Old Dominion University (ODU), located in Norfolk, Virginia, is a distinguished public research university known for its commitment to diversity and innovation. Established in 1930, ODU has evolved into a prominent institution with a robust academic program offering over 120 undergraduate and 75 graduate degree programs across various disciplines. The university is particularly recognized for its strong focus on engineering, business, and health sciences, which are supported by state-of-the-art facilities and resources. The campus itself features modern classrooms, laboratories, and research centers, alongside recreational amenities that promote a healthy and active student lifestyle.

A hallmark of Old Dominion University is its vibrant campus culture and community engagement. The university embraces a student-centered approach, fostering an inclusive environment where students can thrive both academically and socially. Numerous student organizations, cultural events, and athletic programs allow students to engage with one another and build meaningful connections. ODU's athletic teams, known as the Monarchs, compete in the NCAA Division I and have a strong presence in various sports, promoting school spirit and camaraderie among the student body. Furthermore, Old Dominion takes pride in its strategic location in the heart of Hampton Roads, providing students access to rich cultural and professional opportunities along with the beautiful coastal environment of Virginia. With a strong emphasis on preparing graduates for successful careers, ODU boasts impressive employment rates for its alumni, many of whom have gone on to become leaders in their fields.

Analysis of Key Trends in Student Data

The data from Old Dominion University reveals several significant trends that warrant discussion, particularly regarding tuition costs, graduation rates, retention rates, and gender distribution among students.

Firstly, tuition costs for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students have seen a steady increase over the years, with in-state tuition rising from $8,550 in 2014 to $12,262 in 2024, marking a notable increase of approximately 43.45%. Meanwhile, out-of-state tuition has surged from $24,210 to $32,662, a staggering rise of about 34.96%. This escalating cost raises concerns regarding accessibility for potential students, particularly those from lower-income families, which could affect overall enrollment figures.

Speaking of enrollment, the number of undergraduate students has declined from 19,819 in 2014 to 17,736 in 2024. This trend could indicate challenges in attracting and retaining students, possibly linked to the increasing tuition costs. The retention rate has also fluctuated, peaking at 81.63% in 2016 but dropping to 71.74% in 2022, and slightly recovering to 75.92% in 2024. High retention rates are crucial as they often correlate with student satisfaction and institutional support, suggesting that the university may need to enhance its student services.

When looking at graduation rates, the data sheds light on mixed results. The on-time graduation rate improved from 23.08% in 2014 to 29.37% in 2022 but fell slightly to 24.99% in 2024. Such variability may reflect the impacts of academic rigor, financial stress, or external factors affecting students' ability to graduate in a timely manner.

Lastly, gender distribution shows an interesting trend. The proportion of female undergraduate students has slightly increased, while the male percentage has decreased, indicating a shift towards a more balanced gender representation. By 2024, female undergraduates comprise approximately 54.28% of the student body, suggesting progress toward gender equity in education.

Overall, the dynamics at Old Dominion University illustrate the complex interplay of tuition, retention, graduation rates, and gender demographics, each factor impacting the student experience and the institution's overall health. Addressing rising costs and focusing on student support systems may be essential steps for the university to enhance its attractiveness and sustainability.

Analysis of Graduates from Old Dominion University in 2023

The graduation data from Old Dominion University reveals significant insights into the trends of various academic programs in 2023. A total of 189 graduates received a bachelor's degree in Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, marking it as the most popular choice among students. This indicates a growing interest in programs that offer a diverse curriculum, reflecting the demands of modern workplaces that often require interdisciplinary knowledge. Notably, International students contributed to a small fraction of this total, with only three admitted.

In addition, Rhetoric and Composition attracted 170 graduates, showcasing the ongoing relevance of strong communication skills in today's job market. Once again, the percentage of international students in this program is minimal, underscoring the domestic orientation of these fields.

On the other hand, traditional engineering fields, represented by Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Technologies, saw a total of 132 and 117 graduates respectively. This shows that engineering remains a crucial area of study, but the representation of international students is still limited, with two graduates each in both categories.

Interestingly, fields related to health, such as Mental and Social Health Services, appear to have been underrepresented in graduation rates, with no graduates reported in master's or doctorate levels. This might highlight a potential area for growth in academic offerings as the demand for health professionals continues to rise globally.

Overall, the data underlines the importance of interdisciplinary studies and robust communication skills, while indicating certain areas that may benefit from increased recruitment of international students to enrich the educational experience. This could also be aligned with broader trends in higher education, where diversity is increasingly valued.

Analysis of Old Dominion University Admissions Data

Old Dominion University has shown fluctuating trends in both its rankings and admissions rates over the years. The latest available ranking for 2025 stands at 296, a slight decline from 280 in the previous year. This drop indicates that the university is facing increasing competition which might influence its attractiveness to prospective students. One notable trend in the data is the admissions rates. The acceptance rate for male students has reached 89.27% in 2024, while the rate for female students is even higher at 91.53%. This reflects a relatively less competitive admissions environment compared to earlier years, such as in 2021 when the acceptance rates for male and female students were 94.48% and 96.14%, respectively. The substantial increase in enrollments, especially in 2021, also suggests that while ODU's ranking has decreased, its willingness to enroll a larger number of students may be a strategy to ensure diversity and maintain funding through tuition. Moreover, the number of denials has risen significantly in recent years, potentially indicative of a higher volume of applications combined with the university's efforts to selectively admit students who align with its academic goals. The deferment numbers, on the other hand, have also been on the rise, suggesting that students may be considering delaying their start, possibly due to uncertainty around higher education in the current socio-economic climate. In summary, while Old Dominion University is witnessing a decline in rankings, its relatively high acceptance rates might be perceived as a means to attract a broader range of students. Overcoming the challenges presented by its current ranking will require strategic initiatives to enhance both the academic reputation and overall experience that ODU offers.

Analyzing Trends in Admission Scores and Submissions at Old Dominion University

The data from Old Dominion University spanning from 2007 to 2024 reveals interesting trends in SAT submissions and performance among admitted students. The number of SAT submissions generally shows an upward trend over the years, peaking at 2,555 in 2012, before experiencing fluctuations in subsequent years. This could suggest an increasing interest in the university or improved recruitment strategies.

Regarding SAT reading and mathematics scores, the bottom quartile (25th percentile) and top quartile (75th percentile) ranges have only shown slight variations. For instance, the SAT reading lower limit started at 480 in 2007 but remains higher with 560 in 2023, indicating an overall improvement in the quality of applicants over time. Similarly, the upper limit for the SAT mathematics section sees a shift from a low of 570 in 2007 to as high as 660 in 2024.

In terms of percentages, the proportion of students submitting SAT scores has mostly hovered around 80-90%. This suggests that the majority of admitted students are consistently chosen based on solid standardized test performances. The highest submission percentage occurred in 2012 at an impressive 93%, while the lowest recorded was 74% in 2008.

This data highlights a positive trend of increasing academic standards among admitted students. In a time where standardized testing is often criticized, these stable or improving scores suggest that Old Dominion University continues to attract capable students, which is likely to bolster its reputation in the educational landscape. Overall, as the admission landscape evolves, maintaining high performance among applicants will be crucial for the university's continued success.

Composition and Gender Ratios of ODU Students in 2024

The student composition data for Old Dominion University in 2024 reveals a notable demographic landscape characterized by an overall substantial female presence across different student categories. Notably, undergraduate newcomers exhibit a female percentage of 53.7%, slightly overshadowing their male counterparts at 46.3%. This trend is consistent across other categories; returning undergraduate students and transfer students also have higher female ratios, with 54.4% and 54.8%, respectively.

Graduate students represent a slightly different trend, with a more pronounced gender imbalance, as women constitute a significant 61.9%. This suggests that ODU has been successful in attracting a diverse pool of female graduate students, which may align with broader national trends of increasing female enrollment in higher education.

When examining ethnic diversity among students, detailed figures showcase prominent representations of various backgrounds, indicating ODU's commitment to inclusivity and diversity. For instance, among the new undergraduate students, the largest demographic group appears to be White, comprising nearly one-third of the population. Future engagements and outreach efforts might be directed toward further enhancing representation of underrepresented groups in response to national conversations around equity in education.

Overall, these statistics reflect a growing trend of female dominance within the university, coupled with an emphasis on creating a multicultural and inclusive academic environment. As universities across the U.S. grapple with challenges relating to diversity, ODU seems to be making strides in fostering a balanced and diverse student body.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Old Dominion University

The age distribution data from Old Dominion University for the year 2024 reveals a diverse and dynamic student body. The majority of undergraduates fall within the 18-24 age range, with notable figures of 2,306 young men and 2,719 young women aged 18-19, and 2,103 young men and 2,525 young women in the 20-21 category. This trend aligns with the traditional college demographic, which typically draws students straight from high school.

Interestingly, as students progress to the 22-24 age bracket, there is an increase in both male and female graduate students. This suggests a growing acceptance of continuing education among slightly older populations, highlighting the trend of students returning for advanced degrees. Despite this, the numbers within the 25-29 age range indicate a balanced representation of undergraduate (882 men and 1,004 women) and graduate students (517 men and 712 women).

On the other end of the spectrum, cohorts above 30 years demonstrate a gradual decline in total enrollment numbers, significantly lower than their younger counterparts. This can be attributed to various factors such as work-life balance challenges and financial responsibilities that may deter older individuals from returning to full-time education.

Moreover, the presence of mature students aged 50 and above, although limited, reflects a growing trend towards lifelong learning, emphasizing the importance universities place on inclusivity and educational opportunities for all ages. This age composition analysis of Old Dominion showcases not only the traditional demographics of higher education but also the evolving perspectives on age and learning in contemporary academic institutions.

Commentary on International Student Trends at Old Dominion University

The data reveals significant trends in the enrollment of international students at Old Dominion University over the years. Notably, there has been a consistent decline in the percentage of international undergraduate students, dropping from 2.09% in 2005 to 1.23% in 2024. This decline may reflect broader challenges posed by increasing competition from other institutions globally and changing immigration policies that affect international student mobility.

Conversely, the graduate program has shown a relatively stable growth trend, with the percentage of international students increasing from 8.82% in 2005 to 11.22% in 2024. This contrasts the experience seen in undergraduate enrollment and could indicate that international students are increasingly seeking postgraduate studies, possibly due to the specialized nature of these programs that attract candidates with specific professional goals and aspirations.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also influenced these trends, with many institutions experiencing fluctuations in enrollment numbers and policies impacting international applicants. As universities worldwide adapt to new norms around remote learning and in-person attendance, it is vital for institutions like Old Dominion University to strategically market their programs while enhancing the support systems available for international students.

Overall, while the undergraduate international enrollment is in decline, the growth observed in the graduate programs suggests opportunities where Old Dominion University can focus its recruitment efforts to attract a diverse student body and maintain its status as an institution that welcomes global perspectives. With strategic initiatives, Old Dominion can reposition itself in the international education landscape and foster a vibrant community for all students.

Here are some notable universities surrounding Old Dominion University that you might find interesting:

• Hampton University: Ranked 273rd in the 2025 US News rankings, Hampton University is a comprehensive university with a diverse array of programs.

• William & Mary: This prestigious institution, ranked 54th, is known for its strong liberal arts education and historic significance as one of the oldest universities in the United States.

• Virginia Commonwealth University: With a rank of 136, VCU is noted for its health sciences and arts programs, making it a hub for innovation and creativity.

• University of Richmond: As a liberal arts college ranked 22nd, the University of Richmond emphasizes a well-rounded education with a focus on leadership and social responsibility.

• Duke University: A top-tier institution ranked 6th nationally, Duke is renowned for its research opportunities and commitment to academic excellence.

Feel free to explore these schools for more information on their offerings and campus life!

Analysis of Crime Trends at Old Dominion University

The crime statistics at Old Dominion University over the years reveal a noteworthy trend in campus safety. From 2013 to 2022, the average crime incidents per 1000 students showed a significant downward trajectory. In 2013, the rate was 11.84, peaking in 2014 at 9.86, but by 2022, it had declined to 4.59. This change suggests an improved environment for students over the years, particularly from 2020 onwards when the rate dropped sharply to 5.68, continuing downwards to 4.85 in 2021 and 4.59 in 2022.

Specific crimes such as gun-related arrests and drug-related offenses also depict a declining pattern, reflecting perhaps the university's commitment to addressing issues of safety and promoting better student conduct. Alcohol-related offenses, while still present, have also seen a decrease, indicating changing attitudes or successful intervention measures during freshman orientations and throughout the academic year.

The reduction in incidences such as domestic violence and sexual assault, although appearing sporadic, is promising. Furthermore, the proactive measures from both the student body and administration could be playing a role, including educational programs and increased security awareness.

However, the slight uptick in crime rates observed in 2023, rising to 5.66 per 1000 students, draws attention and highlights that further vigilance is necessary to maintain campus safety and ensure a conducive learning environment. Continuous monitoring and strategies that foster safe behavior among students are crucial in sustaining these positive trends. For those interested, more information on crime rates and calculations can be found here: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.