Students at Dominican University New York, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, achieve stronger financial outcomes than peers at most similar institutions nationwide.
The university combines meaningful access for underrepresented students with above-average earnings that create real pathways to economic mobility.
Dominican University New York is a small private nonprofit institution in Orangeburg that delivers solid long-term value despite higher upfront costs. The university serves a diverse student body with 41% receiving Pell Grants and about 32% being first-generation college students, yet still achieves above-average earnings outcomes for graduates. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $61,171, placing the institution above typical expectations for similar schools.
What distinguishes Dominican is its focus on professional programs, particularly nursing and health sciences, which drive much of the university's strong return on investment. The Adult Health Nursing program alone graduates 107 students annually with median earnings of $83,177, creating substantial economic value for both students and the broader healthcare workforce. This professional focus helps explain why graduates earn slightly more than expected compared with students at similar institutions nationwide.
As a small private university in New York, Dominican combines personalized attention with practical career preparation. While net prices run higher than public alternatives, the institution's ability to support first-generation and low-income students through to graduation, combined with strong earnings in key professional fields, makes it a viable pathway to economic mobility for students who can manage the initial investment.
Dominican University New York's program portfolio centers heavily on professional preparation, with nursing and health sciences driving the strongest financial outcomes. The Adult Health Nursing program represents the university's crown jewel, graduating 107 students annually with median earnings of $83,177 and generating nearly $9 million in total economic return. This concentration in healthcare reflects both regional workforce needs and the university's strategic focus on career-oriented education.
Beyond nursing, Dominican offers programs in research methodology and corrections administration, though these fields show more modest earnings outcomes. Research Methodology, despite being one of the larger programs with 65 graduates, produces median earnings of $32,071, while Corrections Administration majors earn about $33,459 early in their careers. These figures reflect the reality that career outcomes at Dominican depend heavily on program selection, with healthcare fields offering substantially stronger financial returns than other academic areas.
The university's small size means that program quality and career support can be highly personalized, but it also means fewer options for students who want to explore multiple fields or change majors. For students committed to nursing or health sciences, Dominican offers excellent preparation and strong employment prospects. Those interested in other fields should carefully consider whether the higher costs align with their expected career outcomes and long-term financial goals.
Dominican University New York graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $61,171 ten years after enrollment. This performance places the university above average nationally and reflects earnings that are slightly higher than expected compared with students at similar institutions. The university's focus on professional programs, particularly in healthcare, drives much of this financial success and creates clear pathways to stable, well-paying careers.
The Adult Health Nursing program stands out as Dominican's strongest economic engine, graduating 107 students annually with median earnings of $83,177 ten years out. This program alone generates nearly $9 million in aggregate economic return, demonstrating how concentrated professional training can create substantial value for both students and employers. Other programs show more modest but still competitive outcomes, with Research Methodology graduates earning around $32,071 and Corrections Administration majors reaching about $33,459 in early career earnings.
The university's small size and focused program portfolio mean that career outcomes depend heavily on field of study choice. Students in nursing and health sciences benefit from strong employer demand and competitive salaries, while those in other fields may see more moderate financial returns. However, the institution's ability to help graduates earn slightly more than expected suggests that Dominican's educational approach and career support services add meaningful value across programs.
Dominican University New York carries higher upfront costs typical of private institutions, but offers meaningful financial aid that makes attendance possible for many families. Low-income students pay about $21,435 annually after aid, while middle-income families see net prices around $27,482, and higher-income students pay approximately $30,166. These figures place Dominican in the lower tier nationally for affordability, reflecting the premium that comes with private education and smaller class sizes.
Despite higher sticker prices, the university provides substantial grant aid that reduces the actual cost burden for most students. The financial aid structure particularly benefits lower-income families, who receive the deepest discounts from the full tuition price. However, families across all income levels should expect to pay more than they would at public alternatives, making Dominican a choice that requires careful financial planning and a clear understanding of the long-term return on investment.
Debt levels reflect the higher costs but remain within manageable ranges for most graduates. Typical federal student loan debt is about $25,000, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $19,960. With graduates earning a median of $61,171 ten years out, most borrowers can handle standard repayment schedules, though the combination of higher debt and moderate earnings means students should be strategic about their program choices to maximize financial outcomes.
Dominican University New York Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
