DUofC vs. Whittier College

Comparable Facts

Compare Dominican University of California in San Rafael, CA with Whittier College in Whittier, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Dominican University of California is larger than Whittier College based on total student enrollment (1,900 students vs. 795 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Dominican University of California is located in San Rafael, CA (Small City setting); Whittier College is in Whittier, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• Dominican University of California is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Whittier College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Dominican University of California 8:1; Whittier College 8:1.

DUofC vs. Whittier College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DUofC or Whittier College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Whittier College than DUofC ($28,101 vs. $37,456).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dominican University of California are 5.2% lower than at Whittier College ($16,191 vs. $17,082).
• Dominican University of California is 1.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Whittier College (about $811 more per year; $52,161.00 vs. $51,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.6% higher at DUofC than at Whittier College (about $811 more per year; $52,161.00 vs. $51,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dominican University of California than at Whittier College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Whittier College students is 5.7% larger than aid received by Dominican University of California students ($36,176 vs. $34,224).

DUofC vs. Whittier College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, DUofC or Whittier College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Whittier College and DUofC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Dominican University of California (1260) is 20 points higher than at Whittier College (1240).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dominican University of California 1210/1300; Whittier College 1140/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWhittier College 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DUofC - Test optional; Whittier College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman DUofC students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Whittier College (3.61).
• DUofC has a higher acceptance rate (83.5%) than Whittier College (80.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at DUofC vs. 5.4% at Whittier College.

DUofC vs. Whittier College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DUofC and Whittier College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Dominican University of California's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Whittier College's (55%).
• Graduates from Dominican University of California earn a median of about $11,000 more per year than Whittier College graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,400 vs. $47,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Whittier College graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than DUofC graduates ($25,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Whittier College graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than DUofC graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More DUofC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Whittier College students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 69%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.