Old Dominion University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit and competitive scholarship opportunities
- Hidden-gem awards for leadership and diversity
- Honors College perks and full-tuition options
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~90%
- Middle 50% ACT: 24–29
- Middle 50% SAT: 1120–1270
- Average HS GPA: 3.45
Source: Old Dominion University Common Data Set 2024–25 and BigFuture overview. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Old Dominion University at a Glance
Last verified: October 18, 2025
Old Dominion University blends accessibility with value—especially for Virginia and border-state students. ODU automatically awards generous merit scholarships for strong academics, while top students can compete for the full-tuition ROTC Scholarship or Honors-based awards.
Combined with research opportunities, a coastal location, and robust need-based aid, ODU provides an affordable pathway to a respected degree in Virginia’s public system.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — ODU is test-optional and superscores ACT/SAT if provided.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 24–29; SAT: 1120–1270 (for students who submitted scores).
What’s the average net price? About $14,170/year after aid. See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? Yes — ODU participates in the Academic Common Market (SREB). Eligible students in approved majors may receive in-state rates.
University Admissions page (deadlines, test-optional, merit auto-consideration): https://www.odu.edu/admission/undergraduate
Common Data Set 2024–25 (SAT/ACT ranges, average GPA): https://www.odu.edu/institutional-research/common-data-set
College Scorecard (Average net price): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?232982-Old-Dominion-University
BigFuture — Admissions snapshot (acceptance rate & middle 50% confirmation): https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/old-dominion-university/admissions
FAFSA priority date (2025–26): https://www.odu.edu/fafsa-simplification-act
Army ROTC scholarship details: https://www.odu.edu/armyrotc/prospective/scholarships-incentives
Academic Common Market at ODU: https://www.odu.edu/registration/cross-registration
💰 Cost of Attendance at Old Dominion University
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (30 credits) | $13,320 | $34,410 |
| Housing & Meals (average) | $15,498 | $15,498 |
| Total (before aid) | ≈ $28,818 | ≈ $49,908 |
Note: Other educational expenses (books/supplies, transportation, and personal costs) are not included in the table because they are not paid directly to the university. ODU lists typical allowances for these items separately.
• Qualifying students from participating Southern states can pay in-state tuition if their chosen major is not offered in their home state.
• Example: Out-of-state tuition & mandatory per-credit charges are about $34,410 for 30 credits vs. in-state $13,320. With ACM, a qualifying student could save roughly $21,000 per year on tuition-related charges.
• The ACM is application-based—you must apply through your state coordinator and confirm eligibility with ODU’s Registrar. Learn more in our SREB Academic Common Market guide.
FAQs about Reciprocity
Who qualifies? Students from SREB states whose major is not available in their home state and is approved for ODU.
How much can I save? Savings often exceed $20,000 per year in tuition-related charges when ACM eligibility is approved.
Do I need to apply? Yes. Apply through your state’s ACM coordinator; eligibility is not automatic.
University Tuition Rates (2025–26): https://www.odu.edu/tuition/rates
Housing rates (2025–26): https://www.odu.edu/housing/application-information/rates
Meal plan rates (2025–26): https://olddominion.campusdish.com/MealPlans/Category?cat=All_Products_7939&lid=7939
Registrar — Academic Common Market: https://www.odu.edu/registration/cross-registration
SREB Academic Common Market overview: https://www.sreb.org/AcademicCommonMarket
College Scorecard (Average net price): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?232982-Old-Dominion-University
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
ODU automatically considers all admitted freshmen for merit scholarships. These awards are based on GPA, course rigor, and (if submitted) test scores. No separate application is required—your admission file is your scholarship application.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monarch Scholarship (In-State) | Not officially published (est. $5,000–$8,000/year) |
VA residents; automatic with admission; test-optional: ≥3.3 GPA; higher GPA/test scores may mean higher award | No | Yes (renewal in award letter) | Strong academics: 3.6–4.0 GPA; test-optional ≥3.3* | Rolling (with admission) |
| Leo / Nonresident Incentive (Out-of-State) | Est. $5,000–$8,000/year (reports up to $10,000) | Nonresidents; automatic with admission; test-optional ≥3.3 GPA | No | Yes | Nonresidents: high GPA (≥3.6), rigor, or strong test scores* | Rolling (with admission) |
*ODU does not post official merit scholarship dollar tiers or GPA cutoffs for Monarch or Leo. Dollar amounts listed are based on external reports—actual awards are sent in financial aid letters.
FAQs about ODU Automatic Merit
Do I need to apply? No. All admitted freshmen are automatically considered for Monarch (in-state) or Leo (nonresident) merit.
Are test scores required? No, but test-optional applicants need at least a 3.3 GPA. Strong test scores can raise awards.
Can I stack these with ACM? No. If you receive in-state tuition via Academic Common Market, you can’t get the Leo award.
Does ODU superscore SAT/ACT? Yes for SAT (best section scores across tests), ACT is composite from single sitting.
odu.edu/admissions/
odu.edu/admissions/financing/scholarships/
odu.edu/financialaid/scholarships/
odu.edu/honors/
nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
These university-level scholarships are selective (limited slots and/or extra application steps). Awards below exclude Honors College–specific funds, which appear in the Honors section.
| Scholarship | Award | Eligibility | App? | Renewable | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Merit (ISS) | $5k–$14k/yr up to 4 yrs | New international admits, strong academics | Yes | Yes | Intl. admits with ~3.5–4.0 GPA, solid rigor* | Feb 1 (priority for fall) |
| #YouAreWelcomeHere | 50% tuition (2 awards/yr) | International freshmen, essay/video | Yes | Yes | Intl. students with ≥3.3 GPA, leadership/service* | Feb 1 (priority) |
| CHROME Scholarship | Varies | CHROME club alumni, STEM majors | Yes | Usually | STEM-bound, CHROME alumni, ≥3.0 GPA* | Mar 1 |
| Norfolk School Board | Full in-state tuition (15 cr/term) | Top 10 grads, Norfolk high schools | No (school selects) | Yes | Norfolk val/sal, top-ranked grads* | Spring (by schools) |
| Haislip-Rorrer Presidential Scholars | Varies | Entering freshmen, outstanding academics | Yes | Varies | Freshmen with ≥3.8 GPA, AP/IB/rigor, leadership/service* | Feb 1 |
| Derbyshire Leadership | Up to $4,000 | ODU undergrads, leadership/service | Yes (essay) | Year-to-year | Undergrads who lead, serve, GPA≥3.0* | Spring (by March 1) |
*ODU does not publish exact GPA/test cutoffs or set award amounts for many competitive scholarships. Profiles here are based on official descriptions plus observed patterns; treat as estimates.
FAQs (Competitive Scholarships)
Are these automatic? No. Most require a separate application or nomination, or are awarded in very limited numbers.
What are the deadlines?
• International Merit (ISS): Feb 1
• #YouAreWelcomeHere: Feb 1
• CHROME, Haislip-Rorrer: Mar 1
• Derbyshire, Norfolk Board: Spring
Can these stack with automatic merit? Often yes—tuition-covering awards may cap total aid at tuition/fee cost. Always check your letter.
Who is most competitive? Academic excellence and high leadership, service, or CHROME participation; Norfolk Board is only for the very top seniors.
odu.edu/scholarships/
odu.edu/financialaid/scholarships/
odu.edu/honors/
odu.edu/admissions/
nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
🎖️ Honors College (Patricia & Douglas Perry Honors College)
Honors at ODU is designed for curious, community-minded students who want small seminars, research opportunities, and mentors who know them by name. You apply to Honors (it’s not automatic). Priority deadlines are Feb 1 for fall admits and Nov 1 for spring; spots can fill and waitlists form early.
- High school GPA around 3.5+ (top 10% is common)
- SAT 1200+ or ACT 27+ (tests optional but welcomed)
- Evidence of rigor (AP/IB/dual enrollment) and sustained leadership/service
- To remain in good standing: college GPA 3.25+
- Priority registration and access to small Honors seminars
- Honors housing communities and dedicated mentoring/advising
- Built-in undergraduate research pathways (faculty-mentored)
- Capstone/thesis options count toward degree progress
- Targeted funding opportunities (see scholarships below)
Honors-Specific Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors College Scholarships (Entering Freshmen) | Not publicly posted | Admitted to Perry Honors; high academics, impact, fit | Yes—Honors app (essay) | Yes—renewable 3 more yrs | First-year Honors admits: ~3.7–4.0 GPA, rigor, leadership/service* | Feb 1 (priority for fall) |
| John & Kate Broderick Honors Opportunity | $5,000–$20,000 (budget-based) | Current Honors, special opportunity projects | Yes—Honors portal/committee | By cycle | Honors w/significant research, academic, or service projects* | Rolling (as announced) |
| Undergraduate Research & Creativity Grants | Up to $5,000 (summer) Up to $3,000 (fall) |
Honors w/faculty-mentored project | Yes—OUR/Honors app | By cycle | Honors with developed research/creative plans* | Oct/Feb (cycles) |
| Brock Foundation Endowed Honors | Varies (endowment) | Honors (all levels) | Yes—side application | Varies | Top academic/leadership/service* | Mar 1 (typical) |
| Cranmer-Skinner Scholarship | Varies (endowment) | Honors; letter of interest | Yes—letter | Varies | Strong academics, compelling letter* | Mar 1 (typical) |
| Robert T. & Amanda J. Cahill | Varies (endowment) | Honors; selected by committee | Yes—committee | Varies | Leadership, service, high academic* | Apr 1 (typical) |
*Dollar ranges only published for Broderick ($5,000–$20,000) and Research/Creativity Grants (up to $5K/$3K); others listed as “Varies.” Profiles are based on official ODU and donor descriptions.
Honors FAQs
Is admission automatic? No—application and essay required (priority by Feb 1 for fall).
Does Honors add time to your degree? No—Honors courses commonly fulfill general education/major credits with good advising.
Deadlines? Priority Feb 1 (fall), Nov 1 (spring). Funding/seat availability drops after these dates.
Other $$ for Honors students? Yes—research, travel, and special grants; watch Honors and research office listings each term.
odu.edu/honors/
odu.edu/scholarships/
odu.edu/financialaid/scholarships/
odu.edu/academics/honors-college/
odu.edu/research/undergraduate/
⭐ College Specialty
Old Dominion University isn’t just another big Virginia school—it has carved out niches that give students unique career pipelines. From cybersecurity to coastal resilience, ODU leverages its Hampton Roads location and research strengths to prepare students for high-demand fields.
ODU’s School of Cybersecurity is one of the only stand-alone schools of its kind in the U.S. It holds all three NSA designations (CAE-CD, CAE-CO, and CAE-R), a rare honor shared by only a dozen universities nationwide. This distinction makes ODU a national leader in preparing graduates for federal and defense-sector jobs.
Classification: ODU is a public R1 Research University (very high research activity).
- Modeling & Simulation (VMASC) — Home to the Virginia Modeling, Analysis & Simulation Center, one of the top applied M&S research hubs in the nation, partnering with defense and industry leaders.
- Maritime, Ports & Logistics — ODU’s School of Supply Chain, Logistics, & Maritime Operations ties directly to Norfolk’s global port, making it a statewide leader in maritime workforce development.
- Coastal Adaptation & Resilience — Through the Institute for Coastal Adaptation & Resilience (ICAR), ODU is nationally recognized for flood mitigation and climate adaptation research, ranked among the most active centers addressing sea-level rise in the Mid-Atlantic.
- Engineering — ODU’s Batten College of Engineering & Technology is a key pipeline for regional aerospace and naval careers, supported by NASA Langley and nearby shipbuilding industries.