Old Dominion (Strome) vs William & Mary Mason
Which MBA program is right for you?
Old Dominion (Strome)
William & Mary Mason
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | Old Dominion (Strome) | William & Mary Mason |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #138 | #62 |
| Acceptance Rate | 85% | 55% |
| Avg. GMAT | 540 | 620 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.2 | 3.3 |
| Class Size | 30 | 110 |
| Avg. Salary | $76,000 | $98,000 |
| Employment Rate | 78% | 90% |
| Annual Tuition | $13,000 | $39,394 |
The Verdict
Choose Old Dominion (Strome) if…
you want defense and military career connections with the world's largest naval base in your backyard.
Full Old Dominion (Strome) Profile →Choose William & Mary Mason if…
you want a much higher-ranked program (#59 vs #139) with the William & Mary brand and Colonial Williamsburg location.
Full William & Mary Mason Profile →Why People Compare These Two
Both are Virginia public MBA programs, 50 miles apart. William & Mary Mason (#59) in Williamsburg carries the prestige of one of America's oldest universities. Old Dominion Strome (#139) in Norfolk sits in the defense capital of the US. The ranking gap is massive (80 positions). The career focus is completely different.
The Honest Take
Mason is the dramatically better MBA by ranking, salary, and brand. Old Dominion wins only for defense-specific careers where Norfolk's military ecosystem creates irreplaceable employer access. If defense contracting or military transition is your path, ODU's location matters more than Mason's ranking. For any other career goal, Mason is worth the drive to Williamsburg.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is higher ranked?
William & Mary Mason (#59) outranks Old Dominion Strome (#139) by 80 positions.
Which is better for defense careers?
Old Dominion Strome. Norfolk is home to the world's largest naval base and major defense contractors (Huntington Ingalls, BAE Systems). No Virginia MBA is more embedded in the defense sector.
Which has better overall career outcomes?
William & Mary Mason, by a wide margin. Its higher ranking and broader alumni network produce better salary outcomes and more diverse placement.