Overview of Dominican University
Dominican University is a private, Catholic liberal arts institution located in River Forest, Illinois, a suburb just west of Chicago. Established in 1901 by the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters, the university has a rich history and a commitment to providing a transformative education rooted in the Dominican tradition of study, reflection, community, and service.
History and Mission:
Dominican University traces its origins to St. Clara College in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin, where the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters founded the institution in 1901. In 1922, the college moved to River Forest, Illinois, and in 1929, it was renamed Rosary College. The name was changed to Dominican University in 1997 to better reflect the institution’s identity and heritage.
The university’s mission is grounded in the Catholic and Dominican values of truth, compassion, justice, partnership, and community. The Dominican tradition emphasizes the pursuit of truth through intellectual inquiry and the integration of knowledge, fostering a well-rounded education that prepares students for a life of purpose and ethical leadership.
Academic Programs:
Dominican University offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. The undergraduate curriculum includes programs in arts and sciences, business, education, and health sciences. The Brennan School of Business is particularly notable for its emphasis on preparing students for leadership roles in a global business environment.
At the graduate level, Dominican University provides master’s and doctoral programs in fields such as education, social work, library and information science, and business administration. The university’s commitment to academic excellence is evident in its faculty, who are dedicated to both teaching and scholarly research.
Campus and Facilities:
The university’s picturesque campus is situated on 30 acres of land and features a blend of historic and modern buildings. The Priory Campus, with its iconic Lewis Hall, reflects the institution’s rich history, while the main campus showcases contemporary facilities designed to enhance the learning experience.
Dominican University’s facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, a library, and spaces for student activities. The Parmer Hall, home to the Rebecca Crown Library, serves as a hub for research and academic resources. The university also boasts modern residence halls, athletic facilities, and spaces for artistic and cultural events.
Student Life:
Dominican University is known for its vibrant and diverse student body. The university fosters a sense of community and belonging through various student organizations, clubs, and activities. These range from academic and professional organizations to cultural and recreational groups, providing students with opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities that complement their academic pursuits.
The university places a strong emphasis on service and social justice, encouraging students to participate in community outreach and global initiatives. The commitment to social responsibility aligns with the Dominican tradition of promoting justice and making a positive impact in the world.
Global Perspective:
Dominican University values a global perspective and encourages students to engage in international experiences. Through study abroad programs, students have the opportunity to broaden their horizons, gain cultural competence, and develop a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of the world. The university’s commitment to global education reflects its belief in preparing students to be responsible and informed global citizens.
Conclusion:
Dominican University is a distinguished institution with a rich history, a strong commitment to Catholic and Dominican values, and a focus on providing a well-rounded education. The university’s academic programs, vibrant campus life, and dedication to service and social justice contribute to a transformative learning experience. As Dominican University continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to preparing students for lives of purpose, leadership, and meaningful contributions to society.
7900 W. Division River Forest, IL 60305
Phone: (708) 524-6800
Email: domadmis@dom.edu
Web site: http://www.dom.edu
Rankings: Dominican University
Located in River Forest, IL, Dominican University is one of the best universities in the state of Illinois. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Dominican University in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Dominican University.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 20 |
| Score: | 57 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 2.8 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 16 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 80.2% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 66.3% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | N/A |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | N/A |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 35 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 61.7% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 0.2% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 11:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 58.7% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 51 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 20-25 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 18% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 49% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 71.1% |
| Financial resources rank: | 36 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 6 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 23.4% |
Essential Facts: Dominican University
- Dominican University offers 89 degree programs through Certificate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate, Post-Graduate Certificate programs.
- Originally a female-only institution, Dominican College became coeducational in 1971. 1917 – Dominican became the first Catholic college in California to grant the bachelor’s degree to women.
- At the time of this appointment, he was in Italy attending a meeting of the Dominican Order, a Roman Catholic religious order founded by Saint Dominic de Guzmán in France in 1216.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 36% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 0% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 0% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 60% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 85% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, hazing prohibited |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA III |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | choral groups, dance, drama/theater, literary magazine, musical theater, student government, student newspaper |