At $50,218/yr net price, Dominican University of California graduates earn $84,713/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $50,713/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $50,218 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $200,872 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $84,713/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$50,713/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 76.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $45,630/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $46,430/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $46,242/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $49,460/yr |
| $110,001+ | $54,480/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $88,637 | $27,000 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $73,949 | $89,832 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $46,087 | $25,000 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $42,682 | $61,500 |
The Risk Factor
76.3% of students at Dominican University of California graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 24% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Dominican University of California delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The $50,218 annual net price creates a steep climb to positive ROI, but nursing graduates clear this hurdle successfully.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $88,637 while carrying reasonable debt loads of $27,000. This program justifies the university's high costs and positions graduates well in the Bay Area's competitive healthcare market. Business graduates face a tougher path, earning just $46,087 against $25,000 in debt, making the investment harder to justify given the school's premium pricing.
Psychology and rehabilitation therapy programs present serious financial concerns. Psychology graduates earn $42,682 while carrying $61,500 in debt, creating a dangerous debt-to-income ratio. Rehabilitation therapy shows an even worse picture with $89,832 in debt against $73,949 in earnings.
The university's location in expensive San Rafael compounds these challenges. While proximity to San Francisco creates job opportunities, it also means higher living costs that eat into already modest starting salaries for non-nursing graduates.
You should consider Dominican if you're committed to nursing and can handle the high upfront costs. The 76% graduation rate and 88% retention rate suggest decent academic support, but these numbers won't save you from poor program economics. Business and psychology majors should look elsewhere unless you have substantial family financial support. The university works best for students who don't need extensive financial aid, given that only 30% receive assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dominican University of California worth the high tuition cost?
With a net price of $50,218 annually and 10-year earnings of $84,713, Dominican University of California offers modest returns compared to its cost. The nursing programs justify the expense with $88,637 average earnings, but other majors like psychology at $42,682 may struggle to cover the debt load.
What are the best paying majors at Dominican University of California?
Nursing programs at Dominican University of California lead earnings at $88,637 annually, followed by rehabilitation and therapeutic professions at $73,949. Business graduates earn $46,087 while psychology majors average just $42,682, making program choice critical for ROI.
How much student debt do Dominican University of California graduates have?
Dominican University of California graduates carry a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable for nursing majors but creates payment challenges for lower-earning programs. With 76% of students graduating, most complete their degrees but face varying debt-to-income ratios depending on their field.
Should I attend Dominican University of California for business or psychology?
Business majors at Dominican University of California earn $46,087 annually while psychology graduates make $42,682, both well below the school's high costs. Consider these programs only if you receive significant financial aid or plan to pursue graduate school in higher-paying specializations.