About Ohio Dominican University
Ohio Dominican University is a small Catholic school in Columbus that focuses on personal attention and career preparation. With just 785 students, this campus sits in Ohio's capital city where students get real-world experience through internships and connections. The school has built a reputation for producing graduates ready for immediate employment, with a 94.9% job placement rate that outperforms many larger universities.
The financial picture makes sense for many students. While tuition lists at $34,370, the average student actually pays $19,476 after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $14,348 per year. Graduates earn a median of $51,748 ten years after college, which helps explain why students leave with a manageable $26,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $276. The school awards institutional grants averaging $23,646 to about 23% of students.
Student life centers around close relationships, with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring professors know your name. The student body is 90% from Ohio and diverse, with 28% Black students and 53% White students. Athletics play a big role here too, with 377 students competing in Division II sports and the school investing $1.85 million in athletic scholarships. The 60% retention rate suggests some students transfer, but those who stay often find their niche.
The financial picture makes sense for many students. While tuition lists at $34,370, the average student actually pays $19,476 after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $14,348 per year. Graduates earn a median of $51,748 ten years after college, which helps explain why students leave with a manageable $26,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $276. The school awards institutional grants averaging $23,646 to about 23% of students.
Student life centers around close relationships, with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring professors know your name. The student body is 90% from Ohio and diverse, with 28% Black students and 53% White students. Athletics play a big role here too, with 377 students competing in Division II sports and the school investing $1.85 million in athletic scholarships. The 60% retention rate suggests some students transfer, but those who stay often find their niche.
Academics & Faculty
Ohio Dominican University offers small class sizes with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio that means professors know your name and track your progress. The Catholic university focuses on liberal arts education with particularly strong programs in nursing, business, and education that prepare students for immediate career entry. However, the 47.90% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their degrees, which is common at smaller private colleges where students may transfer or face financial challenges. The school attracts students who want personal attention from faculty and a faith-based learning environment, but you'll need strong self-motivation to stay on track since about half of students don't graduate within six years.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 93.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 49.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 47.9%
- Retention Rate
- 59.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,748
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $104,510 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $71,015 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $62,260 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $57,860 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $49,840 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $49,436 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $45,696 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $44,649 |
| Security Science and Technology. | Bachelor | $38,829 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
Campus Life
Ohio Dominican sits in Columbus, Ohio's north side, about 15 minutes from downtown in a neighborhood that feels more suburban than urban. With housing for 536 students and total enrollment of 785, about 68% of students live on campus, creating a tight-knit community where you'll recognize faces walking between classes. Columbus winters mean you'll definitely need a heavy coat from December through March, with snow and temperatures often dropping below freezing.
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and with 377 athletes among just 785 total students, nearly half the campus plays varsity sports for the Panthers. Weekends often revolve around NCAA Division II games, especially during basketball and soccer seasons. Students frequently head into Columbus for concerts, restaurants, and internship opportunities since 89.76% of students come from Ohio and many have cars. The Catholic campus hosts service trips and retreats, though students of all backgrounds attend. With small dorms and a compact campus, you'll likely know most of your classmates by graduation.
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and with 377 athletes among just 785 total students, nearly half the campus plays varsity sports for the Panthers. Weekends often revolve around NCAA Division II games, especially during basketball and soccer seasons. Students frequently head into Columbus for concerts, restaurants, and internship opportunities since 89.76% of students come from Ohio and many have cars. The Catholic campus hosts service trips and retreats, though students of all backgrounds attend. With small dorms and a compact campus, you'll likely know most of your classmates by graduation.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 536 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1911
Campus Safety (2023)
9 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 22°–36°F
- July Avg
- 65°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 39.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- -751.0"
Student Demographics
Ohio Dominican draws students who want a Catholic education close to home, with 90% coming from Ohio. The student body is more diverse than many small Catholic schools, with 28% Black students and 53% White students creating a community that reflects Columbus's demographics. About 39% receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families who value the personal attention of small classes. The nearly even gender split reflects ODU's broad program offerings, from business to education to health sciences, rather than specializing in fields that typically attract one gender more than another.
- Men
- 48.5%
- Women
- 51.5%
- White
- 53.0%
- Black
- 27.5%
- Hispanic
- 6.1%
- Asian
- 1.7%
- In-State Students
- 89.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 39.0%
Location
Ohio Dominican University sits in Columbus, Ohio's capital city with over 900,000 residents. The campus benefits from being in a major metropolitan area that hosts Ohio State University, creating a college-friendly environment with internship and job opportunities across healthcare, government, and business sectors. Columbus offers professional sports teams, museums, and a growing food scene that attracts young professionals. The city's central location puts Cleveland about 100 miles northeast and Cincinnati 100 miles southwest. With 89.76% of students coming from in-state, most are already familiar with Ohio's mix of urban centers and smaller communities. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare Ohio Dominican University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Columbus, Ohio 43219
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,748
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $58,106
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 48.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $276/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Ohio Dominican University?
Ohio Dominican University accepts 52.42% of applicants. The Catholic institution seeks students who align with its Dominican values of study, prayer, service, and community.
How much does Ohio Dominican University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $19,476 annually after aid. The university keeps costs accessible for working families, with students from households earning under $30,000 paying just $14,348 per year.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Ohio Dominican University?
Classes maintain a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 785 total students. The small size allows professors to know students personally and provide individualized attention in this Dominican tradition of personalized education.
Does Ohio Dominican University have good job outcomes for graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $51,748 ten years after graduation with a 94.9% employment rate. The university's career services and Columbus location provide strong connections to central Ohio's growing job market.
Where do students live at Ohio Dominican University?
Campus housing accommodates 536 students in residence halls that foster the Dominican community spirit. Nearly 90% of students come from Ohio, creating a close-knit atmosphere where local and residential students build lasting friendships.
How competitive are Ohio Dominican University's athletic programs?
The Panthers compete in NCAA Division II with 377 student-athletes across 12 varsity sports. The university awards $1,851,552 in athletic scholarships, demonstrating its commitment to both academic and athletic excellence in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference.
