Dominican University of California

Private · Moderately Selective · CA

Photo: E bailey (CC0)

School data & stats

TypePrivate

LocationCA · West

SettingUrban

Undergrads1,114

Student:faculty8:1

Outcomes

4-yr grad rate64.8%

6-yr grad rate78%

Drop-out rate14.5%

Study abroad—

Cost

In-state tuition$52k

Out-of-state tuition$52k

Application fee—

Community

Racial diversity79.3%

Gender diversity71.8%

International2.7%

Identity—

Overview

Dominican University of California, in San Rafael north of the Golden Gate in Marin County, is a Catholic university with Dominican order heritage, set on a redwood-shaded campus at the base of open-space hills in a residential neighborhood. Its small size supports a signature advising model that pairs every student with mentors from the start.

Academics

Nursing and health sciences are the strongest programs, alongside business, with the university's compact size allowing close faculty contact across majors. The personalized-mentorship structure is a real advising commitment rather than an orientation-week gesture, meant to keep students connected to support throughout their time there.

Campus & student life

Marin County is an affluent, scenic setting, giving students access to Bay Area resources — San Francisco is a manageable trip across the Golden Gate — while the campus itself feels quiet and residential, framed by redwoods and hillside open space. This is a smaller, calmer alternative to attending college directly in San Francisco.

Worth knowing

The Marin County location trades urban intensity for scenic quiet and easy Bay Area access, which suits students who want proximity to San Francisco's opportunities without living inside the city.

dominican.edu ↗

Admissions

Acceptance rate83.5%

Enrolled mid-50%SAT 1210–1300

Test policyoptional

Rec letters0

Deadlines (2026–27 cycle)

AdmissionRolling

Applying