Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Norfolk, Virginia

5115 Hampton Blvd
Estd 1930

Updated on - Dec 5, 2025

Overview Content

Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a private university renowned for its global research center. It is one of the best colleges in the United States for merit aids (#11 by Money) and has hosted world leaders and dignitaries like several former U.S Presidents, Stephen Hawking, and His Holiness Dalai Lama among others, as speakers on the campus in various events and programs. SMU has a diverse student community of over 12,000 students coming from all over the U.S and 90 foreign nations.

When was Southern Methodist University Established?

SMU was established in 1911 by The United Methodist Church in partnership with the civic leaders of Dallas. 

Where is Southern Methodist University?

Southern Methodist University is a nationally ranked private university located in Dallas, Texas. The main campus of SMU is located in University Park, Texas. It has other satellite campuses in Plano, Texas, and Taos, New Mexico. The Dallas campus is home to more than130 academic buildings such as the Meadows Museum and the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

Southern Methodist University Accreditation

SMU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and also has received various program-specific accreditations from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, American Bar Association, and 
National Association of Schools of Music. 

Education at Southern Methodist University

SMU offers 100+ undergraduate and 120+ graduate and professional degrees to nearly 12,000 students from over 50 states and 90 countries around the world. The courses are offered in the field of law, arts, engineering, management, psychology, journalism, etc.

Southern Methodist University Highlights

SMU is one of the top universities in the US known for its undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in humanities, sciences, arts, engineering, and business among other fields. It is located in Dallas-Fort Worth which is a major business hub in the country and houses the headquarters of 22 Fortune 500 companies and 42 Fortune 1000 companies. Some other highlights of SMU are shown below:

University Type

Private

Undergraduate Students

6,479

Graduate Students

5,170

International Students

14%

Faculty

1,231

Acceptance Rate

51%

Why Choose Southern Methodist University?

SMU is one of the top research universities in the US and is recognized for increasing national prominence and impact. It offers several undergraduate and graduate courses through its 7 schools in different disciplines. SMU provides small classes and research opportunities that ensure a unique learning experience on campus. Some of the reasons why students should choose SMU over any other university in the US are given below:

  • SMU has excellent faculty with 83.7% of full-time faculty members having a doctorate or the highest degree in their fields
  • It provides scholarships and other financial aid to 3 out of 4 SMU students
  • It also provides an annual economic impact of more than $7 billion to the region
  • Students enrolled in SMU experience leadership opportunities through nearly 200 campus organizations
  • It has a student-faculty ratio of 11:1 that ensures easy faculty access
  • SMU provides over 148 study abroad programs in 50 countries
  • It has a diverse economic, ethnic and religious student community

Student and Staff Enrollment at Southern Methodist University

SMU has a diverse student community with over 12,000 students from all over the U.S and 83 other nations around the world. The majority of international student enrollment is from China, India, and Mexico. Find the detailed student and faculty enrollment data at SMU below:

Total Student Enrollment

11,649

Undergraduate Students

6,479

Graduate Students

5,170

Freshman Undergraduates

1,674

Percentage of International Students

14%

International Students

1,596

Staff and Faculty

1,577

Full-time Faculty

763

Student: Faculty Ratio

11:1

Southern Methodist University Schools/ Colleges

SMU offers several courses and programs under various disciplines such as arts, education, engineering, etc. The courses are offered through the various schools and colleges that are an integral part of SMU. Given below are the schools/ colleges under SMU:

  1. Cox School of Business
  2. Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences
  3. Dedman School of Law
  4. Lyle School of Engineering
  5. Meadows School of the Arts
  6. Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies
  7. Perkins School of Theology
  8. Simmons School of Education and Human Development

Faculties/ Departments at Southern Methodist University

SMU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its different schools and colleges. Each of the schools and colleges has academic units that assist in providing quality education to the students. The academic departments of SMU are given below:

  1. Humanities and Sciences
  2. Education and Human Development
  3. Engineering
  4. Arts

Financial Aid and Scholarships at SMU

SMU provides scholarships and fellowships to international students. The scholarships are based on academic scores and merit. Some of the scholarships offered are International Student Scholarship, International Fellowship, President’s Scholarship, etc. Listed below are the funding options for international students at Southern Methodist University:

  • President’s Scholarship: Covers full tuition fee
  • Nancy Ann and Ray L. Hunt Leadership Scholars Program: Offers $42,000 per year or a total of $168,000 over 4 years
  • International Baccalaureate Scholars
  • Academic achievement scholarships
  • National Merit Scholarships
  • Academic school and departmental scholarships

Student Space and Services at Southern Methodist University

SMU offers a range of student services backed by friendly, knowledgeable, and supportive staff. Various services such as accommodation, financial support, etc are provided to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to succeed in their educational goals. Given below are some of the amenities provided by SMU:

  1. Housing Facilities
  2. International Student & Scholar Services 
  3. Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center (ALEC)
  4. Disability Accommodations and Success Strategies (DASS)
  5. Financial Aid
  6. Tutoring
  7. Academic Counseling 
  8. Student-Athlete Academic Services (SAAS)
  9. SMU Bookstore
  10. Dining Services
  11. Health Center
  12. Libraries
  13. Recreation and Athletics

University Stats

Student Population at Old Dominion University

The total student enrollment at Old Dominion University is 24,176 students including 769 students from 89 countries around the world. ODU has 19,372 undergraduate students and 4,804 graduate students.

Old Dominion University Rankings

ODU is ranked among the best universities for its ethnic diversity and social mobility. It has been named as one of the top universities in the US by U.S. News & World Report 2020. Given below are the rankings conferred to ODU by several ranking agencies at both national and international level:

  • Ranked as Best National University by U.S News & World Report
  • Ranked among the top colleges in America by Forbes
  • Ranked Top 15 University in the Nation for African American Student Success by Education Trust
  • Ranked #1 in Virginia for "Best for Vets" by Military Times
  • Ranked among the Top Online Colleges in Virginia by Onlinecolleges.com
  • ODU has been awarded the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement as being one of the nation\'s leaders in engagement and outreach in 2020
  • Ranked #147 in Top Performers on Social Mobility

Read More: Old Dominion University Rankings

Student-Faculty Ratio

17:1

Male-Female Ratio

44:56

International Students

769

Total Enrolment

24375


Admission Details

How can I get into Old Dominion University?

Old Dominion University offers online courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels in addition to on-campus courses. SAT and ACT scores are mandatory for admission. ODU accepts international admission in the Spring and Fall semesters. The other Old Dominion University admission requirements for international students are listed below:

  • Academic transcripts of high school/ college
  • Diploma/ Leaving certificate
  • English Language Proficiency Scores such as TOEFL, IELTS, etc
  • SAT and ACT scores
  • GMAT/ GRE is required
  • Copy of passport
  • Financial Documentation
  • Personal essay/ Statement of purpose
  • Letters of recommendation
  • CV/ Resume if applicable

Acceptance Rate

Minimum Score
TOEFL Requirements

78


Minimum Score
IELTS Requirements

6.5


Application Website


Accepts Direct Application

Yes


Accepts Common Application

Yes


Total Applications

11159



Average Tuition Fees

International students applying for admission to Old Dominion University are required to pay the International Student Fee of $35 per semester. The tuition fee is charged based on a per credit hour rate. The undergraduate tuition fee for out-of-state applicants is $1,032.00 (per credit hour) and the graduate tuition fee for out-of-state applicants is $1,387.00 (per credit hour). The average annual Old Dominion University tuition fees for both undergraduate and graduate students are given below:

Degree Type Tuition Fees
Undergraduate -
Post Graduate -

Application Details

Old Dominion University accepts international undergraduate applications through the Common Application/ ODU Application Portal. Graduate applications should be submitted through the ODU Application Portal. A non-refundable application fee of $50 is applicable for both undergraduate and graduate applicants. The Old Dominion University application deadline for both undergraduate and graduate applications are as follows:

  • Fall Semester: April 15
  • Spring Semester: October 1
  • Summer Semester: February 1

Other Fees

What is the Annual Average Cost to attend Old Dominion University?

The other fees for international students in addition to tuition fees at ODU are living expenses. The cost of living depends on the standard of living of the student. Given below are the estimated living expenses for international students at both graduate and undergraduate levels at ODU:

Undergraduate Students

  • Tuition & Fees: $31,700 
  • Housing Costs: $6,500
  • Personal/ Books: $4,700
  • Health Insurance: $2,200
  • Food Costs: $5,026

Graduate Students

  • Tuition & Fees: $25,600
  • Housing Costs: $6,500
  • Personal/ Books: $4,700
  • Health Insurance: $2,200
  • Food Costs: $5,026
Average Annual Tuition Fees
23400
Application Fees
50
Average Accommodation
11268

Courses Fees

Old Dominion University offers over 150 courses and programs under various disciplines such as engineering, nursing, management, health, etc. Several bachelor’s, master\'s, and doctoral degrees are provided to students from all over the world. The course fee details of some of the popular Old Dominion University courses are given below:

Master Courses:

Bachelor Courses:

Master of Science [M.Sc.]

Course Fees: $23,400 - $41,490


Master of Arts [M.A]

Course Fees: $23,400


Master of Engineering

Course Fees: $23,400


Bachelor of Science [B.Sc]

Course Fees: $28,950


Bachelor of Arts[B.A.]

Course Fees: $28,950


View All Courses


Contact Information

Norfolk, Virginia

Location

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