Dominican University's published cost of attendance reaches $44,414 annually, including $37,844 in tuition and fees, $12,552 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $15,113 representing $29,301 in average financial aid savings.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $43,891 |
| Tuition and Fees | $38,978 |
| Room and Board | $12,716 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$32,146 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $11,745 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $9,759 |
| $30–48k | $9,014 |
| $48–75k | $11,891 |
| $75–110k | $16,851 |
| $110k+ | $17,963 |
Dominican University's published cost of attendance reaches $44,414 annually, including $37,844 in tuition and fees, $12,552 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $15,113 representing $29,301 in average financial aid savings. This net price falls $12,030 below the peer median of $27,143, indicating that Dominican's financial aid strategy results in below-average costs for enrolled students despite the private nonprofit pricing structure.
The substantial gap between sticker price and net price demonstrates Dominican's commitment to making education financially accessible for students from diverse economic backgrounds, aligning with the institution's Catholic mission of serving underrepresented populations. Dominican's pricing model effectively uses institutional aid to reduce costs for students across income levels, with particularly generous support for lower-income families. Students and families should focus on net price rather than sticker price when evaluating affordability, as Dominican's financial aid approach creates substantial cost reductions for most enrolled students.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Dominican University graduates typically borrow manageable amounts, with median debt of $24,411 falling $230 below the peer median of $24,181. Student debt ranges from $7,500 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating controlled borrowing across Dominican's student population.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 falls within sustainable ranges, meaning typical graduates can expect to manage loan payments given their $60,327 median earnings. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $19,323 with monthly payments of $254, adding to family debt burden but remaining within typical ranges for private institutions.
The controlled debt levels combined with strong earnings beyond expectations create favorable conditions for loan repayment and long-term financial stability for Dominican graduates. The below-peer debt median indicates that Dominican's aid strategy successfully limits student borrowing while maintaining access to private education benefits.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Dominican University delivers exceptional value through its combination of controlled costs, manageable debt, and outstanding earnings performance relative to expectations. Graduates earn $26,646 beyond expectations, ranking at the 96.5th percentile nationally for earnings uplift and qualifying for top 5% recognition in this critical performance metric.
With median earnings of $60,327 ranking at the 72nd percentile nationally, Dominican graduates achieve strong post-graduation income levels that support loan repayment and long-term financial stability. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 indicates sustainable borrowing levels relative to earning capacity.
Dominican's $15,113 net price falls $12,030 below peer institutions while delivering comparable or superior earnings outcomes, creating favorable return on investment conditions for enrolled students. The combination of below-peer costs, controlled debt levels, and exceptional earnings beyond expectations positions Dominican as a high-value investment in higher education, particularly for students from underrepresented backgrounds seeking economic mobility through accessible private education.
Dominican University's financial aid approach strongly supports access for lower-income students, with 49.3% of enrolled students receiving Pell grants indicating substantial representation of families with significant financial need. The $29,301 average financial aid savings demonstrates Dominican's substantial institutional investment in making education affordable for diverse student populations.
The progressive net price structure shows aid concentration toward students with the greatest financial need, with families earning under $30,000 receiving aid that brings costs down to $10,934 annually. This aid approach supports Dominican's mission as a Catholic institution committed to social justice and educational opportunity.
The substantial Pell share combined with generous aid for lower-income families creates a campus environment where students from diverse economic backgrounds can access quality private education. Dominican's aid strategy effectively removes cost barriers for students who might otherwise be excluded from private higher education, supporting the institution's role in promoting economic mobility through accessible education pricing.
