Location: Norfolk, VA•In-State Tuition: $12,262•Out-of-State Tuition: $32,662•Admission Rate: 91%•Avg SAT: 1190
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$53,219
Est. from national median (81 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$21,125
Est. from national median (58 programs)

Analysis

Comparable business economics programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $53,200 paired with typical debt near $21,100—numbers that place Old Dominion's estimated outcomes squarely in acceptable territory. The 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would theoretically dedicate less than five months of their first year's salary to paying off loans, well within workable range for a business degree that should grow in value over time.

What's worth noting is how this stacks up regionally. Virginia's median for business economics sits lower at $48,700, meaning Old Dominion's estimated figures suggest performance closer to national standards than state averages. Among Virginia schools with reported data, outcomes vary considerably—from VCU's $45,400 to Hampden-Sydney's $52,100—which underscores how much individual programs differ even within the same state and field.

The larger question is whether these peer-based estimates hold true for Old Dominion specifically. With a 91% admission rate and 37% of students receiving Pell grants, the university serves a different population than some comparison schools, which could shift outcomes either direction. If the actual numbers align with these estimates, you're looking at a manageable investment that positions graduates near the national middle—neither a standout opportunity nor a red flag, but a reasonable path forward.

Where Old Dominion University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business/managerial economics bachelors's programs nationally

Old Dominion University (estimated ±10%)Other business/managerial economics programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia

Business/Managerial Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (10 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Old Dominion UniversityNorfolk$12,262$53,219*—$21,125*—
Hampden-Sydney CollegeHampden-Sydney$52,388$52,087*$70,876$26,970*0.52
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond$16,458$45,370*$69,474$21,500*0.47
National Median—$53,219*—$22,250*0.42
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business/managerial economics graduates

Economists

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Management Analysts

Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.

$101,190/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Survey Researchers

Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.

$63,380/yrJobs growth:Master's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Old Dominion University, approximately 37% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 81 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.