Academic Comparison between ODU and USM

Old Dominion University and University of Southern Mississippi are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. ODU is located in Norfolk, VA and USM is located in Hattiesburg, MS.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • ODU has more expensive tuition & fees ($33,780) than USM ($11,998).
  • It is harder to admit to ODU than USM.
  • ODU has higher submitted ACT score (26) than USM (24).
  • ODU has more students with 23,743 students while USM has 13,170 students.
  • ODU has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while USM's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • ODU has more full-time faculties with 890 faculties while USM has 668 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Old Dominion Universityvs.University of Southern Mississippi
Norfolk, VirginiaLocationHattiesburg, Mississippi
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$12,750
Out-Of-State$33,780
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$9,998
Out-Of-State$11,998
64%% Receiving Financial Aid83%
$12,161Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,055
90.36 %Acceptance Rates99.12 %
19.94 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)24.98 %
1,190SAT Score-
26ACT Score24
46 %Graduation Rate49 %
25 %Transfer-out Rate-
77 %Retention Rate72 %
23,743Student Population13,170
890Number of Faculties668
13 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio18 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services
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