Old Dominion University vs Norfolk State University: which has better ROI?
Old Dominion University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $58,552 in 8.9 years versus not at all at Norfolk State University, on median earnings of $54,914 vs $44,666 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Old Dominion University | Norfolk State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,638 | $15,282 |
| Total net cost | $58,552 | $61,128 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $54,914 | $44,666 |
| Median debt | $24,000 | $29,000 |
| Payback | 8.9 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $72,528 | -$135,008 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Old Dominion University or Norfolk State University?
Old Dominion University, at $14,638 a year after aid versus $15,282 — a gap of $644 a year, or $2,576 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Old Dominion University or Norfolk State University graduates earn more?
Old Dominion University graduates report a median $54,914 ten years after entry, $10,248 more than the $44,666 at Norfolk State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Old Dominion University or Norfolk State University?
Old Dominion University: its completers carry a median $24,000 in federal loans versus $29,000 at Norfolk State University, a difference of $5,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
46% of students finish at Old Dominion University, against 39% at Norfolk State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.