Overview
Founded in 1890 by the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, the Dominican University of California is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the state. The private university is located at the base of San Pedro Mountain and is home to an Ansel Adams photography collection, enameled terracotta sculptures created by the Della Robbia family, and the Forest Meadows Amphitheater. Admissions are “selective.”
Acceptance Rate:
93%
Average Net Price:
$32,978
Campus Setting:
Small city
Average GPA
3.7
Average ACT Composite
22
Average SAT Composite
1127
Tuition, Cost & Aid
Affordability & Cost
Tuition
| In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $50,666 |
| Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $50,666 |
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
| $15,986 |
| Books and Supplies | $1152 |
Aid & Grants
0
100
72%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution. Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
27%
Average Aid Per Year
$17,194
27%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$3,297
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$14,876
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
54%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$4,151
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$26,824
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$258
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Private
- Not for Profit
- Coed
Need Blind
This school does not consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission
Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Small city
Admissions Requirements
SAT
No
ACT
No
Transcript
Yes
Test Optional
Yes
Important Deadlines
Rolling Admissions
The college has rolling admissions, which means applications are accepted any time throughout the year.
Admitted Student Stats
2%
Submitting ACT
4%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 22
Average SAT Composite: 1127
Admissions Resources
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Doctorate
Total Number of Students
1,877
Total Number of Undergrads
1,139
0
100
62%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
74%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
9:1
US National: 21:1Degrees and Majors
MAJORS
39
Faculty Overview
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Residency
Housing
0
100
42%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
No
Athletics
Divisional Sports Nickname
Penguins
School Colors
black, gold, and white
Varsity Athletics Association
NCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Not applicable
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
Yes
Campus emergency phones
No
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$63,600
REVIEWS
Read What Students Are SayingAt Dominican, class sizes are, at most, twenty students per teacher; however, if you plan to major in nursing (a competitive major), be sure to expect classes of at least fifty students. All the teachers I have encountered have been easy to get along with, understanding, kind, and helpful; they are the best teachers I have ever had because they cater to the student's needs instead of their own agendas. They are sure to stay after class, come early to class, and follow office hours if students need extra attention; some of my favorite teachers even offer one-on-one tutoring. They try to stay very involved in their student's education.
Amber from El Sobrante, CA
Dominican isn't the average large college that makes it easy to get lost in. It is very small and the class sizes are much like a high school classroom ranging from 20-30 students. The teachers here educate exceptionally well. They relate to their students and make it their number one priority to make sure the students understand the material at hand. There is also plenty of other educational resources if a student needs a little extra help. I have first hand experience because I needed help myself and with all the assistance Dominican provides, I passed my classes with flying colors and no sweat.
Nina from Richmond, CA
I was admitted into the nursing program here at Dominican University. The class are very difficult but the instructors here are very flexible. Their attention is focused on the students. If a student can not meet with the instructor during their office hours, the instructor will likely meet with the student at the students needs. The instructors offer lots of help that will help a student to become successful in the class. I just finished my first semester, thanks to the help of my instructors.
Angelina from American Canyon, CA
Dominican is a School where you can learn from being interactive in class and getting used to the material very easily. The teachers are always open to help you every step of the way and give one on one extra help that may be needed.
Tamara from Palmdale, CA
Dominican university provides a quality education by having small classes and very knowledgable professors who care about the success of each student. The student throughout campus go out of their way to make all new students feel welcome and at ease.
Ashlyn from Temecula, CA
Dominican has a very helpful and caring staff that go out of their way to help us get through college. I can tell they actually care about where we go after college and do a good job in preparing us for the real world. Not to mention the campus is beautiful and the atmosphere is very mature but fun at the same time.
Carrie from Sonoma, CA
Dominican staff is very helpful and nice and offer a lot of assistance to students. The low teacher to student ratio allows the students to maintain contact and support from teachers. This school offers a great environment to study with many calming areas to relax and focus on school.
Angelina
The campus is beautiful with open space and nature, providing a peaceful academic space. Staff, teachers and students are all very friendly and helpful. Dominican has a very accommodating schedule, it works for students, parents and working adults.
Jessica from Fairfield, CA
Dominican is a great school for those focused on academics.
Jordan from San Jose, CA
Dominican University of California was worth every penny, although I did receive substantial scholarships and grants from the institution. The campus is beautiful, and situated in a great neighborhood in San Rafael. The faculty is amazing.
Sunflower
