Old Dominion University vs James Madison University Introduction
Choosing the right college can be a daunting task, as there are many factors to take into consideration. This article will compare Old Dominion University (ODU) and James Madison University (JMU) to help you make an informed decision about your education. We will examine various aspects such as costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes for both institutions.
Old Dominion University Overview
Old Dominion University (ODU) is a public research university located in Norfolk, Virginia. Established in 1930 as an extension of the College of William & Mary, ODU became an independent institution in 1962. The university offers over 120 undergraduate and more than 130 graduate degree programs, with a focus on research, technology, and professional development.
Old Dominion University Costs & Tuition
The cost of attendance at ODU varies depending on the student’s residency status. For the academic year 2021-2022, the tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students are estimated at $10,800, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $30,840. Room and board fees are estimated at $11,580 for both in-state and out-of-state students. Financial aid is available for eligible students, and approximately 74% of ODU students receive some form of financial aid.
Old Dominion University Admissions
Admission to ODU is considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 87%. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal statement. The average SAT score for admitted students is between 990 and 1180, while the average ACT score ranges from 18 to 24. In addition to academic achievements, ODU also considers extracurricular activities and leadership qualities in their admission process.
Old Dominion University Degrees Offered
ODU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various fields of study. The university is organized into eight colleges, including Arts and Letters, Business, Education, Engineering and Technology, Health Sciences, Sciences, Continuing Education and Professional Development, and the Graduate School. Some of the most popular majors at ODU are Business, Management, Marketing, Health Professions, Engineering, and Education.
Old Dominion University Academics
The academic environment at ODU is focused on research, technology, and professional development. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, which allows for personalized attention and support. ODU boasts a strong commitment to research, with numerous research centers and institutes on campus, addressing issues such as coastal resilience, cybersecurity, and transportation.
Old Dominion University Diversity
ODU is a diverse institution, with students representing various ethnic backgrounds, nationalities, and cultures. Approximately 44% of the student body identifies as an ethnic minority, and international students make up around 4% of the total enrollment. The university also offers various programs and resources to support and promote diversity and inclusion on campus.
Old Dominion University Students
The student population at ODU consists of around 24,000 students, with approximately 19,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students. The university offers various student organizations, clubs, and activities to engage students outside of the classroom, including fraternities and sororities, sports clubs, and cultural organizations.
Old Dominion University Campus
ODU’s campus covers 251 acres in the heart of Norfolk, Virginia. The university’s facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs, and recreational spaces. The campus also offers various amenities such as dining facilities, residence halls, a student recreation center, library, and athletic facilities.
Old Dominion University Alumni
ODU has a strong alumni network, with over 130,000 graduates worldwide. Notable alumni include Ben Bailey, host of the TV show Cash Cab; Nancy Lieberman, a Hall of Fame basketball player; and Bob McDonnell, former Governor of Virginia. The university supports its alumni through various networking events, career services, and continuing education opportunities.
Old Dominion University Rankings
According to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 edition, ODU is ranked #263 in National Universities, #132 in Top Public Schools, and #53 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs. The university has also received accolades for its engineering, business, and education programs.
Old Dominion University Outcomes
ODU’s graduation rate is approximately 52%, with a 74% first-year retention rate. The average starting salary for ODU graduates is around $42,000 per year, and the university boasts a strong commitment to preparing its students for successful careers and professional growth.
James Madison University Overview
James Madison University (JMU) is a public research university located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Founded in 1908, JMU offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across multiple disciplines. The university is well-known for its strong commitment to undergraduate education, research, and community engagement.
James Madison University Costs & Tuition
Tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students at JMU for the academic year 2021-2022 are estimated at $12,330, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $29,230. Room and board fees are approximately $10,740 for both in-state and out-of-state students. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with around 48% of JMU students receiving some form of financial assistance.
James Madison University Admissions
Admission to JMU is considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 71%. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal statement. The average SAT score for admitted students is between 1130 and 1300, while the average ACT score ranges from 23 to 28. JMU also considers extracurricular activities and leadership qualities in their admission process.
James Madison University Degrees Offered
JMU offers a wide range of degree programs across various fields of study, including arts and humanities, business, education, health and behavioral studies, integrated science and engineering, science and mathematics, and visual and performing arts. Some of the most popular majors at JMU include Health Professions, Business, Management, Marketing, Social Sciences, and Education.
James Madison University Academics
JMU is known for its commitment to undergraduate education, with a focus on research, experiential learning, and community engagement. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, which allows for personalized attention and support. JMU also offers various study abroad and research opportunities for students to enhance their academic experience.
James Madison University Diversity
JMU is home to a diverse student body, with 76% of students identifying as white, while 24% identify as an ethnic minority. Around 3% of students are international. The university offers various programs and resources to support and promote diversity and inclusion on campus, including the Center for Multicultural Student Services and the Office of International Programs.
James Madison University Students
JMU has a student population of around 22,000, with approximately 19,500 undergraduate and 2,500 graduate students. The university offers a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities to engage students outside of the classroom, including fraternities and sororities, sports clubs, and cultural organizations.
James Madison University Campus
JMU’s campus spans 721 acres in the picturesque Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. The university’s facilities include modern classrooms, research labs, and recreational spaces. The campus also offers various amenities such as dining facilities, residence halls, a student recreation center, library, and athletic facilities.
James Madison University Alumni
JMU’s alumni network consists of more than 140,000 graduates worldwide. Notable alumni include Charles Haley, a five-time Super Bowl champion; Lindsay Czarniak, an ESPN anchor; and Arthur Moats, an NFL linebacker. The university supports its alumni through various networking events, career services, and continuing education opportunities.
James Madison University Rankings
According to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 edition, JMU is ranked #3 in Regional Universities South, #2 in Best Undergraduate Teaching, and #3 in Most Innovative Schools. The university has also received accolades for its business, engineering, and education programs.
James Madison University Outcomes
JMU has a graduation rate of approximately 84%, with a 91% first-year retention rate. The average starting salary for JMU graduates is around $50,000 per year, and the university is committed to preparing its students for successful careers and professional growth.
Old Dominion University vs James Madison University Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs and tuition at ODU and JMU, both institutions have similar price points for in-state and out-of-state students. However, ODU’s tuition and fees for in-state students are slightly lower at $10,800, compared to JMU’s $12,330. Both institutions offer financial aid for eligible students, but ODU has a higher percentage of students receiving financial assistance at 74%, compared to JMU’s 48%.
Old Dominion University vs James Madison University Admissions Difficulty
Both ODU and JMU have a moderately selective admissions process, with ODU accepting around 87% of applicants and JMU accepting 71%. JMU has slightly higher average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students, suggesting a more competitive admissions process. Both institutions consider extracurricular activities and leadership qualities in addition to academic achievements.
Old Dominion University vs James Madison University Academic Difficulty
The student-to-faculty ratios at both ODU and JMU are similar, with ODU at 17:1 and JMU at 16:1, indicating comparable levels of personalized attention and academic support. Both universities emphasize research and experiential learning, but JMU is particularly renowned for its commitment to undergraduate education and has a higher overall ranking according to the U.S. News & World Report.
Old Dominion University vs James Madison University Outcome Comparison
In terms of outcomes, JMU has a higher graduation rate at 84%, compared to ODU’s 52%. JMU also has a higher average starting salary for graduates at $50,000 per year, compared to ODU’s $42,000. Both institutions are committed to preparing their students for successful careers and professional growth, but JMU’s outcomes suggest a higher overall level of success for its graduates.
