Dominican University Chicago: Student Population And Campus Life

Dominican University is a private Catholic liberal arts institution located 10 miles west of Chicago. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,397 students (as of fall 2023) and offers a variety of career-focused majors and graduate programs. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1, small class sizes, and a personalised learning environment, Dominican University provides an immersive educational experience for its students.

Undergraduate enrollment

Dominican University, a private Catholic liberal arts institution, is located just 10 miles from Chicago in River Forest, Illinois. The university's suburban campus spans 37 acres and provides a range of facilities and resources to support its undergraduate population. The student-to-faculty ratio at Dominican University is approximately 10 to 11 students per faculty member, ensuring personalized attention and a supportive learning environment for undergraduates.

The undergraduate enrollment at Dominican University comprises a diverse community of students from various religious, racial, and ethnic backgrounds. The university welcomes students of all backgrounds and beliefs, fostering an inclusive and harmonious community. This diversity extends to the range of academic programs offered, with over 40 undergraduate majors and several pre-professional programs available.

Undergraduate students at Dominican University benefit from small class sizes, with an average of 16 students per class. This allows for a more intimate and engaging learning experience, facilitating connections between instructors and students. The university also offers a variety of support services, including tutoring, mentoring, career coaching, financial assistance, and mental health support, to ensure the success and well-being of its undergraduate population.

The undergraduate enrollment at Dominican University reflects the university's commitment to providing a high-quality, accessible education. With a blend of academic excellence, career-focused programs, and a supportive community, Dominican University creates an enriching and transformative educational journey for its undergraduate students.

Student-to-faculty ratio

The student-to-faculty ratio at Dominican University, Chicago, is 10:1 or 11:1, depending on the source. This means that students benefit from small class sizes, with an average class size of 16 students. This ratio allows professors to get to know students as individuals and facilitates a personalised learning environment.

The university is highly regarded for its academic rigour and is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for its students. The student care team provides a range of support services, including help with basic needs, technological assistance, financial advice, academic support, and mental health assistance.

Dominican University's faculty members are Fulbright Scholars, PhDs, and nationally recognised researchers with practical experience in their respective fields. They offer mentorship and one-on-one career guidance to students, helping them develop their resumes, prepare for interviews, and explore their career interests through internships.

The university's new Chicago campus, in partnership with The Resurrection Project, will continue this tradition of small class sizes and personalised learning. Housed at La Casa Residence Hall and its neighbouring Resource Centre, the campus will serve 100 students, offering a vibrant living-learning community with modern apartment-style living and collaborative engagement with peers.

Tuition fees

Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois, offers a variety of tuition fees and expenses for its undergraduate and graduate programs. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the university charged $19,164 per semester for full-time undergraduate students enrolled in the Rosary College of Arts and Sciences, the Borra College of Health Sciences, or the Brennan School of Business. Part-time students in these schools were charged $1,277 per credit hour. The university also offers a range of fees for specific courses and programs, such as $1,300 for the Nursing: ATI Carp Fee and $200 for the Nursing Skills Bag. Room and board options vary in price, with the Gold Star Plan offering 19 meals a week and $200 in dining dollars, while the Silver Star Plan provides 10 meals a week and $600 in dining dollars.

For the 2025-2026 academic year, tuition and fees have increased slightly. Full-time undergraduate students in the Rosary College of Arts and Sciences, the Borra College of Health Sciences, or the Brennan School of Business will be charged $19,978 per semester. Part-time students in these schools will pay $1,331 per credit hour. The university continues to charge a range of fees for specific courses and programs, and room and board options remain similar to the previous year.

Graduate programs at Dominican University also have varying tuition fees depending on the specific school and program. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the Master of Business Administration in the Brennan School of Business is $889 per credit hour, while the Master of Science in Software Development in the Rosary College of Arts and Sciences is $700 per credit hour. The university also charges graduate students a range of fees, such as a $210 non-refundable Campus Comprehensive Fee and a $150 ASDU Activities Fee for each semester attended.

Dominican University offers merit-based scholarships to students, ranging from $12,000 to $25,000 for first-year students and $11,000 to $18,000 for transfer students. The university is also accredited to grant financial aid, with 99% of incoming first-year students receiving financial support.

Campus size

Dominican University is located on a 30- to 37-acre wooded campus in suburban River Forest, Illinois, just 10 miles from downtown Chicago. The campus is housed at The Resurrection Project's La Casa Residence Hall and neighbouring Resource Centre. The six-story dorm will be home to 100 students, offering modern apartment-style living and single-occupancy rooms, study space, and a shared kitchen.

The campus is easily accessible, with the free campus shuttle providing quick and safe transportation to local transit stops, and the CTA Pink Line just steps away, providing easy access to public transportation. The campus is surrounded by beautiful forest preserves and is packed with state-of-the-art equipment and learning spaces.

Dominican University's campus features a variety of facilities, including 13 laboratories, a four-story library, two theatres, an art gallery, a fashion studio, a fitness centre, and numerous areas for student activities. The campus also has five residence halls: Aquinas Hall (Priory Campus), Coughlin Hall, Sister Jean Murray Hall, Mazzuchelli Hall, and Power Hall. More than 30% of undergraduates live on campus, with most first-year students residing in double rooms in Murray or Coughlin halls.

The University's new Chicago campus, located in the Pilsen community, will serve students across Chicago, particularly on the city's south side. This expansion allows Dominican University to bring its innovative, affordable, and inclusive education to a wider range of students, creating a hub for various programs, including residential and online offerings.

Student accommodation

Dominican University's Chicago Campus is located in the heart of Chicago's Pilsen neighbourhood. The campus is housed in The Resurrection Project's La Casa Residence Hall, a six-story dorm that will accommodate 100 students in a vibrant living-learning community. The residence hall offers modern apartment-style living with single-occupancy rooms, study spaces, and shared kitchens, providing students with ample opportunities for collaboration and engagement with their peers.

The campus is just steps away from the CTA Pink Line, providing easy access to public transportation. The surrounding area boasts extensive community amenities, including restaurants, entertainment, and cultural activities, ensuring that students have a well-rounded experience outside of their academic pursuits.

In addition to the Chicago Campus, Dominican University also has a scenic suburban campus located in River Forest, Illinois, about 10 miles west of Chicago. This campus offers four residence halls, with classes just a short walk away, and ample parking nearby. The River Forest campus provides a peaceful setting surrounded by forest preserves, while still offering convenient access to Chicago's cultural, entertainment, and professional opportunities.

Dominican University prioritises student support and provides a range of services, including assistance with basic needs such as food and housing. The university is committed to making education accessible and affordable, offering generous scholarship support to ensure a low-to-no-debt model for student achievement.

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