Accounting at Old Dominion University

Old Dominion's accounting program sits just below the middle of the pack both nationally and within Virginia, though it manages student debt notably better than most competitors. Starting at $52,226 and reaching $58,920 after four years, graduates earn slightly less than Virginia's median of $53,318 for accounting programs—placing them in the 40th percentile statewide. That's a meaningful gap when you consider top Virginia public options like Virginia Tech ($70,303) and George Mason ($67,291) deliver 20-30% higher early-career earnings.

The program's strongest feature is its manageable debt load. At $27,692, it's below both state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 that most graduates can handle comfortably. Combined with the university's 91% admission rate and substantial Pell grant population (37%), this suggests accessibility is central to ODU's mission. The 13% earnings growth over four years is respectable, indicating graduates gain traction in their careers even if they start behind peers at more selective programs.

For families prioritizing affordability and realistic admission prospects, this program delivers functional accounting credentials without crushing debt. But if your child can gain admission to Virginia's more competitive accounting programs, the $10,000-15,000 annual earnings difference compounds significantly over a career—enough to justify exploring those options first.