Old Dominion University vs Radford 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 10.8 years at Radford University, on median earnings of $54,914 vs $53,739 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Old Dominion University | Radford University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,638 | $14,578 |
| Total net cost | $58,552 | $58,312 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $54,914 | $53,739 |
| Median debt | $24,000 | $24,000 |
| Payback | 8.9 yrs | 10.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $72,528 | $49,268 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Old Dominion University or Radford University?
Radford University, at $14,578 a year after aid versus $14,638 — a gap of $60 a year, or $240 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 Radford University graduates earn more?
Old Dominion University graduates report a median $54,914 ten years after entry, $1,175 more than the $53,739 at Radford 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 Radford University?
Completers at both borrow a median $24,000, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.
Which graduates more of its students?
49% of students finish at Radford University, against 46% at Old Dominion 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.