Ohio Dominican University
The Vibe Check
Ohio Dominican University feels like a close-knit, family-style community where everyone knows your name and professors are genuinely invested in your personal growth. The small campus size fosters a supportive and intimate academic environment, yet it's situated right in the heart of Columbus, blending a traditional campus feel with the energy of a bustling city. It’s a place that values character, service, and hands-on learning over big-time campus politics.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
SAT data not available
Average: 1150
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
ODU's academic strengths lie in its practical, career-focused programs, particularly in Business & Marketing, Education, and Parks & Recreation. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from dedicated faculty who prioritize teaching over research, creating an interactive and supportive learning environment. While research opportunities exist, the academic experience is more centered on applied learning, internships, and real-world problem-solving.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Columbus
Students have easy access to all that Columbus offers, from the vibrant Short North Arts District and the Arena District for concerts and sports to the expansive Metro Parks system for outdoor activities. The university is also a short drive or bus ride from Ohio State University's campus, providing access to a massive college town atmosphere, major sporting events, and a diverse food scene. On weekends, students often explore local coffee shops, farmers' markets, and the numerous festivals that take place throughout the city.
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Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($51,748):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
ODU is located in a quiet, residential neighborhood and maintains its own campus safety department with 24/7 patrols. While the campus itself is generally considered safe, students should remain aware of their surroundings as it's an urban setting, but the area is known for being a stable and family-oriented part of Columbus.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ High acceptance rate makes it an accessible option for many students.
- ✓ Small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio ensure personalized attention and mentorship.
- ✓ Prime location in Columbus provides extensive internship, job, and cultural opportunities.
- ✓ Significant financial aid brings the average net price to a very affordable level.
Cons
- ✗ The 49.2% graduation rate is significantly below the national average, which can be a concern.
- ✗ The 59.8% retention rate suggests that a notable portion of first-year students do not return for their sophomore year.
- ✗ The small campus size may feel limiting for students who prefer a large, bustling university environment.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Ohio Dominican University is known for its strong sense of community, personalized educational experience, and its Catholic, Dominican identity that emphasizes truth, justice, and compassion. Academically, it has notable strengths in Business & Marketing, Education, and Parks, Recreation, and Fitness, with a focus on practical, career-oriented learning. Its urban setting in Columbus also provides students with unique access to a major city while maintaining a small, intimate campus feel.
No, Ohio Dominican University is not considered a highly selective school. With an acceptance rate of 85.25%, it is considered an accessible university for a wide range of applicants. While meeting the average SAT score of around 1150 can strengthen an application, the university uses a holistic review process, and a large portion of applicants are admitted.
Campus life at ODU is intimate and community-focused due to its small enrollment of under 1,000 students. Students often describe it as a family-like atmosphere where it's easy to get involved in clubs, athletics, and campus events. Because of its urban location, students can easily leave campus to enjoy the diverse offerings of Columbus, but the campus itself provides a tight-knit residential experience.
The value of an ODU degree depends heavily on the individual student's success. While the sticker price is over $34,000, the average net price of $19,476 makes it more affordable. For students who graduate, the median 10-year earnings of $51,748 suggest a reasonable return on investment. However, the relatively low graduation and retention rates mean that students must be proactive and utilize academic support to ensure they graduate on time and make the cost worthwhile.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 953
- In-State Tuition $34,370
- Zip Code 43219
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a sticker price of over $34,000, the net price for students after financial aid and scholarships is significantly lower at a more manageable average of $19,476. The 10-year median earnings of $51,748 for graduates provide a solid return on investment, especially for those who graduate, as the debt-to-income ratio is reasonable. However, the university's 49.2% graduation rate is a critical factor; students who take full advantage of financial aid and academic support to ensure on-time graduation will find the degree to be a worthwhile investment.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.