Academic Comparison between ODU and WKU

Old Dominion University and Western Kentucky University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. ODU is located in Norfolk, VA and WKU is located in Bowling Green, KY.

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 WKU ($27,000).
  • It is harder to admit to ODU than WKU.
  • ODU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,190) than WKU (930).
  • ODU has higher submitted ACT score (26) than WKU (18).
  • ODU has more students with 23,743 students while WKU has 16,291 students.
  • ODU has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while WKU's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • ODU has more full-time faculties with 890 faculties while WKU has 637 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Old Dominion Universityvs.Western Kentucky University
Norfolk, VirginiaLocationBowling Green, Kentucky
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
In-State$12,750
Out-Of-State$33,780
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$11,652
Out-Of-State$27,000
64%% Receiving Financial Aid87%
$12,161Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,681
90.36 %Acceptance Rates93.87 %
19.94 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)30.18 %
1,190SAT Score930
26ACT Score18
46 %Graduation Rate56 %
25 %Transfer-out Rate2 %
77 %Retention Rate78 %
23,743Student Population16,291
890Number of Faculties637
13 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio19 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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