Undergraduate First-Year Admissions

We're excited that you're considering Dominican University of California! We are here to guide you, answer your questions and prepare you for the beginning of your Dominican story. Let's get started. 

A group of students walking outside on the Dominican University of California campus.

Start Your Journey Here

The first-year admission process includes the evaluation of several factors, including academics, leadership both inside and outside the classroom, recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or community leader, and your personal essay. 

Admissions Events & Tours   

Marin Advantage Program (MAP)

At Dominican, we're committed to educational equity in Marin County and supporting students who thrive in our unique learning environment. Designed as a guide to higher education and success, the program is specifically for students from select Marin-based institutions, community organizations, and/or partner agencies affiliated with the University. Learn More About MAP.
 

Apply to Dominican

Apply to Dominican in five easy steps. See Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

  1. Write your personal essay. (Please see guidance in the FAQ.)
  2. Complete and submit your application. It's free!
  3. Submit your transcripts. Find complete instructions on how to submit your transcripts to Dominican here.
  4. Decide whether to submit your test scores. Please note — while Dominican is test optional for most, homeschooled students are required to submit SAT or ACT test scores. International students who need to demonstrate English proficiency should check our International Admissions page.  
  5. Decide whether to submit a letter of recommendation. Please note — for most students, a letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or community leader is optional. Only nursing majors are required to submit letters of recommendation.

Ready to begin? You have two choices: 

Apply Through the Common Application Apply Through The Dominican Application 

Application and Aid Deadlines

Dominican has a rolling admissions policy, which means we evaluate applications as they are received until we’ve filled all the slots for our incoming class. If an application deadline falls on a weekend and/or holiday, applications will be accepted through the end of the next business day.

Fall Priority February 1
Spring Priority December 1

Nursing application deadlines are final. For priority consideration, please have a completed application by the deadline. Our nursing program is competitive and admission is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Fall Deadline February 1

All students are encouraged to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as the first step towards receiving need-based financial aid from the University. 

Deadline: The FAFSA opens October 1 each year. To qualify for a Cal Grant for fall 2024, the FAFSA must be submitted by April 2. 

Cal Grant Deadline
Fall 2024
April 2

To learn more about scholarships and financial aid at Dominican, visit our Tuition and Financial Aid page

After Applying

Thank you for applying to Dominican! We look forward to reviewing your application. Please log in to the Penguin Admissions Portal to confirm we’ve received all required documents, view information about virtual events and appointments, and connect with us on social media. 

Three female undergraduate students walking on the Dominican campus.

Admissions Events And Tours

You may virtually visit our campus, or meet with an Admissions or Financial Aid Counselor online.

Connect with Us
Group of male undergraduate students walking down stairs on the Dominican campus.

Dominican is Test Optional

As a first-year student, it's up to you whether you share your standardized test results with us. Dominican takes into consideration your grades, rigor of your high school curriculum (including AP and honors classes), and involvement with extracurricular activities when considering your application.

Learn More About Test Optional
Group of students sitting on the steps outside Magnolia House on the Dominican campus.

Student Ambassadors

Our team of student ambassadors are here to help you throughout your admissions journey.

Meet our Ambassadors
Magnolia House, Office of Undergraduate Admissions at Dominican University of California

Tuition and Financial Aid

A degree from a private university like Dominican University of California is more accessible than you might think. We’re here to help you and your family discover the possibilities.

LEARN MORE About Tuition and Aid

The Dominican Difference

What makes Dominican stand out? Our students, our outcomes, our education and more.

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99%

Receive Aid

First-year undergraduate students receiving aid.

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75%

Diversity

Undergraduate students who identify as ethnically diverse.

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1/3

Ranked Nationally

Ranked in the top one-third by Wall Street Journal for delivering outcomes and quality education.

The Dominican Experience

Experience Personal Growth Experience Accomplishment Experience Connectedness Experience Readiness

Everything you do at Dominican contributes to your personal and professional goals. That's because our innovative Dominican Experience is rooted in proven educational methods. What will your Dominican Experience look like? 

Meet our Team

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Zaya Erdenebaatar

Executive Director of Operations and Undergraduate Admissions
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Julissa Ramirez-Romo

Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions
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Antonia Pettit, MSEd

Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions
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Breegan Arnett, MM

Assistant Director of Admissions, Barowsky School of Business
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Maddie Larson

Undergraduate Admissions Counselor
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Carlos Rodriguez

Undergraduate Admissions Counselor

Join us at our next event!

Admissions And Aid Blogs