About Dominican University of California
Students pay an average net price of $50,218 after financial aid, which represents a significant investment for most families. However, graduates earn a median of $84,713 ten years after graduation, suggesting the degree pays off in the long run. Students typically graduate with $27,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $286. Only 30% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the student body skews toward higher-income families.
The campus community is diverse, with Hispanic students making up 31% and Asian students 30% of enrollment. Women outnumber men at 72% of the student body. Nearly 89% of first-year students return for sophomore year, and the Penguins compete in 13 NCAA Division II sports in the Pacific West Conference.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 8:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 32.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 77.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 76.3%
- Retention Rate
- 88.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $84,713
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $88,637 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $73,949 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $46,087 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $42,682 |
Campus Life
The mild Bay Area climate means hoodies and light jackets year-round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 40 degrees or climbing above 80. Women make up 72% of the student body, creating a female-majority environment. The Penguins compete in 13 NCAA Division II sports with 294 total athletes, giving the small campus an active athletic presence. Weekend trips to San Francisco are common, whether for internships, cultural events, or simply exploring the city. On campus, students gather for small-scale events that reflect the university's Catholic liberal arts mission. The intimate size means campus traditions involve nearly everyone, from residence hall activities to service projects that connect students with the broader Marin County community.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 535 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
5 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 42°–56°F
- July Avg
- 54°–80°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 34.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 27.8%
- Women
- 72.2%
- White
- 21.7%
- Black
- 6.3%
- Hispanic
- 31.0%
- Asian
- 30.2%
- In-State Students
- 78.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 29.6%
Location
- Address
- San Rafael, California 94901-2298
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $84,713
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $92,526
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $54,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 71.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Dominican University of California?
Dominican accepts 93.18% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The average SAT score is 1162, with the middle 50% scoring between 1088 and 1236. This Catholic liberal arts university emphasizes well-rounded admissions over test scores alone.
How much does Dominican University of California cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $50,218 annually, with total attendance costs reaching $67,804 including room and board. Only 29.58% of students receive financial aid, and graduates typically carry $27,000 in debt. The high costs reflect its private Catholic education model and small class sizes.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Dominican University of California?
Dominican maintains an 8:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,178 total students enrolled. This intimate setting allows for personalized attention in strong programs like nursing, business, and occupational therapy. The small size creates a close-knit community atmosphere typical of Catholic liberal arts colleges.
What are the graduation and career outcomes at Dominican University of California?
Dominican achieves a 76.30% six-year graduation rate and 98.7% employment rate for graduates. Alumni earn a median salary of $84,713 ten years after graduation, reflecting the value of its professional programs. The strong outcomes justify the investment despite higher tuition costs.
Where is Dominican University of California located and what is campus life like?
Dominican sits in San Rafael, California, a small city in Marin County north of San Francisco. The campus houses 535 students out of 1,178 total enrollment, creating both residential and commuter student populations. As the Penguins, they compete in 13 NCAA Division II sports with 294 total athletes.
What is the student demographics breakdown at Dominican University of California?
Women comprise 72.16% of the student body, reflecting Dominican's historical roots and strong nursing program. The diverse campus is 30.98% Hispanic, 30.22% Asian, and 21.65% White students. About 78.28% of students come from California, maintaining strong local ties to the Bay Area.
