
7900 W. Division Street, River Forest, IL 60305-1099, USA


Dominican University supports a range of athletic programs as part of its commitment to fostering physical fitness, teamwork, and school spirit among students. The university competes in NCAA Division III, where the emphasis remains on both academic success and athletic participation. Students can engage in various varsity sports, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, cross country, and golf, which provide competitive opportunities throughout the academic year.
In addition to varsity sports, Dominican offers intramural and club sports, allowing students a more casual environment to stay active and enjoy recreational competition. These programs cater to a broad range of interests and skill levels, encouraging widespread student involvement.
The university maintains facilities that support athletic training and events, contributing to student wellness and campus life. These facilities typically include gymnasiums, fitness centers, and outdoor fields, helping athletes and recreational participants pursue their interests effectively.
Dominican University offers a variety of student organizations that cater to a range of interests and backgrounds. Among these are the Organization of Latin American Students, which supports cultural engagement and community among Latin American students. The Student Athlete Advisory Committee provides a platform for athletic members to voice their concerns and contribute to the campus community.
The Student Government Association represents the wider student body, facilitating governance and involvement in university decisions. For students seeking a community centered on racial identity and support, the Black Student Union is available. Additionally, the Commuter Student Association serves the needs of students who commute to campus, helping them connect and access resources.
Overall, Dominican University maintains a diverse selection of student groups to encourage participation and foster a sense of belonging across its student population, which totals 2,471 students.
Dominican University primarily serves a student body with a strong in-state presence, as 90% of its students come from within the state, placing it among the top 20% of similar institutions nationwide for local enrollment. Out-of-state students constitute only 10%, a relatively low proportion compared to many universities. The share of U. S. students from other states is very low, ranking in the bottom 5%, while international representation is minimal, reflecting a generally local and regional student demographic.
The university enrolls an average-sized cohort, with 651 freshmen and 151 transfer students in recent years, totaling 802 new students. These figures sit in the lower half nationally, indicating that Dominican University is neither among the largest nor smallest institutions by new student intake. This moderate enrollment suggests a campus environment that is not overwhelmingly large, potentially offering a more personalized educational experience.
In terms of age distribution, undergraduates show a diverse range but predominantly fall within the traditional college-age groups. The largest groups are students aged 18 to 19 (1,094) and those aged 20 to 21 (763). Younger than 18-year-old undergraduates number 122, while a notable portion of older students aged 22 to 24 (276), 25 to 29 (76), and even beyond 30 are present but in smaller numbers. Graduate students tend to be older, with significant numbers between ages 25 and 49, illustrating that graduate programs attract a more mature population. For example, 289 graduate students are aged 25 to 29, 163 are 40 to 49, and even some above 65 years old pursue advanced studies, highlighting the university's appeal to lifelong learners.
The ethnic composition at Dominican University demonstrates a diverse community with a relatively strong Hispanic presence. Hispanic students number 1,773, placing the university in the top 40% nationally for Hispanic enrollment. African American students total 150, white students 466, and Asian students 78, all of which are average compared to national percentiles but lean toward the lower side within their categories. Other ethnic groups such as Native American, Pacific Islander, and multiracial students are present but in smaller numbers, collectively enriching the campus diversity.
Dominican University offers a campus environment that spans 37 acres, providing a space for various student activities and organizations. Although it does not support NCAA athletics, the university encourages student involvement through a range of cultural and artistic outlets. Students can participate in campus theater productions and join the campus chorus, fostering creative expression and community engagement.
Several student services are available to support well-being, including a health clinic and psychological counseling. Additionally, the university provides resources for veterans through a dedicated Veterans Affairs office. While there is no campus radio, band, or TV station, the presence of a campus newspaper offers a platform for student journalism and campus communication.
These offerings reflect Dominican University's balanced commitment to both student support and extracurricular involvement, with a student-faculty ratio of 12 to 1 facilitating personalized academic attention within a moderate-sized student body of approximately 3,800 students.
Dominican University offers students access to two libraries, with the Crown Library serving as the main facility. This number of libraries places the university in the average range nationally, ranking around the 54th percentile.
Students benefit from one additional library beyond the main one, which is also considered average and in the top half of comparable institutions. Together, these libraries provide both physical and digital access to resources, including study rooms and trained staff to assist with research needs.
While the total collection includes over 106,000 books, this number is relatively modest and falls below the median level for similar universities. The availability of subscriptions mirrors this pattern, with 551 subscriptions and 65,565 digital subscriptions, both also below the average in their respective percentiles.
Digital resources are supplemented by a sizable ebook collection of approximately 285,500 titles and 202 databases, both reflecting somewhat limited breadth compared to peer institutions. Despite these constraints, students have access during established hours totaling 93 service hours weekly. However, the libraries do not feature all-day access, which may affect late-night study options.
Additionally, Dominican University's libraries participate in shared collections, enhancing available materials beyond their own holdings. Overall, the library system offers a balanced mix of traditional and electronic resources appropriate for the institution's size and scope.
Total enrollment
3804Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
747Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
152 full time, 327 part timeVeterans affair office
YesMain library name
Crown LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
2Reservable study rooms in library
Yes24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes