Academic Comparison between WKU and ODU

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

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 (930) than WKU (930).
  • ODU has higher submitted ACT score (18) 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.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
WKU ODU
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Western Kentucky Universityvs.Old Dominion University
Bowling Green, KentuckyLocationNorfolk, Virginia
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Doctoral / Research UniversityCarnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$11,652
Out-Of-State$27,000
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$12,750
Out-Of-State$33,780
87%% Receiving Financial Aid64%
$9,681Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,161
93.87 %Acceptance Rates90.36 %
30.18 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)19.94 %
930SAT Score1,190
18ACT Score26
56 %Graduation Rate46 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate25 %
78 %Retention Rate77 %
16,291Student Population23,743
637Number of Faculties890
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services
More Rivals