Ohio Dominican University provides crucial access to private higher education for first-generation and Pell-eligible students who benefit from small class sizes and personalized support.
The university's zero default rate and steady graduation outcomes reflect its commitment to helping students complete their degrees and manage their financial obligations successfully.
Ohio Dominican University is a small private nonprofit institution in Columbus that serves as an accessible entry point into higher education, particularly for first-generation college students and those from lower-income backgrounds. Nearly 39% of students receive Pell Grants and 38% are first-generation college students, reflecting the university's commitment to opening doors for students who might not otherwise have access to private higher education. The institution maintains a supportive, close-knit environment typical of smaller colleges, with graduation rates that improve over time as students benefit from personalized attention and academic support.
While Ohio Dominican's earnings outcomes are more modest compared to larger research universities, graduates still achieve meaningful career progress with median earnings of $51,748 ten years after enrollment. The university's strength lies in providing a foundation for students who need additional support to succeed in college, particularly those entering fields like business administration, exercise science, and education. For many students, the value comes not just from the degree itself but from the personal development and confidence-building that occurs in a smaller, more nurturing academic environment.
As a private institution in Ohio's capital city, Ohio Dominican offers the advantages of urban internship and job opportunities while maintaining the personal touch that can be crucial for student success. The university represents a pathway for students who benefit from smaller class sizes, closer faculty relationships, and a community-oriented approach to education.
Ohio Dominican University's program portfolio reflects its mission as a comprehensive small college serving diverse student interests and career goals. Business Administration stands out as both the largest and most economically successful program, graduating 47 students annually with median earnings of $45,696 ten years after graduation. This program represents the university's strongest combination of enrollment scale and financial outcomes, providing a solid foundation for students entering management, sales, and entrepreneurial roles in the Columbus metropolitan area.
Exercise Science and Kinesiology, the second-largest program with 37 graduates, reflects growing student interest in health and wellness careers. While early-career earnings of $27,642 are more modest, this field often requires additional certification, graduate study, or specialized training that can lead to higher compensation over time. Many graduates in this field pursue careers in fitness training, physical therapy assistance, or continue to graduate programs in related health sciences.
The university's program mix emphasizes practical, career-oriented fields that align with regional employment opportunities and student interests. While the earnings outcomes are moderate compared to research universities or technical institutions, Ohio Dominican's programs provide accessible pathways into professional careers for students who benefit from the supportive environment and personalized attention that characterizes smaller private colleges.
Graduates of Ohio Dominican University achieve steady, if modest, long-term earnings outcomes. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $51,748, which places the institution around the national average for similar colleges. While these earnings are not at the top tier nationally, they represent meaningful career progress for graduates, particularly those entering their first professional roles. The university's outcomes reflect its focus on providing foundational career preparation rather than targeting the highest-paying fields.
The strongest financial returns come from business administration, which graduates 47 students annually with median earnings of $45,696 ten years out. This program represents the university's largest source of aggregate economic value for graduates, combining solid enrollment with respectable earnings outcomes. Exercise science and kinesiology, the second-largest program with 37 graduates, shows more modest early-career earnings at $27,642, reflecting the nature of careers in fitness, wellness, and related health fields that often require additional certification or graduate study for higher compensation.
Ohio Dominican's career outcomes are best understood in the context of the students it serves. Many graduates are first-generation college students who enter the workforce with skills and credentials that represent significant upward mobility from their family backgrounds. While the absolute earnings levels may be moderate, the university provides a crucial stepping stone for students who might not have accessed higher education otherwise, helping them establish professional careers and build toward long-term financial stability.
Ohio Dominican University offers relatively accessible pricing for a private institution, particularly for lower-income students. Low-income families pay about $14,348 annually after aid, which is competitive with many public universities and reflects substantial institutional financial aid. Middle-income families see net prices around $18,897, while higher-income families pay approximately $22,204 per year. This tiered pricing structure helps make private education more accessible across different income levels, though costs remain higher than typical public alternatives.
The university's financial aid approach appears designed to support access for students who might not otherwise afford private education. The relatively low net price for Pell-eligible students, combined with the institution's high share of first-generation students, suggests that Ohio Dominican prioritizes making education affordable for those who need it most. However, families should carefully consider the total cost of attendance and potential debt levels when making enrollment decisions.
Debt levels require careful consideration, as typical graduates leave with $26,000 in federal student loans and families often borrow an additional $21,196 through Parent PLUS loans. While these amounts are manageable for some families, they represent a significant financial commitment that should be weighed against expected career outcomes. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that most graduates are able to meet their repayment obligations, though this may reflect both successful outcomes and careful borrowing practices.
Ohio Dominican University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
