradify ROI score (11.30 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 $17,113 at Virginia Military Institute. The annual difference of $2,475 adds up to about $9,900 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Virginia Military Institute reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $77,369 vs $54,914 at Old Dominion University. The annual gap in the federal data is $22,455.
Which school is harder to get into?
Virginia Military Institute is more selective at 71.3% 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; Virginia Military Institute reports A.