At $15,113/yr net price, Dominican University graduates earn $60,327/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $26,327/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,113 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $60,452 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $60,327/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$26,327/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 62.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,411 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,934/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,149/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,342/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,088/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,367/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $84,653 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $67,995 | $27,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $23,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $55,840 | $35,603 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $55,512 | $25,000 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $54,644 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $51,106 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $49,918 | |
| Social Work. | Master | $43,054 | $41,167 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $42,682 |
The Risk Factor
62.4% of students at Dominican University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Dominican University delivers solid financial returns for a private college, with graduates earning $60,327 ten years after graduation while carrying manageable debt loads of $24,411. The low net price of $15,113 makes this one of the more affordable private options in the Chicago area.
Educational Administration stands out as the clear financial winner, producing graduates who earn $84,653 annually. Computer Science and Nursing both offer strong earning potential above $63,000 with reasonable debt burdens under $27,000. Business Administration underperforms relative to debt, leaving graduates with $35,603 in loans but only $55,840 in median earnings.
The 62% graduation rate creates real financial risk. Nearly four in ten students leave without a degree but potentially with debt. The 79% retention rate suggests many students transfer rather than drop out entirely, but this still represents significant financial uncertainty.
You should consider Dominican if you plan to study education, computer science, or nursing and want to stay in the Chicago metro area where these programs have strong industry connections. The school works well for students who qualify for financial aid, given that nearly half of students receive assistance and the resulting net price stays affordable.
Avoid Dominican for business programs unless you have specific career connections, as the debt-to-earnings ratio favors other majors. Students planning to transfer should be cautious about accumulating debt before completing their degree elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dominican University worth the cost compared to other colleges?
Dominican University offers a relatively affordable net price at $15,113 annually, with graduates earning $60,327 after 10 years. The school provides decent value for students who complete their degree, though the 62% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What are the best paying majors at Dominican University?
Educational Administration graduates from Dominican University earn the highest salaries at $84,653, followed by Computer Science at $67,995. Business and accounting majors earn around $55,000-$56,000, which is modest but reasonable given the school's affordable tuition.
How much debt do Dominican University students graduate with?
Dominican University graduates carry a median debt of $24,411, which is manageable compared to the national average. With starting salaries around $60,000 for graduates, most students should be able to handle their loan payments.
Does Dominican University have good job placement after graduation?
Dominican University graduates earn $60,327 ten years after enrollment, which is reasonable for a mid-tier private school. However, nearly 40% of students don't graduate, so success depends heavily on completing your degree.