Old Dominion University vs George Mason University

Old Dominion University vs George Mason University

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Both ODU and GMU are well-known public research universities with R1: Very High Research Activity classification. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings, GMU stands at around 951th place, while ODU not ranked. In Times Higher Education 2025, GMU falls in the range of 401-500, while ODU is at 801-1000 band. GMU is excellent in Business, Economics, Political Science, and Social Sciences because of its location near Washington, D.C. ODU is excellent in Engineering, Health Professions, Education, and Coastal and Maritime Studies, and has strong model and simulation programs. 

General Information

GMU, with 39,527 total enrollment, is much larger than ODU's 22,541. GMU's campus in Fairfax, outside Washington, D.C., provides a contemporary, suburban setting with 95 undergraduate and 127 graduate programs. ODU's 251-acre urban campus in Norfolk offers 90 undergraduate and 60 graduate programs. GMU's locale invites ties to government, technology, and policy institutions, whereas ODU targets regional influence, military-related student services, and coastal research partnerships, as Norfolk has a naval presence.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Both universities have moderately competitive admissions with ODU's acceptance rate of 90.5% being narrowly higher than GMU's 88.8%. GMU boasts a higher average SAT score with a middle 50% of 1140–1340 compared to ODU's 1110–1290. GMU is test-optional, but ODU demands test scores for certain applicants yet is becoming test-optional. Both use high school GPA, transcripts, and records, but GMU gives greater significance to personal statements and recommendations for desirable programs. ODU has a yield rate of around 19.7%, which is less than GMU's 22.2%, indicating GMU's wider appeal.

Research Impact & Facilities

Both universities are R1 research status with very high research activity. GMU is advantaged through its closeness to Washington, D.C., with academic strengths in Social Sciences, Computer Science, Public Policy, and International Affairs, facilitated by large libraries and focused research institutes. ODU specializes in Engineering, Coastal Resilience, Health Sciences, and Simulation Research, with the likes of the Virginia Modeling, Analysis, and Simulation Center. GMU's aggregate research output and funding are greater, but ODU's regional collaborations in maritime, defense, and health research amplify its applied relevance.

Cost & Financial Aid

ODU's in-state tuition is around $12,750, while out-of-state tuition is around $33,780. GMU's in-state tuition is roughly $14,220, while out-of-state tuition is $38,688. ODU's mean net price is roughly $16,150, whereas GMU's is $18,900. Approximately 94% of ODU students receive grant or scholarship aid, with an average award of $10,006, versus 72% at GMU, where the average award is $11,311. Both universities offer need-based and merit-based assistance, but ODU awards aid to a greater percentage of its students, consistent with its access and social mobility mission.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

GMU alumni have a higher median pay ($61,900 compared to $47,600 for ODU ten years post-graduation) and enjoy a more powerful alumni network, especially in Business, Government, Technology, and Policy, with its location near Washington, D.C. The six-year graduation rate of 65.8% and high repayment rates of GMU indicate superior overall student achievement than ODU's six-year graduation rate of 53% and lower repayment. ODU excels in regional sectors like healthcare, education, engineering, and maritime professions, with emphasis on veteran services. The two institutions have strong career services but more comprehensive internship and networking opportunities in GMU's urban and policy-oriented setting.