Welcome, School Counselors!
Here at Old Dominion University, we recognize the important role high school counselors have in guiding students through the college admission process. We hope this information will be useful as you support your students in applying to Monarch Nation!
Important Dates
Freshman Application Dates
December 1 Fall Early Action (Non-binding)
February 1 (rolling) Fall Regular Decision
October 1 Spring Regular Decision
Rolling admission takes place following the Feb. 1 application deadline. Meaning, complete applications continue to be reviewed and offers of admission made until the class fills.
Financial Aid Dates and Information
October 1 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available at studentaid.gov
January 1 ODU's priority filing date
ODU's Federal School Code: 003728
Information on how to apply for aid, completing the FAFSA, and using the Financial Aid Checklist is conveniently located online via this link.

 Cost & Aid
2022 Estimated Undergraduate Tuition
In-State
On-Campus $25,871
Off-Campus $11,705
Out-of-State
On-Campus $45,851
Off-Campus $31,655
*Estimate based on 30 credit hours (15 per semester) plus fees and average double occupancy rate for housing including the mandatory All Access Plan for first-year students.
 Ways to Save
There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial Aid

Freshman Profile
For the Fall 2021 semester, we received nearly 15,000 applications for an incoming class of just over 2,900. Approximately 70% of the incoming freshman class applied test optional. Of the remaining, the middle 50% of academic credentials for admitted freshman were:
- Weighted GPA: 3.05 - 3.86
- SAT: 1000 - 1210
- ACT: 19 - 26

Application Requirements and Recommendations
An application is considered complete once all required items are received.
- ODU Online Application or Common Application
- $50 fee (non-refundable)
- Official High School Transcript (or GED Transcript)*
- SAT/ACT (Official or Self-reported) Scores or Select Test Optional
- Strongly recommended (not required): Activity Resume (informs institutional scholarship matches), Letter(s) of Recommendation, and Personal Statement
*Official transcripts are defined as those sent directly from the high school or selected electronic service to Old Dominion University. Transcripts emailed from the student to ODU are not acceptable.

Let's Talk Tests
SAT/ACT
Although no longer an application requirement, students are encouraged to submit the results of either or both examinations if they deem their scores as increasing the competitiveness of their application.
Self-reported Scores
Students who have taken either the SAT or ACT may self-report those scores at the time of application. Students must validate their scores when confirming intent to enroll at ODU. Inconsistent scores may result in a change to merit-based scholarship amounts.
Test Optional
ODU's Test-Optional program allows freshman applicants seeking first-time entry to the university the option to be considered for admission without regard to SAT or ACT results whether the applicant took the exam or not. The selection of Test-Optional does not guarantee admission to the university. There is no minimum GPA requirement; however, applicants with a 3.3 or greater GPA are eligible for merit-based scholarship consideration.

Scholarships - Merit, Institutional and Endowed
Merit-based Awards
All freshman applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships regardless of need. Review criteria include GPA, test scores (official or self-reported), or test-optional with a minimum 3.3 GPA. Awards are categorized as In-state (Monarch) or Out-of-State (Leo) and are:
- Distributed by the Office of Admissions and may be subject to revisions due to changes in residency (in-state vs. out-of-state) or official test scores that do not validate the applicant's self-reported scores.
- Renewable if the stated renewable criteria (minimum GPA and hours completed) are met.
Institutional, Endowed Awards
New, incoming freshman students can identify institutional scholarship interest by selecting "Yes" on the institutional scholarship section of the admissions application. Students may choose from various categories relative to their interests, accomplishments, activities, service, leadership, clubs, and more. Students are also strongly encouraged to submit an activity resume highlighting their high school involvements and experiences - curricular and non - for thorough consideration.
The Office of Student Financial Aid processes all institutional and endowed scholarships with awards made to eligible incoming first-year students beginning early April. Award types and award amounts are subject to availability.
Meet our Team
Old Dominion University counselors are always available to answer questions and assist throughout the application process. Our team is ready and standing by for your calls and emails!