JMU vs Old Dominion (Strome)
Which MBA program is right for you?
JMU
Old Dominion (Strome)
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | JMU | Old Dominion (Strome) |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #110 | #138 |
| Acceptance Rate | 65% | 85% |
| Avg. GMAT | 568 | 540 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.4 | 3.2 |
| Class Size | 72 | 30 |
| Avg. Salary | $92,000 | $76,000 |
| Employment Rate | 87% | 78% |
| Annual Tuition | $11,500 | $13,000 |
The Verdict
Choose JMU if…
you want the strongest ROI in Virginia with information security expertise and $92K average salaries.
Full JMU Profile →Choose Old Dominion (Strome) if…
you want a military-focused MBA in Hampton Roads with defense and maritime logistics connections.
Full Old Dominion (Strome) Profile →Why People Compare These Two
Both are Virginia public university MBAs serving the state's government and defense economy. JMU (#110) in Harrisonburg produces $92K salaries at $11.5K tuition. Old Dominion (#138) in Norfolk serves the Hampton Roads military community. Both connect to Virginia's defense ecosystem but from different angles.
The Honest Take
JMU wins on salary ($92K vs $76K), employment rate (87% vs 78%), and tuition ($11.5K vs $13K). Old Dominion wins for military-connected professionals in Hampton Roads and maritime logistics careers. For most Virginia candidates, JMU is the stronger choice. ODU appeals if you're in Hampton Roads and need the military-specific pipeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is a better value?
JMU produces higher salaries at lower tuition. For Virginia residents targeting government and defense careers, JMU is the value winner.
Which is better for military careers?
Old Dominion Strome is specifically designed for military professionals, with flexible scheduling that accommodates deployment. JMU serves military-connected students but is less specialized.
Which has stronger information security?
JMU has a dedicated information security and intelligence concentration that's stronger than anything ODU offers in the MBA program.