Old Dominion University Scholarships (2026–2027)
← Back to college scholarships hub • See Virginia aid & Grants
Last Updated on May 31, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~90%
- Middle 50% ACT: 26
- Middle 50% SAT: 1195
- Average GPA: 3.45
🧭 Quick Admissions Strategy (based on where your student falls)
- Below the typical ranges: Admission is still very realistic, but merit aid will be limited—this is where FAFSA-based aid and in-state options matter most.
- In the typical ranges: You’re in range for automatic and semi-automatic merit, but awards vary—apply early to maximize scholarship consideration.
- Well above the ranges: This is where ODU can become a strong value play, with higher-tier merit awards and potential honors opportunities.
Comparing multiple schools?
Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Old Dominion University at a Glance
Average Net Price
$14,170/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$5,000–$10,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
22 opportunities
2 automatic · 6 competitive · 8 hidden gem · 6 honors
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3.3+; ACT TBD+ / SAT TBD+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Dec 1 • FAFSA: Mar 1
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Old Dominion University is one of those schools that doesn’t always get the spotlight—but for the right student, it can quietly make financial sense. Admission is accessible, and there’s a mix of automatic and competitive scholarships that can bring the price down, especially for in-state students.
The key here is understanding that not all merit is guaranteed. If your student is in the upper academic range, ODU becomes much more interesting financially. If not, this is a school where you’ll want to lean more on need-based aid and compare your offers carefully.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Old Dominion University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 26; SAT: 1195.
Average net price? About $14,170/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in ACM.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Old Dominion University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$13,320 |
$34,410 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$15,498 |
$15,498 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$28,818 |
$49,908 |
Average Federal Net Price: $14,170 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Regional Tuition Savings: ODU participates in the
SREB Academic Common Market (ACM).
• 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.
Sources:
University Tuition Rate: https://www.odu.edu/tuition/rates
Housing rates: https://www.odu.edu/housing/application-information/rates
Meal plan rates: 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.
Automatic
Leo / Nonresident Merit Incentive
📅 Deadline: Rolling (with admission) · 📢 Results: Award notification provided with admissions letter or via ODU email in summer before fall enrollment.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$5,000–$10,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.3+ GPA
💡
Strategic Detail
ODU automatically considers all incoming freshmen for merit scholarships based on the admissions application — no separate scholarship application is needed. The $5,000–$10,000/year range reflects institutional patterns for nonresident automatic merit awards; ODU does not publish a formal 2026-2027 award grid. Filing the FAFSA by Oct 1 maximizes overall aid eligibility.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Out-of-state freshmen with solid academic records — typically a 3.3+ GPA with a rigorous course load. ODU doesn't publish a formal award grid, so the range reflects institutional patterns; higher achievement generally yields higher awards.
Automatic
Monarch Scholarship (In-State Merit)
📅 Deadline: Rolling (with admission) · 📢 Results: Award notification provided with admissions letter or via ODU email in summer before fall enrollment.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$5,000–$8,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.3+ GPA
💡
Strategic Detail
ODU automatically considers all incoming Virginia freshmen for merit scholarships based on the admissions application. The $5,000–$8,000/year range reflects institutional patterns for in-state automatic merit awards; ODU does not publish a formal 2026-2027 award grid. Filing the FAFSA by Oct 1 maximizes overall aid eligibility.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
High-achieving Virginia residents with a 3.6–4.0 GPA and a demanding course load will land at the top of the range. Students with a 3.3+ GPA in a test-optional review are still considered — stronger academics simply unlock larger awards.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*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.
Sources:
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.
App Required
CHROME Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Mar 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA)
🏫 3.0+ GPA
📄
How to Apply
Apply for undergraduate admission to ODU and participate in a certified high school CHROME club. Submit any required CHROME/ODU scholarship materials by the posted deadline (typically Mar 1). Contact ODU's Office of Financial Aid to confirm current application requirements.
Selection criteria: STEM merit and CHROME program experience.
💡
Strategic Detail
The CHROME Scholarship rewards students who participated in ODU's CHROME STEM pipeline program in high school. Award amounts and precise GPA criteria vary by year and are not published centrally for 2026-2027; students should confirm current details with ODU Financial Aid.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Graduates of certified high school CHROME clubs entering ODU in STEM-related majors, with strong academics and documented program involvement.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Derbyshire Leadership Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Mar 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA)
🏫 3.0+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
📄
How to Apply
Submit the ODU institutional scholarship form (available at odu.edu/financial-aid) along with an essay describing your leadership impact and community service record by Mar 1. Continuing and graduate students should use the dedicated Scholarship Form for Continuing and Graduate Students.
Selection criteria: Leadership and service record plus academic performance.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
A renewable endowed award matched through ODU's institutional scholarship process based on leadership record and academics. Specific award amounts for 2026-2027 are not centrally published; up to $4,000/year reflects prior-year patterns. Continuing students must submit the scholarship form by Mar 1 to be considered.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Continuing undergraduates who have made a meaningful mark through campus or community leadership, with solid academics (3.0+ GPA) to back it up. Think student government leaders, club founders, and committed community volunteers.
App Required
Haislip-Rorrer Presidential Scholars
📅 Deadline: Feb 1
✓ Renews
🏫 3.8+ GPA
📄
How to Apply
Complete ODU's scholarship application and submit all required supporting materials — including a personal essay and recommendation letters — by Feb 1. Contact the Office of Financial Aid to confirm the current application portal and submission requirements.
Selection criteria: Academic rigor and merit plus leadership and service.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
ODU's flagship-level freshman competitive scholarship. The Feb 1 deadline is firm. Per-year award amounts are not published on ODU's central scholarship site for 2026-2027 and are listed as varies. Students with exceptional academic profiles and demonstrated leadership should apply early.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Entering freshmen who are at the top of their class — think 3.8+ GPA, heavy AP/IB coursework, and a compelling leadership or service story. This is ODU's flagship-level freshman award, so the bar is high.
App Required
International Merit (ISS) Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Apr 15 (fall entry); Oct 1 (spring entry)
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
$5,000–$14,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.3+ GPA
📄
How to Apply
Apply for undergraduate admission as an international student, then complete the ISS merit scholarship application with a one-page essay. Fall entry deadline is Apr 15; spring entry deadline is Oct 1. Submit through the International Student Services office.
Selection criteria: Academic merit based on GPA and rigor; strength of essay and overall academic profile.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
ODU describes this as a renewable international undergraduate merit scholarship with awards between $5,000 and $14,000 annually, renewable for up to four years for students who maintain a 3.25 GPA and full-time enrollment. ODU specifically notes this is unique among public research universities. Apply well before the Apr 15 fall deadline.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Newly admitted international undergraduates pursuing their first bachelor's degree with a 3.25+ US-equivalent GPA, a valid non-immigrant visa status, and a compelling essay. ODU calls this unique among public research institutions — and the $5,000–$14,000 range makes it one of the most valuable international merit programs in the state.
Automaticgeographicneed_based
Norfolk School Board Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Spring (nominated by schools)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$1,000–$2,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Need-based award for graduates of Norfolk Public Schools. Typically provides $1,000–$2,000 per year; not a full-tuition guarantee and requires annual re-application via the ODU scholarship portal by March 1
👥 ~~10 awards/year (approximate) winners/yr
💡
Strategic Detail
A partnership award restricted to nominated graduates of Norfolk Public Schools. Award amounts of $1,000–$2,000/year are approximate based on prior-year descriptions; not detailed on ODU's central 2026-2027 scholarship page. Students must be in the top 10% of their graduating class and nominated by their school.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Valedictorians, salutatorians, and other top-ranked graduates from Norfolk Public Schools who enroll at ODU. This is a partnership award — it finds you through your school, not the other way around.
App Required
YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Feb 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.3+ GPA👥 ~~2 awards/year winners/yr
📄
How to Apply
Apply to ODU as an international first-year student and submit the #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship application along with a required essay or video by Feb 1. Contact the International Admissions office for the current application portal and submission details.
Selection criteria: Merit, leadership/service record, and strength of essay or video.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
As a #YouAreWelcomeHere partner institution, ODU awards approximately two renewable scholarships per year covering 50% of out-of-state tuition for selected international first-year students. Renewable up to four years. The Feb 1 deadline is firm and the pool is extremely competitive given the small number of awards.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
International first-year students with a 3.3+ GPA (or equivalent), a meaningful leadership or service story, and a compelling essay or video that stands out among a very competitive pool. Only about two awards are given per year, so this requires a truly standout application.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*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.
Sources:
odu.edu/scholarships/
odu.edu/financialaid/scholarships/
odu.edu/honors/
odu.edu/admissions/
nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
These awards don’t always show up on the admissions page, but they can make a real difference. They include ROTC benefits, research stipends, and study abroad funds—programs that first-gen families often overlook.
App Required⚠ Junior Only
Amerigroup Leadership Endowed Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Mar 1
✓ Renews
🎓 Junior
📄
How to Apply
Apply via ODU College of Nursing; juniors/seniors must demonstrate financial need and family responsibilities (dependents).
Selection criteria: Financial need, family responsibilities
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Nontraditional nursing students with children/dependents.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Army ROTC (Monarch Battalion)
📅 Deadline: Rolling (selection boards throughout year)
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
full tuition & fees or room/board allowance plus stipends
✔ Stackable
🏫 2.5+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
📄
How to Apply
Apply via national ROTC boards or ODU Army ROTC office; must meet Army standards for academics and physical fitness.
Selection criteria: Academic merit, fitness, leadership
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Covers full tuition/fees or room/board plus book and living stipends.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: US citizens; strong academics/fitness; often STEM majors favored.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Departmental Scholarships (Examples)
📅 Deadline: Feb 1–Mar 1 (portal cycles)
✓ Renews (3 GPA)
🏫 3.0+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Terms vary; often stackable within departmental guidelines.
📄
How to Apply
Apply via department or ODU scholarship portal; departmental criteria may include major, GPA, and/or need.
Selection criteria: Departmental review criteria
💡
Strategic Detail
Multiple departmental awards, see ODU Scholarships portal for individual criteria.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Majors in fields like History, Engineering, Art, Nursing, with strong GPAs and/or financial need.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Monarch Marching Band Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Apr 1
✓ Renews
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Renewable for continuing participation.
📄
How to Apply
Apply and audition with Monarch Marching Band; awards based on musical talent, leadership, and instrumentation needs.
Selection criteria: Band performance and leadership
💡
Strategic Detail
Annual scholarship pool approx. $150,000; renewable for continued participation and performance.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Talented musicians fully committed to the program.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Navy ROTC (Hampton Roads Consortium)
📅 Deadline: Dec 31
✓ Renews
Full Tuition
full tuition plus stipends
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
📄
How to Apply
Apply nationally via NROTC portal; academic and fitness standards; includes 4-year option, college program for shorter terms, plus Marine HBCU option.
Selection criteria: Academic rigor, fitness, leadership
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Full tuition awarded with stipends for books and living expenses.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: U.S. citizens, strong math/science fitness, competitive SAT/ACT, leadership/service.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Paul & Athena Yeonas Memorial Fund
📅 Deadline: Feb 15
✓ Renews
🎓 All Undergrad
📄
How to Apply
Apply via donor portal or ODU scholarship portal; show Greek descent residency in South Hampton Roads region.
Selection criteria: Descent and residency
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Local undergraduate/graduate students of Greek descent.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Presidential Equal Access Scholarship (PEAS)
📅 Deadline: Feb 1
✓ Renews
🎓 All Undergrad
📄
How to Apply
Apply via ODU scholarship portal; URM/first-gen, low-income, leadership, service, and merit considered.
Selection criteria: Leadership/service/need
✎ Essays
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Leadership, service, and merit among underrepresented or first-gen/low-income applicants.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
School of Music & Theater Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Mar 1
✓ Renews
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with other merit scholarships as allowed by department.
📄
How to Apply
Departmental application/audition; musical/theatrical talent and participation in department ensembles required.
Selection criteria: Artistic merit
💡
Strategic Detail
Multiple named scholarships (Diehn, Vogan, Stamos, Breneiser, Cucchiari-Loring, more) awarded by audition and merit each spring.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Music/theater majors and ensemble participants who show strong auditions and performance.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Study Abroad Scholarships (ODU Global)
📅 Deadline: Semester before study abroad
Non-Renewable
$500–$3,000
✘ Not stackable
🏫 2.5+ GPA👥 ~1–3 awards annually per program winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
📄
How to Apply
Attend ODU study abroad info session; enroll full-time; apply via ODU Global portal before semester studying abroad.
Selection criteria: Eligibility and fit for program
💡
Strategic Detail
Specific scholarships exist for certain majors and locations; multiple awards per cycle.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Strong fit for the abroad program, full-time students, meeting GPA requirements.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Undergraduate Research Grants (OUR)
📅 Deadline: Oct/Feb (semester cycles)
Non-Renewable
$500–$2,000
✘ Not stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
📄
How to Apply
ODU undergrads propose projects with faculty mentors; submit proposal by Oct/Feb (sem. cycles).
Selection criteria: Project quality and mentoring
💡
Strategic Detail
URHS and PURS programs support summer and fall awards.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Undergraduates with strong project/mentoring support can win grants up to $2,000.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*Profiles are based on official program criteria and observed recipient patterns. Endowed/departmental amounts may vary by year and fund. Treat as guidance, not guarantee.
FAQs (Hidden Gems)
Are these automatic? No. All require specific scholarly/ROTC/departmental/program or essay applications.
Can you stack these with merit? Typically yes, but check letter. Tuition-only awards may restrict stacking.
What’s the calendar?
• ROTC: National apps fall/winter, local year-round
• Research: OUR grants by Oct/Feb
• Music/arts: Audition applications by Feb–Apr
• Most departments: Feb/Mar via the ODU portal
Sources:
odu.edu/scholarships/
odu.edu/financialaid/scholarships/
odu.edu/honors/
odu.edu/admissions/
odu.edu/global/
odu.edu/music/
odu.edu/nursing/
🎖️ 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.
What a Typical ODU Honors Student Looks Like
- 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+
Why Honors Matters (Perks You’ll Feel)
- 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
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
Brock Foundation Endowed Honors Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Apr 15
✓ Renews
🎓 Upperclassmen
📄
How to Apply
Honors College juniors and rising seniors with at least one completed semester in the Perry Honors College apply by submitting a 1-2 page essay to perryhonorscollege@odu.edu. Application opens Mar 15 and closes Apr 15 at 11:59 p.m. The essay should describe your tutoring experience and readiness to serve local high schoolers through the ACCESS program.
Selection criteria: Tutoring/service experience, academic standing, and readiness to commit to the ACCESS program.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Funded by the Brock Foundation, this endowed Honors scholarship rewards students willing to provide tutoring services for local high school students through the ACCESS program (minimum 45 hours over two semesters required). Application opens Mar 15 and closes Apr 15. Award amounts are not centrally published; contact Perry Honors College for current figures.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Upper-division Perry Honors College students who are committed to giving back — specifically through tutoring local high schoolers via the ACCESS program. Strong academic standing plus real tutoring experience or a clear ability to mentor others is what moves the needle here.
App Required⚠ Sophomore Only
John & Kate Broderick Honors Opportunity Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Mar 1
Non-Renewable
$5,000–$20,000
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.5+ GPA👥 ~2-6 per year winners/yr🎓 Sophomore
📄
How to Apply
Submit an Intent to Apply as soon as possible (form at odu.edu/honors). Applications open Feb 1 and the deadline is Mar 1 at 12:00 a.m. EST. Submit your full application as a PDF through the ODU forms portal, including a cover sheet, personal statement (up to 2 pages), opportunity proposal (up to 5 pages), resume, and detailed budget. Two letters of recommendation are required — one must come from your ODU faculty/campus mentor for the proposed project. Submit through the Perry Honors College.
Selection criteria: Project quality, feasibility, and budget justification; academic record; Honors College engagement; leadership and civic potential. Finalists are interviewed by the Scholarship Committee.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Funded by Patricia and Douglas Perry in honor of former ODU President John Broderick and First Lady Kate Broderick. Awards 2–6 scholarships per year ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 (amount based on proposed project budget; up to $6,000 may cover living expenses if justified). Funds are disbursed half in fall, half in spring starting in September. Submit an Intent to Apply as early as possible — the full application opens Feb 1 and closes Mar 1.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors (transfers and seniors also eligible if 2+ semesters remain) in the Perry Honors College with a 3.5+ GPA who have a well-developed, faculty-mentored experiential learning project — study abroad, undergraduate research, civic engagement, an internship, or a creative endeavor — that they simply couldn't pull off without this funding. The Scholarship Committee reviews applications and conducts personal interviews before making final selections.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Cranmer-Skinner Honors Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Apr 15
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA)
🏫 3.3+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
📄
How to Apply
After completing at least one semester in the Perry Honors College, submit a 1-2 page essay to perryhonorscollege@odu.edu. The essay should state your current GPA and major and focus on how your extracurricular activities and community service have benefited you, ODU, and the broader community. Application opens Mar 15 and closes Apr 15 at 11:59 p.m.
Selection criteria: Extracurricular engagement, community service impact, and academic performance (3.25+ GPA).
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
An endowed Honors scholarship for students in the Perry Honors College who demonstrate active engagement through extracurriculars and community service. Application opens Mar 15 and closes Apr 15 at 11:59 p.m. Award amounts are not published centrally; contact Perry Honors College for current figures.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Honors students who are deeply engaged beyond the classroom — think meaningful extracurriculars, community service, and an essay that shows genuine reflection on the impact of those experiences. A 3.25+ GPA is the floor, but the essay is what truly differentiates applicants.
App Required
Honors College Scholarships (Entering Freshmen and Transfers)
📅 Deadline: Feb 1
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.7+ GPA
📄
How to Apply
Apply to and be admitted into the Perry Honors College by submitting the Honors College application (including a required essay) by the Feb 1 priority deadline. Scholarship consideration is built into the Honors admission process — no additional scholarship application is needed beyond the Honors application itself.
Selection criteria: Academic record, rigor of coursework, and overall fit for the Honors College.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
ODU awards Honors College scholarships to a select group of entering freshmen and transfer students based on academic achievement and Honors College admission. Students who continue to meet Honors College requirements after the first year may have the scholarship renewed for up to three additional years (six semesters total, four years max). Specific 2026-2027 award amounts are not published; contact Perry Honors College for current ranges.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Incoming Honors College freshmen and transfers with exceptional academic records — typically 3.7–4.0 GPA with rigorous AP/IB or dual-enrollment coursework. Leadership and service matter, but academic excellence is the primary driver for Honors scholarship selection.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Robert T. & Amanda J. Cahill Honors Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Apr 15
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA)
🏫 3.3+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
📄
How to Apply
After completing at least one semester in the Perry Honors College, submit a 1-2 page essay to perryhonorscollege@odu.edu. The essay should state your current GPA and major, and focus on a specific experience where your grit and resilience helped you overcome a meaningful challenge. Application opens Mar 15 and closes Apr 15 at 11:59 p.m.
Selection criteria: Demonstration of resilience and overcoming adversity, academic record, and Honors engagement.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
An endowed Honors scholarship emphasizing resilience and grit. Application opens Mar 15 and closes Apr 15 at 11:59 p.m. Award amounts are not published centrally; contact Perry Honors College for current figures.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Honors students with strong academics and a genuine story of perseverance — students who have faced real obstacles and come out stronger for it. The grit/resilience essay is the centerpiece; a 3.25+ GPA is the baseline, but the narrative is what wins this one.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Undergraduate Research & Creativity Grants (Honors/OUR)
📅 Deadline: Nov 1 (spring award); Apr 1 (summer award); Apr 25 (fall award)
Non-Renewable
$3,000–$5,000
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.3+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
📄
How to Apply
Work with a full-time faculty mentor to develop your research or creative project, then submit a proposal (up to 5 single-spaced pages) plus a separate faculty mentor letter of support to perryhonorscollege@odu.edu. Use the correct email subject line format (e.g., 'Smith_Undergraduate Research Grant Application_Fa26'). Deadlines: Spring awards — Nov 1; Summer awards — Apr 1; Fall awards — Apr 25. Must be enrolled at least 12 credit hours for fall/spring awards.
Selection criteria: Research/creative project merit, intellectual independence, feasibility, faculty support, and clarity of anticipated scholarly outcomes.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Competitive project grants open to Perry Honors College sophomores, juniors, and seniors (3.25+ GPA) with a faculty mentor. Fall and spring awards are up to $3,000; summer awards are up to $5,000 (subject to tax withholding). These are one-time project grants, not tuition scholarships. Three separate cycles per year — each with its own deadline. A comprehensive final report is due one month after the semester ends.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors in the Perry Honors College who have a real research or creative project — not lab assistant work — with a faculty mentor willing to actively guide the work. The proposal needs to show genuine intellectual independence and result in a tangible scholarly product (presentation, publication, exhibit, or performance).
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*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.
Sources:
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.
Top Spotlight: Cybersecurity
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.
✅ Final Thoughts
Old Dominion brings a mix of practical value and unique strengths. Families will find clear pathways to reduce costs—automatic merit, competitive awards, hidden gems, and Honors opportunities—paired with nationally recognized programs like cybersecurity and coastal resilience. If your student thrives in hands-on learning and wants options that connect directly to careers, ODU can be a smart choice. As always, apply early, stay on top of deadlines, and use every scholarship lever available to keep costs manageable.
Was this helpful? Share it with another parent who’s comparing college costs!
Back to top ↑
