Hollins University vs Old Dominion University (ODU)
Hollins University and Old Dominion University, two distinct institutions of higher learning in Virginia, offer unique educational experiences for prospective students. Hollins, a private liberal arts college, boasts a selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of 68%, while Old Dominion, a public research university, welcomes a larger applicant pool with an acceptance rate of 80%. Hollins' student body is predominantly female, with a focus on undergraduate programs in the humanities, social sciences, and arts, while Old Dominion's diverse student population pursues a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including engineering, business, and health professions. With Hollins' smaller class sizes and personalized attention, students thrive in a close-knit community, while Old Dominion's extensive research opportunities and Division I athletics provide a vibrant and dynamic campus environment. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more distinctions between these two esteemed institutions and determine which aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() Hollins University |
![]() Old Dominion University |
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Overview |
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Location | Roanoke, Virginia | Norfolk, Virginia |
Campus setting | Suburb: Midsize | City: Midsize |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (Non Profit) | Public |
Calendar system | 4-1-4 | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 74.0% | 72.0% |
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Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 74.7% | 96.2% |
Application fees | $40 |
Undergraduate:
$50
Graduate:
$50
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SAT range | N/A | 1020 - 1220 |
ACT range | N/A | 20 - 27 |
Students submitting SAT score | 83.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 11.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 3,093 | 13,586 |
Total number of admissions given out | 2,311 | 13,074 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 234 | 2,899 |
Yield rate | 10.1% | 22.2% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $54,640 |
In state:
$28,088
Out of state:
$48,248
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Average net price | $23,825 | $17,254 |
Tuition | $39,360 |
In state:
$7,029
Out of state:
$26,664
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$8,900
Meal plan:
$5,760
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Room/dormitory:
$7,690
Meal plan:
$5,398
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
100.0%
Average amount $33,997 |
91.0%
Average amount $7,702 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
62.0%
Average amount $5,409 |
57.0%
Average amount $5,222 |
Students taking out private loans |
6.0%
Average amount $11,453 |
7.0%
Average amount $15,206 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
713
Men 0.0% Women 100.0% |
18,678
Men 43.9% Women 56.1% |
Graduate students |
142
Men 28.9% Women 71.1% |
4,816
Men 39.4% Women 60.6% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
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Moderate
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Out-of-state students | N/A | 10.2% |
International students | 7.7% | 2.8% |
Campus local/setting | Suburb: Midsize | City: Midsize |
Dormitory capacity | 667 | 4,361 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | N/A | Virginia Maryland Pennsylvania North Carolina New Jersey |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 9:1 | 16:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 58.7% | 48.7% |
Dropout rate | 41.3% | 19.7% |
Transferred out | N/A | 28.2% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies (Master's Degrees)
English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Dance (Master's Degrees)
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Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Engineering, General (Master's Degrees)
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Education, Other (Doctoral Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
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