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Dominican University of California

San Rafael, CA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Veritas Fax Ardens (Latin)(Truth is a Flaming Torch)

1890
Founded
Private university
Type
1,178
Total Students
1,054
Undergrad
627
Graduate
$33M
Endowment
$51K
Tuition (In-State)
$51K
Tuition (Out-State)
$50K
Avg Net Price
96%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Graduation Rate
6-year
88%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: Nicola Pitchford

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Dominican University of California

Experience a rich legacy of learning at this historic California private university.

Dominican University of California, nestled in scenic San Rafael, offers a vibrant private university experience with a deep historical foundation. Established in 1890 by the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, it stands as one of California's oldest and most respected institutions, proudly carrying the motto "Veritas Fax Ardens" — "Truth is a Flaming Torch."

From its inception, Dominican has championed education, initially as Dominican College, making history as the first Catholic college in California to grant bachelor's degrees to women. Over time, it evolved, welcoming male students in 1971 and transforming into Dominican University of California in 2000, continually adapting to serve a diverse student body while honoring its foundational commitment to academic excellence.

Students at Dominican benefit from a personalized learning environment, boasting an impressive average class size of just 16. The university offers over 60 academic majors, minors, and concentrations, alongside 11 robust graduate programs, ensuring a wide array of choices for intellectual growth. Beyond academics, the campus thrives with NCAA Division II athletics, where the "Penguins" compete in the Pacific West Conference, fostering a strong sense of community and spirit for its diverse student population, which includes 72% female and 28% male students.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1890, making it one of California's oldest universities.
  • Historic achievement as the first Catholic college in California to grant bachelor's degrees to women.
  • Offers over 60 academic majors, minors, and concentrations, including 11 graduate programs.
  • Boasts a student-focused learning environment with an average class size of just 16.
  • Home to NCAA Division II athletics, with teams competing as the "Penguins" in the Pacific West Conference.
  • Located on a suburban 80-acre campus in beautiful San Rafael, California.
  • Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Timeline

1890
Founded as Dominican College by the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael
1915
Became a junior college
1917
Became known as Dominican College
1971
Became coeducational
2000
Changed its name to Dominican University of California
🏛️
136 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Nicola Pitchford
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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