Dominican at a Glance

As a diverse, relationship-centered community rooted in a vibrant liberal arts and sciences education, Dominican University prepares graduates to make an impact in an increasingly dynamic global environment and remain engaged in our Dominican community. At the heart of the university is its Catholic, Dominican tradition, grounded in the compatibility of faith and reason, that affirms the dignity of the human person and concern for the common good. 

We offer hundreds of avenues to explore career interests and experience diverse cultures and international environments, with more than 50 undergraduate degree options, 25 graduate degrees as well as doctoral degrees in library and information science, applied social justice and a doctor of nursing practice in psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.  

Students benefit from hands-on research opportunities, demanding academics, personal attention and deep interactions in classes that average 16 students. And we organize and support 250-plus projects and learning experiences that contribute effectively to the good of local and global communities. 

Two Campuses. Una Comunidad. 

Centered upon a legacy of expanding access to higher education, Dominican’s Chicago Campus offers in Pilsen an innovative learning environment built in close collaboration with local partners to anchor opportunities in the communities we serve.  

Our associate degree pathways and certificate programs are designed with intention, blending classroom learning, hands-on experience, networking opportunities and career resources to prepare students for a lifetime of impact. Plus, students have the option to live at La Casa Residence Hall, located only steps away from the CTA Pink Line and in the heart of one of Chicago’s most culturally rich neighborhoods. 

With a career-focused curriculum and personalized guidance, students complete our programs with in-demand credentials and skills applicable to the next step of their journey—whether it’s directly into employment or continued education. 

Chicago’s Premier Catholic HSI

As a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, Dominican University has grown from a Hispanic-enrolling institution to a model for how to truly serve today’s diverse Latine student populations. Today, Dominican is a leader among the nation’s Hispanic-Serving Institutions, advancing opportunity and ensuring the social mobility of our Latine students.

Dominican’s HSI identity is about more than the numbers of students who enroll. It’s about expanding scholarships, reducing equity gaps, creating new pathways to graduate school and careers, and so much more. It’s a lived experience woven into every facet of student life. We intentionally design spaces, staffing, and teaching practices that create a more inclusive community. From dedicated leaders in equity to culturally affirming spaces like the Center for Cultural Liberation, we view every interaction with our students through a mission-centered lens.

High-impact Education—That’s Accessible to All

At Dominican, 100% of our incoming first-year students receive financial aid, ensuring you can unlock all your potential at an affordable price. We believe finances shouldn’t stand in the way of helping you find your purpose. That’s why we’re dedicated to keeping a Dominican education affordable. 

Top-tier Academics. Unmatched Affordability.

Dominican is recognized as one of the best small universities in the Midwest. The prestigious “Best Colleges” review by U.S. News & World Report places Dominican in the Top 25 overall in the Midwest out of more than 160 regional Midwest universities. We’re the highest-ranking small Catholic university in Illinois. And we are No. 1 in Illinois on the publication’s “Best Value Schools” list, a category that closely examines academic quality and average net cost of attendance. 

The rigor and personal attention we bring to the Dominican learning experience also applies to making your education affordable. Dominican’s tuition is below the national average for four-year private colleges and universities. And, each year, we invest more than $30 million to support student financial aid.

Classic College Campus. Endless Possibilities. 

Dominican’s beautiful River Forest campus is home to about a million square feet of academic, social and athletic space. You’ll find state-of-the-art technology and laboratories, an art gallery, a fashion studio, two theaters, four residence halls, a fitness center, tons of cool hangouts and more. 

Dominican’s campus is just 10 miles west of Chicago—connected to all that city opportunity, yet home to serious academics in safe and supportive surroundings. It’s the best of both worlds. Here’s more about what our students experience: 

• Thirty-acre main campus in River Forest, a residential suburb located ten miles west of downtown Chicago.
• 939,000 square feet of buildings
• Four residence halls
• Two theaters plus rehearsal rooms, art gallery, and fashion and dance studios
• 70,000+ square-foot central library with more than 300,000 materials
• Dominican’s Chicago Campus offers a six-story dorm that will be home to 100 students in a vibrant living-learning community, a resource center for up to four concurrent classrooms, on-site support services and more.
• Classes are also offered at other sites in the Chicago area and online

Learn more about Dominican