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Dominican University of California — ROI, Cost & Payback

Private nonprofit · San Rafael, CA · 1,114 students

The verdict

Dominican University of California charges a net price of $35,333/yr after aid — a 4-year total of $141,332. Graduates earn a median $84,713 ten years after entry, $36,353/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline, clearing the total in 3.9 years — a 20-year net return of $585,728, a strong payback — the degree clears its cost fast. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Dominican University of California's 3.9-year payback ranks #281 of 1,280 US colleges we track — better ROI than 78% of them, and #63 of 334 in California.

Better ROI than 78% of US colleges#281 of 1,280
Weakest ROIStrongest ROI
$35,333
Net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$84,713
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
3.9 yrs
Payback
Our math, 2026
84%
Admission rate
Scorecard, 2026
Dominican University of California: cost, earnings and payback
MeasureValueSource
Net price (after aid)$35,333/yrScorecard, 2026
Total net cost (4 yrs)$141,332our math
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry$84,713Scorecard, 2026
Earnings premium over HS baseline$36,353/yrour math
Median debt (completers)$27,000Scorecard, 2026
Payback3.9 yrsour math
20-year net return$585,728our math

College Scorecard (2026 release), institution-level · payback and returns are our math.

How we compute this. Payback = total net cost ÷ annual earnings premium, where the premium is median earnings 10 years after entry minus the $48,360 baseline (BLS 2024 median for a high-school-diploma worker 25+). Total net cost = net price × 4 years. We do not discount future dollars. The institution-wide earnings figure blends every major — a specific program's payback can be far better or worse. Full method on the methodology page.

Dominican University of California: frequently asked questions

Is Dominican University of California worth the cost?
On the numbers, yes. Dominican University of California charges $35,333/yr after aid ($141,332 over 4 years), and graduates earn a median $84,713 ten years out — $36,353/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline. That clears the cost in 3.9 years and returns $585,728 net over 20 years, a strong payback — the degree clears its cost fast.
How long does a Dominican University of California degree take to pay off?
About 3.9 years. We divide the $141,332 four-year net cost by the $36,353/yr earnings premium over the high-school baseline. It is a floor, not a ceiling — mid-career raises pay it back faster.
How much does Dominican University of California cost after financial aid?
The median net price is $35,333/yr — about $141,332 over 4 years. That is what the typical aided student actually pays after grants and scholarships, not the published sticker price.
How does Dominican University of California compare to other California colleges?
It ranks #63 of 334 California colleges we track by payback. Its $84,713 median earnings beat the national median of $43,552, and its $35,333 net price is above the national median of $16,906.