Ohio Dominican University

ODU offers 30 undergraduate majors and 10 graduate programs, with popular choices like Psychology (5% of degrees) and Communications (4%). The 4+1 Program stands out, allowing students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s in just five years—a cost-saving draw for career-focused undergrads. While the curriculum leans practical (think Business and Education), the small size (1,500 undergrads) means low student-faculty ratios and hands-on learning. Notably, 99% of full-time undergrads receive financial aid, easing sticker shock for a school where tuition runs high.

With 56% of students living on campus, ODU fosters a residential vibe—Instagram posts show dorm decorating contests and tight-knit move-in days. The Center for Student Involvement orchestrates cultural events, intramurals, and 30+ clubs, from theater to service groups. Columbus’s urban perks (15 minutes downtown) balance the sleepy campus energy. One quirk: ODU’s Catholic identity surfaces in service projects and optional Mass, but the vibe is more ‘friendly Midwest’ than doctrinaire.

ODU’s 48% graduation rate (33% in 4 years) trails national averages, hinting at academic fit or support gaps. Early-career earnings are modest ($36,427 median at 1 year, $43,933 at 6 years), likely reflecting the mix of liberal arts and vocational majors. While the university touts career prep, outcomes data suggests graduates may face headwinds in competitive job markets—though the low debt burden (thanks to aid) softens the blow.

At $51,692 total cost, ODU’s sticker price stings—but 76.77% of students receive aid, slashing the average net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. to $21,006. Merit scholarships range $56,000–$84,000 over 4 years, with Honors awards covering up to full tuition. The aggressive discounting (99% aid rate) reveals ODU’s enrollment strategy: attract middle-income students priced out of pricier privates. Pro tip: Use their Net Price Calculator—the gap between listed and actual cost is vast.

ODU’s 4+1 accelerated degrees and near-universal aid make it a pragmatic pick for cost-conscious students seeking a small-campus experience in Columbus. The 94% acceptance rate and test-flexible policy lower barriers, but the subpar graduation rate signals this isn’t a hand-holding institution—success requires self-direction. For those who thrive, the combo of Catholic identity, career-aligned majors, and urban access offers a distinctive, if unpolished, alternative to Ohio’s giant state schools.