Top of the Charts

We have a history of blazing trails—and it shows in our 2023 U.S. News & World Report rankings. Dominican was recognized in the Top 15 out of over 160 Regional Midwest Universities and named #1 in the state in several subcategories.

#1 Performer on Social Mobility in Illinois

Rather than perpetuating educational attainment gaps in our society, we have invested for years in the kinds of experiences and holistic support that ensure all students have the same opportunity to graduate with purpose, earning us recognition as the #1 top performer in social mobility in Illinois and #5 in the Midwest. We are committed to helping students from an under-resourced background not only find their calling—but a career path. Within a year of graduation, 85% of Dominican alumnae/i are employed and 21% are attending graduate school.

A student is seated at Dominican University's Commncement ceremony. The student's back is to the camera. The student's graduation cap is decorated with flowers and the words Some Day is Today.

#1 Most Innovative School in Illinois

State-of-the-art technology, engaging new learning spaces and a cutting-edge curriculum are just a few of the reasons Dominican was named the most innovative school in Illinois. From virtual reality simulations in our nursing classrooms to a podcast studio in our Learning Commons, we ensure you don’t wait until after graduation to put new skills into practice. 

Dominican University students using virtual reality headsets in a classroom.

#1 for Undergraduate Teaching in Illinois

This designation recognizes the Dominican faculty’s unusually strong commitment to high quality teaching, not just research and publishing, at the undergraduate level. Our professors aren’t hiding behind lecterns. They’re here to guide you, to support you, to connect you to amazing internship and career opportunities and cheer you on—every step of the way. An average class size of just 16 students means your ideas will be heard and they will know and care about you.

professor sketches with a pencil while a student watches. They are seated at a table in a fashion design classroom. There is a mannequin at the forefront and a mural on the wall of a face with blue eyes and red lips..

#1 Best Value in Illinois

We’re proud to be 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. We believe finances shouldn’t stand in the way of helping you find your purpose. Through scholarships and other financial aid, we’ll work with you and your family to make the cost of a high-impact private school education manageable.

Two students wearing jeans and jackets walking across a field of grass on Dominican University's campus in front of Mazzuchelli Hall. . There is a tree with leaves turning yellow in the background.

More Than Just Numbers

Behind each of our rankings is a story—of students and professors partnering on discoveries. Of graduates innovating in careers of critical need. Of a community building a more just and humane world. Whether you’re the first in your family to go to college, or the first to make a big discovery or break a barrier in your chosen field, we’ll be there to empower you. Join us.

An aerial image showing campus buildings with the Chicago skyline in the background. A graphic in the upper left corner of the photo says 2023 rankings, U.S. News and World Report.