Campus Life

Every time you walk across our northern California campus, located just 12 miles from San Francisco, you’ll be reminded of our tight-knit community. Professors will say hello, staff members will ask how you’re doing, and classmates might remind you about a club meeting or game. 

students in front of pennafort and fanjeaux halls

80 Acres. Everything You Need. Quick Access to San Francisco.

A community in itself, the park-like Dominican campus has everything resident and commuting students need throughout the day: sit-down dining and grab-and-go meals, health and wellness facilities, a library, campus store, and lots of green space for sprawling out. 

Our tranquil, suburban campus has big city access, too. Did you know Dominican University of California is just 12 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco? This means our location, in the heart of the Bay Area, presents possibilities for excursions as well as internship, work, and service opportunities in one of the most exciting and diverse cities in the U.S. 

15+ Clubs. Countless Possibilities.

Dominican students are highly engaged with campus, the community, and each other. They’re athletes, they're leaders, they’re performers, they’re creators — they’re probably several of the above. You’ll find your place, too, as you build your campus life experience. 

Where is San Rafael, California? 

San Rafael is located just 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Our campus offers a small-town, residential feel with lots of open space, beautiful gardens and quiet places to study. It's also close enough to San Francisco to have the "college student in a big city" feel. Downtown San Rafael, with its vibrant restaurants, cafes and shops, is located walking distance from campus. 

Class of 2020: Favorite Campus Moments

Wondering what it's like to be part of the Dominican campus community? Check out the favorite moments from our graduating Class of 2020. 

 

Contact Information

Student Life

Around Campus

Our students, staff and faculty members learn and work on a beautiful and scenic campus. 

Half yellow circle

80

Acres

Our park-like setting is full of natural beauty, hidden gardens, and historic buildings.

Half yellow circle

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Species of Trees

Northern California is known for its nature, and our campus is no exception.

cable car san francisco

12 short miles to San Francisco

A suburban campus with big-city access.

edgehill mansion checkerboard

Our Campus

Pictures can only do so much. As you walk through campus you’ll experience one unique building after another: Victorian mansions, Colonial manors, cozy cottages, and modern structures.

Explore our Campus
students in the pennafort lounge

Living on Campus

More than 300 students live on campus in our three residence halls, including in former estates and mansions.

See Living Options
performer at the big event

Arts and Culture

Enriching events and exhibits fill the campus calendar, from art at Barbara D. Goodman Art Gallery to performances from the Dominican Chorale and our Lines Ballet students. A guest concert series and leadership lecture series bring world-class musicians and engaging speakers to campus.

See What's Happening
woman soccer player

Athletics

#PenguinPride! We offer 13 intercollegiate sports, 2 intercollegiate clubs, and are a member of NCAA II and the Pacific West Conference.

Visit Athletics
stained glass class shields

History and Traditions

Our campus traditions will become yours. From Shield Day each fall to the Christmas tree-lighting ceremony every December, you’ll make memories here.

View our Traditions