Old Dominion University vs Tidewater Community 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 not at all at Tidewater Community College, on median earnings of $54,914 vs $38,349 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Old Dominion University | Tidewater Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,638 | $11,762 |
| Total net cost | $58,552 | $23,524 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $54,914 | $38,349 |
| Median debt | $24,000 | $10,000 |
| Payback | 8.9 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $72,528 | -$223,744 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Old Dominion University or Tidewater Community College?
Tidewater Community College, at $11,762 a year after aid versus $14,638 — a gap of $2,876 a year, or $35,028 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 Tidewater Community College graduates earn more?
Old Dominion University graduates report a median $54,914 ten years after entry, $16,565 more than the $38,349 at Tidewater Community College. 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 Tidewater Community College?
Tidewater Community College: its completers carry a median $10,000 in federal loans versus $24,000 at Old Dominion University, a difference of $14,000. 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 32% at Tidewater Community College. 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.