California's Dominican University: Student Population And You

The Dominican University of California is a private institution located in San Rafael, California. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,500 students (as of fall 2023) and offers over 60 academic majors, minors, and concentrations. The university is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and is organized into three schools: the School of Liberal Arts and Education, the Barowsky School of Business, and the School of Health and Natural Sciences. The student body is diverse, with about 68% identifying as ethnically diverse, and the university offers a range of programs and activities to support all students.

Student body size: 1,000+ students

The Dominican University of California is a private institution located in San Rafael, California. It was founded in 1890 as Dominican College by the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael and is one of the oldest universities in the state. The university has a student body of over 1,000 students with a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,500 as of Fall 2023.

Dominican University offers a range of academic programs with over 60 majors, minors, and concentrations, including 11 graduate programs. The average class size is 16, and the university operates on a semester-based academic calendar.

The campus spans 80 acres in central Marin County and has a tranquil, park-like setting. The university is known for its diverse and inclusive community, with about 68% of students identifying as ethnically diverse, and a significant portion being first-generation college students.

Dominican University's student body is made up of both full-time and part-time students. In 2022, the university had a total enrollment of 1,877 students, with 1,654 full-time and 223 part-time students. The university also has a high retention rate, with 85% of full-time undergraduates returning for their second year.

The university provides a range of housing options for its students, with almost 90% of freshmen living on campus. The residence halls are co-ed and feature gender-specific bathrooms, with a resident advisor overseeing the students in each hall.

With a focus on interdisciplinary studies, Dominican University encourages undergraduate research and involvement in academic projects. The university also emphasizes community engagement, with students participating in over 8,000 hours of community service through service-learning courses annually. Additionally, the university offers a variety of extracurricular activities, with over 40 student clubs and organizations on campus.

Student demographics: 68% students of colour

The student body at the Dominican University of California is diverse, with about 68% of students identifying as people of colour. The university is a Minority Serving Institution, and its student population is 26.6% White, 25% Asian, 21.6% Hispanic or Latino, 4.95% Two or More Races, 4.05% Black or African American, 0.32% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders, and 0.32% American Indian or Alaska Native.

In 2022, the university had a total of 1,877 students enrolled, with 1,654 full-time students and 223 part-time students. Of the enrolled students, 499 (or 26.6%) identified as White students. The largest ethnic group within this demographic is Asian, with 470 Asian students enrolled, making up 25% of the student population. The second-largest group is Hispanic or Latino, with 406 students, accounting for 21.6% of the student body.

The university also has a significant number of multiracial students, with 92 students (4.95%), and smaller numbers of Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and American Indian or Alaska Native students, with 470 (4.05%), 6 (0.32%), and 6 (0.32%) students, respectively. It is worth noting that 47 students (2.5%) did not report their race.

The student population at the Dominican University of California reflects a diverse range of ethnicities and backgrounds, with a majority of students identifying as people of colour.

Student accommodation: 90% of freshmen live on campus

The Dominican University of California is located in the San Francisco Bay Area, 12 miles from San Francisco. The student population is over 1,000, with a large proportion of students enrolled in the School of Health and Natural Sciences. The university offers over 60 majors, and students are required to complete a signature work in the form of research or a creative or scholarly project.

The university's campus is described as tranquil and park-like, cultivating an intimate community. However, students also have easy access to San Francisco and its big city amenities, which are just a half-hour away. The university itself is situated in San Rafael, a small city with parks, shopping, restaurants, museums, and historic sites. The town also offers a farmer's market and a civic centre designed by the architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Student accommodation is an integral part of the university experience at Dominican, with over 500 students living on campus. The university offers various residence halls with different occupancy options, including triple, double, and single rooms. One notable residence hall is Pennafort Hall, a mid-century traditional residence for first-year students, featuring triple-occupancy spaces, adjoining rooms, and a shared bathroom. Another option is Fanjeaux Hall, an ivy-covered residence located across from the library, housing students from all class levels. Edgehill Village, a suite-style residence, is also mentioned as housing nearly half of the resident population.

The university provides a range of amenities to make the living experience comfortable and convenient. These include complimentary Wi-Fi, furnished common rooms and lounge spaces, on-site parking, and dining hall access. The residence halls also offer social activities and events to build a sense of community. Each floor has live-in Residence Advisors (RAs) to support students and help them transition to campus life.

While the university prioritises on-campus living for freshmen, with 90% choosing this option, it is important to note that on-campus housing is currently not available for graduate students. However, the university provides resources and guidance for graduate students seeking off-campus accommodation in the North Bay area.

Student fees: Undergraduate tuition is $48,606

The Dominican University of California is a private university located in the San Francisco Bay Area, in Marin County. It has a small, close-knit student body of over 1,000 students, with a diverse student population—about 68% identify as students of colour. The university is ranked among the top regional universities in the west by U.S. News & World Report.

Student Fees

The median undergraduate tuition fee at the Dominican University of California is $48,606, which is $24,610 more than the national average for Masters Colleges and Universities. This figure is for tuition only and does not include additional fees and expenses. The total estimated cost of attendance, including direct and indirect expenses, is higher.

For the 2025-26 academic year, the tuition for full-time enrollment for both the fall and spring semesters is $52,855. Students enrolled in more than 18 units per semester will be charged an additional $2,140 per unit over 18 units. Part-time students (those enrolled in fewer than 12 units) are charged $2,140 per unit, and the tuition rate for the summer semester is $750 per unit.

There are also mandatory fees for each semester attended, including a $210 non-refundable Campus Comprehensive Fee and a $150 ASDU Activities Fee. International students are assessed an additional $100 fee each semester, and nursing students must pay clinical lab fees of $750 per semester once they enter the Nursing program.

On-campus housing and meal plans incur additional costs. For the 2025-26 academic year, on-campus dorm rates range from $7,512 for a triple occupancy room to $10,964 for a single occupancy room for the full academic year. The university also offers meal plans, with rates ranging from $7,129 for a 10 Meals/Week Plan to $7,259 for a 14 Meals/Week Plan for the full academic year.

It's important to note that these costs are before financial aid is applied, and 99% of incoming first-year students at the Dominican University of California receive financial aid. The average net price, after factoring in grants and loans, is $49,907.

Student financial aid: 85% of students receive grants

The Dominican University of California, located 12 miles from San Francisco, is a private university with a diverse student body of over 1,000 students. The university is committed to making its degrees accessible and affordable for students and their families.

In 2022, 85% of undergraduate students at the university received financial aid through grants or loans. This represents a slight decline of 2.3% from 2021, when 87% of undergraduate students received financial aid. The university also offers scholarships, loans, and work-study programmes to help students with the cost of attendance. In fact, 99% of first-year undergraduate students in 2022 received scholarships and grants.

The Office of Financial Aid at the university assists students in accessing resources to fund their education. The office follows federal, state, and university policies to help students achieve their educational goals. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is available for federal grants and loans, the state of Illinois MAP grant, and institutional need-based resources. The university's FAFSA code is 001750.

The Net Price Calculator on the university's website can help students and their families estimate their financial aid eligibility and understand their expected costs. The university also offers online counselling and appointments with the Office of Financial Aid to help navigate the financial aid process and explore all available options.

Frequently asked questions