University Rankings

What makes Dominican different? We'll let our facts, figures, and major accomplishments illustrate what sets us apart. 

Numbers and rankings are only part of a larger story, but here you will find data and rankings that will help you better understand the work we do and the students we serve. All numbers reflect 2021 Census data. For up-to-date data, visit: University Facts.

Quality and Value

Dominican ranked number 18 in the Best Regional Universities (West) category of the U.S. News & World Report 2024 Best Colleges guide.

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Other rankings in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report  “Best Regional Universities – West” category include:

  • #18 in Best Value Schools – Regional Universities (West)
  • Top performer for social mobility – Regional Universities (West)
  • Dominican was included in both the Best Undergraduate Business Programs and Best Nursing Schools categories.

Dominican was named the nation’s most transformative four-year university by the American Council on Education (ACE) in recognition of a deep commitment to student opportunity and success.


Dominican joins Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Yale, and Stanford as a top 10 school for post-graduate salaries, according to early-career salary data from the U.S. Department of Education.


The Wall Street Journal ranked Dominican in the top one-third of U.S. colleges and universities for delivering valuable outcomes and quality education to its students.


Research led by Stanford University reveals that Dominican is 11th in the nation out of 578 selective private colleges for student social mobility for moving students from the bottom of the socio-economic ladder to the top quartile.


In June 2022, Dominican was listed at 174 out of 3,410 institutions nationwide for providing the highest return on investment (ROI) to low-income students, according to a study by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. In California, Dominican held the ninth spot out of 43 private, nonprofit undergraduate institutions.


Based on nominations from school counselors, independent educational consultants, and community-based organization professionals, Dominican University of California was one of 24 institutions across 19 states receiving a 2023 Leading Colleges Award for Retention.


Dominican ranked 5th for Best Value Colleges in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2023 by Niche.

Student Profile

  • 1928 — Total enrollment (undergraduate and graduate)
  • 29 percent — Pell eligible (undergraduate)
  • 71 percent — Students who identity as ethnically diverse (undergraduate)
  • 22 percent — Students who are first-generation (undergraduate)

For additional information, please visit University Facts

Student Success and Opportunities

  • Student success as defined by graduation rates has improved by more than 70% since 2011. The four-year graduation rate is 72% and six-year is 74%, well above the national average of 41% and 60%.
  • In this same time period, the percentage of students identifying as ethnically diverse has increased by nearly 30%.
  • The Dominican Experience is working. This fall, student retention between first-to-second
    year is at 87.5% — the highest in the last decade.

 

  • Since the University’s 2009 transition to NCAA Division II athletics, Dominican has led the Pacific West Conference in academic performance.
  • Student athletes surpassed a 3.4 aggregate GPA in each of the last six seasons.
  • Dominican students have won the PacWest Academic Achievement Award 11 of the last 13 years.

Institutional Effectiveness encompasses a wide range of equity-based evaluation and assessment activities for the purposes of active reflection, strategic planning, and continuous improvement. 

Learn More about Institutional Effectiveness 

University Facts offers a comprehensive look at who our students are and what they study, as well as their persistence and completion rates.

view all University Facts 

Social Mobility and Economic Impact

Research led by Stanford University reveals that Dominican is 11th in the nation out of 578 selective private colleges for student social mobility for moving students from the bottom of the socio-economic ladder to the top quartile.

Dominican generates $227.9 million in combined economic impact annually for the state of California; this translates to more than $26,000 in economic impact every hour of the year.

Get to Know Our Students

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99%

Receive Aid

First-year undergraduate students receiving aid.

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71%

Diversity

Undergraduate students who identify as ethnically diverse.

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22%

First Generation

Undergraduate students who are the first generation in their family to attend college

Get to Know our Campus

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12 short miles to San Francisco

A suburban campus with big-city access.

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16

Average Class Size

A smaller group means more discussion.

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1928

Fall 2022 Total Enrollment

A diverse, curious, and engaged student body.

Dominican Rankings: In The News