Virginia Commonwealth University vs Old Dominion 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 9.6 years at Virginia Commonwealth University, on median earnings of $54,914 vs $58,128 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Virginia Commonwealth University | Old Dominion University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $23,433 | $14,638 |
| Total net cost | $93,732 | $58,552 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $58,128 | $54,914 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $24,000 |
| Payback | 9.6 yrs | 8.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $101,628 | $72,528 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Virginia Commonwealth University or Old Dominion University?
Old Dominion University, at $14,638 a year after aid versus $23,433 — a gap of $8,795 a year, or $35,180 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Virginia Commonwealth University or Old Dominion University graduates earn more?
Virginia Commonwealth University graduates report a median $58,128 ten years after entry, $3,214 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, Virginia Commonwealth University or Old Dominion University?
Virginia Commonwealth University: its completers carry a median $21,500 in federal loans versus $24,000 at Old Dominion University, a difference of $2,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
63% of students finish at Virginia Commonwealth 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.