
River Forest, ILprivate nonprofitdom.edu
Dominican University, a small Catholic institution in River Forest, Illinois, punches above its weight with a welcoming, inclusive community and surprisingly strong outcomes for a school with an 80-90% acceptance rate. Known for its business and health professions programs, Dominican defies expectations with a 62% six-year graduation rate—8 points higher than predicted—and a tight-knit campus life fueled by 35+ student organizations.
Dominican University is a nearly open admissions school with an Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. hovering around 80-90%, making it accessible to a wide range of students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 890-1100 on the SAT or comparable ACT scores. A high school diploma or GED is required, and the university accepts applications on a rolling basis. While not selective, Dominican's admissions team emphasizes personal outreach, with dedicated phone lines and email support for prospective students.
Dominican offers 60+ undergraduate majors and programs, with standout departments in . The curriculum blends liberal arts with professional preparation, including accelerated law and theology degrees through partnerships like Catholic Theological Union. Small class sizes and a foster close mentorship. Unique offerings include an Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies and interdisciplinary programs that encourage hands-on learning.
Life at Dominican revolves around its tight-knit, diverse community. Students can join 35+ organizations, from service clubs to arts groups, with leadership development woven into campus culture. The university promotes an inclusive vibe—Niche reviews highlight how students feel "accepted" and celebrated for their identities. Though just 10 miles from downtown Chicago, the River Forest campus offers a suburban retreat with gardens, quiet study nooks, and a residential feel.
Defying predictions, Dominican boasts a 62% six-year graduation rate—8 percentage points higher than expected for its student demographics. Alumni outcomes are strong for a regional university, with some programs ranking in the national top 10 for early-career salaries (particularly nursing and business). The university emphasizes career-ready skills, with 57% of its U.S. News score tied to outcomes metrics like graduate earnings and loan repayment rates.
Dominican is transparent about costs, offering a Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator to estimate aid packages. The university provides generous need-based aid, with average first-year scholarships/grants around $22,000-$26,000. About 74% of freshmen receive institutional aid. While tuition is steep (like most private colleges), Dominican's outcomes-to-cost ratio stands out—its graduation rate outperforms similar schools, adding value to the investment.
Dominican University defies the "easy admission, weak outcome" stereotype—its graduation rate and early-career salaries outpace peer institutions. The campus radiates a warm, community-driven energy, amplified by its Catholic values and Chicago proximity. For students seeking personalized attention (those 10:1 classes), practical majors, and a supportive launchpad, Dominican delivers more than its Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. might suggest.