Old Dominion University vs University of Mary Washington: which has better ROI?
University of Mary Washington has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $82,668 in 6.7 years versus 8.9 years at Old Dominion University, on median earnings of $60,613 vs $54,914 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Old Dominion University | University of Mary Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,638 | $20,667 |
| Total net cost | $58,552 | $82,668 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $54,914 | $60,613 |
| Median debt | $24,000 | $20,500 |
| Payback | 8.9 yrs | 6.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $72,528 | $162,392 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Old Dominion University or University of Mary Washington?
Old Dominion University, at $14,638 a year after aid versus $20,667 — a gap of $6,029 a year, or $24,116 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 University of Mary Washington graduates earn more?
University of Mary Washington graduates report a median $60,613 ten years after entry, $5,699 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 University of Mary Washington?
University of Mary Washington: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $24,000 at Old Dominion University, a difference of $3,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
66% of students finish at University of Mary Washington, 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.