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Ohlone College vs Dominican University of California: which has better ROI?

Public, Fremont CA · vs · Private nonprofit, San Rafael CA

The verdict

Ohlone College has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $22,260 in 3.8 years versus 3.9 years at Dominican University of California, on median earnings of $54,278 vs $84,713 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureOhlone CollegeDominican University of California
Net price / yr$11,130$35,333
Total net cost$22,260$141,332
Median earnings, 10 yrs$54,278$84,713
Median debt$27,000
Payback3.8 yrs3.9 yrs
20-year net return$96,100$585,728

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Ohlone College or Dominican University of California?

Ohlone College, at $11,130 a year after aid versus $35,333 — a gap of $24,203 a year, or $119,072 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Ohlone College or Dominican University of California graduates earn more?

Dominican University of California graduates report a median $84,713 ten years after entry, $30,435 more than the $54,278 at Ohlone College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which graduates more of its students?

78% of students finish at Dominican University of California, against 52% at Ohlone College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Ohlone College vs Dominican University of California: frequently asked questions

Is Ohlone College or Dominican University of California a better value?
Ohlone College. It clears its $22,260 net cost in about 3.8 years versus 3.9 years at Dominican University of California, on median earnings of $54,278 vs $84,713 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Ohlone College or Dominican University of California?
Ohlone College: $11,130/yr net price after aid versus $35,333/yr at Dominican University of California — a difference of $24,203 a year, or about $119,072 over four years.
Do Ohlone College or Dominican University of California graduates earn more?
Dominican University of California graduates earn a median $84,713 ten years after entry, versus $54,278 at Ohlone College — a $30,435 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.