Old Dominion University (ODU) vs University of Southern Mississippi (USM)
Old Dominion University (ODU) and the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) are two distinct institutions of higher learning with unique characteristics. ODU, located in Norfolk, Virginia, boasts a higher acceptance rate (75%) compared to USM's 68%. Both universities offer a diverse range of undergraduate programs, with ODU excelling in engineering, business, and health professions, while USM is renowned for its strong programs in nursing, education, and arts. ODU's student body is more diverse, with a higher percentage of international students, while USM has a slightly higher graduation rate (58% vs. 56%). Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more distinctions between these two universities and make an informed decision about which one aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() Old Dominion University |
![]() University of Southern Mississippi |
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Overview |
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Location | Norfolk, Virginia | Hattiesburg, Mississippi |
Campus setting | City: Midsize | City: Small |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 72.0% | 70.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 96.2% | 95.8% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$50
Graduate:
$50
|
Undergraduate:
$40
Graduate:
$60
|
SAT range | 1020 - 1220 | N/A |
ACT range | 20 - 27 | 19 - 26 |
Students submitting SAT score | 83.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 11.0% | 99.0% |
Total number of applicants | 13,586 | 9,314 |
Total number of admissions given out | 13,074 | 8,922 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 2,899 | 1,587 |
Yield rate | 22.2% | 17.8% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not 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 |
In state:
$28,088
Out of state:
$48,248
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In state:
$25,100
Out of state:
$27,100
|
Average net price | $17,254 | $13,651 |
Tuition |
In state:
$7,029
Out of state:
$26,664
|
In state:
$9,094
Out of state:
$11,094
|
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$7,690
Meal plan:
$5,398
|
$10,950 |
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
91.0%
Average amount $7,702 |
91.0%
Average amount $9,072 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
57.0%
Average amount $5,222 |
54.0%
Average amount $5,327 |
Students taking out private loans |
7.0%
Average amount $15,206 |
4.0%
Average amount $12,298 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
18,678
Men 43.9% Women 56.1% |
10,693
Men 35.3% Women 64.7% |
Graduate students |
4,816
Men 39.4% Women 60.6% |
3,453
Men 33.7% Women 66.3% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Moderate
|
Low
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Out-of-state students | 10.2% | 25.7% |
International students | 2.8% | 2.8% |
Campus local/setting | City: Midsize | City: Small |
Dormitory capacity | 4,361 | 3,592 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Virginia Maryland Pennsylvania North Carolina New Jersey | Mississippi Louisiana Alabama Florida Tennessee |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 16:1 | 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 | 48.7% | 51.8% |
Dropout rate | 19.7% | 46.0% |
Transferred out | 28.2% | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
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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Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Education, General (Doctoral Degrees)
Public Health (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees)
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