Old Dominion University vs Randolph-Macon College: 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 11 years at Randolph-Macon College, on median earnings of $54,914 vs $58,448 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Old Dominion University | Randolph-Macon College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,638 | $27,866 |
| Total net cost | $58,552 | $111,464 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $54,914 | $58,448 |
| Median debt | $24,000 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 8.9 yrs | 11 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $72,528 | $90,296 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Old Dominion University or Randolph-Macon College?
Old Dominion University, at $14,638 a year after aid versus $27,866 — a gap of $13,228 a year, or $52,912 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 Randolph-Macon College graduates earn more?
Randolph-Macon College graduates report a median $58,448 ten years after entry, $3,534 more than the $54,914 at Old Dominion 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 Randolph-Macon College?
Old Dominion University: its completers carry a median $24,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Randolph-Macon College, a difference of $3,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
70% of students finish at Randolph-Macon College, 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.