Dominican vs. Marian University

Comparable Facts

Compare Dominican University in River Forest, IL with Marian University in Fond Du Lac, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Dominican University is larger than Marian University based on total student enrollment (3,803 students vs. 1,246 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Dominican University is located in River Forest, IL (Large Suburban setting); Marian University is in Fond Du Lac, WI (Small City setting).
• Dominican University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Dominican University 12:1; Marian University 11:1.

Dominican vs. Marian University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Dominican or Marian University? 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 Dominican University than Marian University ($13,402 vs. $22,697).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Marian University are 22.5% lower than at Dominican University ($9,849 vs. $12,716).
• Dominican University is 10.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marian University (about $3,800 more per year; $38,978.00 vs. $35,178.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.8% higher at Dominican than at Marian University (about $3,800 more per year; $38,978.00 vs. $35,178.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Dominican University as at Marian University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Dominican University students is 41.1% larger than aid received by Marian University students ($30,756 vs. $21,805).

Dominican vs. Marian University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Dominican or Marian University? 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 Marian University and Dominican.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Dominican University (990) is 50 points higher than at Marian University (940).
• Incoming Dominican students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Marian University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dominican University 880/1100; Marian University 800/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dominican University 16/26; Marian University 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Dominican - Test optional; Marian University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Dominican Aug 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Dominican students have a 0.58 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Marian University (3.16).
• Dominican has a higher acceptance rate (90.3%) than Marian University (75%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Dominican vs. 18% at Marian University.

Dominican vs. Marian University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Dominican and Marian University? 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's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Marian University's (52%).
• Graduates from Dominican University earn a median of about $4,500 more per year than Marian University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $43,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dominican University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Marian University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Dominican graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marian University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Dominican graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marian University students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 63%)

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.