Admissions, Financial Aid, and Student Accounts (Tuition and Fees)

Admission of Undergraduate Students

Admission to Dominican University is open to individuals who are prepared academically to undertake a rigorous liberal arts program. Applicants for freshman admission are considered based on probable success as determined by grades in a college preparatory program, standardized test scores (optional), and class rank (for those applicants from high schools using a class rank). Transfer students are primarily evaluated based on course work completed at previous colleges and universities; in some cases, the high school record is considered. Admission decisions are announced on a rolling basis. Students are required to pay a tuition deposit after they have been accepted. The deposit is refundable until May 1 for students entering in the fall term and November 1 for students entering in the spring term. Housing arrangements may be made after the tuition deposit is paid. A housing application and deposit also are required for students planning to live on campus. Prospective students are urged to meet individually with an admission counselor and tour the campus. Other on-campus events are available throughout the year. Students needing special accommodations for such events are asked to contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission prior to the event.

All application materials become the property of Dominican University. Providing incomplete or inaccurate information regarding a previous academic record on an admission application form is grounds for denial of admission.

Admission from Secondary School Requirements

Entrance requirements for the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degree programs include a high school cumulative grade point average of 2.7 with special attention to grades in college preparatory courses; rank in the upper half of the high school graduating class (if available); and completion of 16 units of college preparatory work, including 14 in a combination of English, mathematics, social sciences, laboratory science, and foreign language. While standardized test scores, such as the ACT or SAT, will be accepted, they are not required to determine admission for fall 2024. Factors such as leadership, personal qualities, and co-curricular activities also are considered. Proof of high school graduation and proof of state-required immunization must be presented prior to enrolling at the university. Dominican University recognizes the General Education Development (GED) diploma in lieu of a high school diploma.

Application Procedure

Applicants for admission to the freshman class are responsible for having the following documents sent to the university:

1. The completed application, including an essay, which can be accessed from at www.dom.edu/apply or www.commonapp.org
2. An official high school transcript and college transcript (when applicable); and
3. Official SAT or ACT Composite (optional)

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADMISSION

• Online Application
• Official high school transcripts, emailed directly from the issuing institution
• Official high school transcripts/marksheets and translations through a certified translation agency must be emailed to the Director of International Enrollment at nencina@dom.edu. If relevant, include a school leaving certificate, certificate of secondary education, higher secondary certificate, or matriculation examination/official national examination results, and scratch card. 

Incoming international freshmen are not required to submit a credential evaluation, however, one may be requested if transcripts cannot be verified by Dominican.

• For advanced standing students must submit official transcripts to be evaluated by any of these evaluation agencies. This official evaluation, along with the official college/university transcript, must be emailed directly to Dominican University at nencina@dom.edu.
  • Scholaro (please use this specific link to obtain a 10% discount)
  • SpanTran (please use this specific link to obtain a 10% discount)
  • Education Credential Evaluators (ECE)
  • World Education Services (WES)
  •  Educational Perspectives

Proof of English Proficiency

International students who are not native speakers of English must provide proof of English language proficiency as part of the application to Dominican University. Accepted forms of proof are listed below.

Completion of qualifying academic program

• International Baccalaureate (IB): Successful completion of a full IB Diploma Program in English.
• Completion of a U.S. degree
• Completion of English 101 & 102 (or equivalent) with C- or better at a U.S. college or university
• Successfully completed degree taught in English curriculum from a U.S. accredited institution.
• Successfully completed degree from any of the following countries where English is the official language: Countries with English as Official Language

English Proficiency Exams

• Internet-based TOEFL iBT: minimum score of 79-80
• At-home TOEFL iBT test: minimum score of 79-80
• Paper TOEFL PBT: minimum score of 79-80
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): minimum score of 6
• Completion of ELS 112 (ELS Language Centers)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 53.  Please note that PTE Online is not currently accepted by consulates for visa applications. If taking the PTE exam, please provide us with a PTE Academic Test score
• ACT: minimum score of 21 in the English and Reading portion and a minimum score of 8 in the writing section
• SAT 520 or higher in the Reading and Writing Section

Completion of other qualifying programs, courses, or degrees

• Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE): B2 First
• International Baccalaureate (IB) English A: 5 or higher
• Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition with a minimum score of 4
• British Curriculum GCE (AS/A levels) English Language and/or English Language & Literature with a minimum result of C
• EdExcel IGCSE requires a minimum grade of B with speaking endorsed separately on the certificate.

If you have alternative English language qualifications or schooling, such as Malaysia SPM, GCE-O levels, or CBSE or ISC Indian Standard XII examinations, please feel free to email  Nereida Encina,  Director of International Enrollment for a case by case evaluation.

Applicants without proof of English proficiency can apply to the ELS program that is housed at Dominican University. Visit ELS program application and information to learn more.

Please note that U.S. citizens/permanent residents who have lived in the United States for less than eight years must submit an English proficiency test result.

For I-20

• Bank Statement showing a minimum of $50,900 USD and completed and a signed Financial Statement Form (pdf opens in a new window)
• A copy of your passport bio page

Advanced Placement (AP)

High school students are encouraged to take advanced placement tests and to apply for college-level academic credit based on the results. There is no maximum of credit awarded through AP examinations.  Any AP examination score of 3 or higher will be accepted by Dominican University for a minimum of three credit hours of general elective credit.  

In many cases, academic departments have identified specific course credit and/or core curriculum requirement equivalencies based upon a student’s AP scores. Dominican’s  AP Exam chart (pdf) outlines course equivalencies and credit hours awarded, based upon AP exam score. Any score of 3+ that is not reflected in the AP Exam chart, will be accepted for three credit hours of general elective credit. 

Students must have official scores sent to Dominican University, Office of Undergraduate Admission.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Dominican University recognizes the rigorous nature of the International Baccalaureate program and awards individual course credit for scores of four or above on higher-level IB examinations. Check the IB Exam chart (pdf) to see if you scored high enough to receive credit. Students may be awarded up to 30 semester hours of advanced standing for appropriate scores on higher-level examinations. For additional information, contact the Rosary College of Arts.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Subject to acceptable scores and to certain departmental qualifications, credit is granted for College Level Examination Program tests in various subject areas.

A maximum of 28 semester hours of credit may be granted with no more than 12 semester hours in one subject area. Students must have official scores sent to Dominican University. Check the CLEP Exam chart (pdf) to see if you scored high enough to receive credit. For additional information, contact the Rosary College of Arts and Sciences office at (708) 524-6814.

Information about the College Level Examination Program can be secured at clep.collegeboard.org.

Seal of Biliteracy

Dominican University recognizes the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy as evidence of a student having attained a high level of proficiency in one or more languages in addition to English.  Accordingly, students whose high school transcripts indicate receipt of the State Seal of Biliteracy in French, Italian, or Spanish shall receive three elective credits in each of the targeted world languages for which the Seal is being awarded.  These credits may be counted towards the major or minor in the respective language.  However, fulfillment of the language requirement and placement into the French, Italian, or Spanish language sequence is determined by Dominican University Assessment. Students may utilize either AP scores of 4 or 5 or the Seal of Biliteracy for course credit, but not both.

Admission to Honors Degree Program

Incoming full-time freshmen of superior ability are selected to participate in the honors degree program. Normally, students with a 4.50 or greater weighted grade point average, and who have completed honors or advanced placement classes in high school, are chosen for the honors program. Freshmen with a 3.75-4.49 weighted grade point average will be considered. Transfer students who meet comparable criteria in their previous college work may be eligible for the honors program.

Early Enrollment to Dominican University

Students wishing to begin college classes before receiving the high school diploma will be considered for admission to the freshman class upon completion of the junior year and fulfillment of the following conditions:

1. Recommendation for admission to Dominican University by the high school principal or counselor and at least one high school teacher; 
2. Completion of not fewer than 14 units acceptable toward admission to Dominican University, 11 of which shall be in subjects prescribed for admission; and
3. On-campus interview with the appropriate admission counselor responsible for the applicant’s high school. 

Conditional Admission Opportunities

Dominican University admits a limited number of students each year who do not meet all the regular admission requirements but who have demonstrated the potential to complete university course work successfully. For these students, a condition of admission may be participation in the summer Transitions program or enrollment in the Blue Print for Academic Success. In cases where the Admission Committee believes that it is in the student’s best interest it may limit the number of hours a student can take in the first term of enrollment.

Admission of Transfer Students

A transfer student is one who has attended another post-secondary institution after graduating high school/GED, regardless of the number of credits completed. Students in good standing from regionally accredited two-year or four-year colleges will be considered for admission.

Candidates applying as transfer students are responsible for having the following documents sent to the university:

1. The completed university application form;
2. Official transcripts from each college and university attended; and
3. The official high school transcript, when requested.

Please forward official transcripts electronically to operations@dom.edu. 

In order to be considered official, transcripts must be sent to Dominican (DU) from the issuing institution(s). Many schools utilize third-party services - such as Parchment, the National Student Clearinghouse, or the Common App - to send transcripts directly to DU. However, if prompted when ordering, institutions can also send transcripts to DU via email (operations@dom.edu) or mail:

            Dominican University

            C/O Admissions Operations

            7900 Division St

            River Forest, IL 60305

Unofficial transcripts - such as those submitted to Admissions by applicants or current students - will not be processed.

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit is generally granted for courses comparable to those offered by Dominican University that were successfully completed with a grade of “C-” or above at another regionally accredited institution. The university will evaluate all hours submitted by the transfer applicant and reserves the right to accept or deny any of the credits for transfer.

Upon receipt of official transcripts, Stars Connect, in consultation with the appropriate academic department(s), will officially assess transfer credit after a transfer student has been formally admitted and has declared a major; only those hours that satisfy requirements will be applied to the degree and included in the student’s cumulative earned hours (grade points from transfer courses are not included in the Dominican grade point average).

Up to 68 semester hours are accepted in transfer from a two-year school and up to 90 semester hours are accepted from four-year colleges and universities (see residency requirements). Four semester hours in physical education, health or recreation courses can be applied toward the 124 total semester hours required for a bachelor’s degree.

Second Bachelor’s Degree

Students holding a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution (including Dominican) may receive a second bachelor’s degree from Dominican University provided that:

1. All university general education requirements, foundation and area requirements, and major requirements are met;
2. A minimum of 34 semester hours is earned in residence at Dominican University;
3. A cumulative grade point average of 2.00 is attained. Transfer student restrictions apply to second baccalaureate degree candidates.

Transfer student admission requirements and procedures apply to second B.A. or B.S. candidates.

1. While candidates seeking a second B.A. or B.S. cannot receive financial assistance through the FAFSA, they can receive a Transfer Merit Scholarship for the amount that corresponds with their cumulative grade point average.

Admission of Transfer International Students

• Online Application
• Official high school transcripts photcopies, emailed directly from the issuing institution
• Transcript evaluation: For a direct evaluation of your credits to Dominican University, it is highly recommended that you request a Catalog Match for an opportunity of possibly obtaining direct course credits. A Catalog Match can be ordered from Educational Perspectives.

Other acceptable evaluation agencies include:

• Scholaro (please use this specific link to obtain a 10% discount)
• SpanTran (please use this specific link to obtain a 10% discount)
• Education Credential Evaluators (ECE)
• World Education Services (WES)

Please note that these other credential evaluation agencies do not offer Catalog Match. For SpanTran, Scholaro, ECE, or WES, you would need to ask for a course-by-course evaluation. This type of evaluation will only transfer any eligible credits as electives and not as direct course credits, if any.

INTERNATIONAL TRANSFER STUDENTS WITHIN THE U.S. COMPLETING A DEGREE OR TRANSFERRING CREDITS FROM AN INSTITUTION IN THE U.S. DO NOT NEED TO COMPLETE A CREDENTIAL EVALUATION FROM CREDITS EARENED WITHIN THE U.S.

Nutrition Students: Please note that the nutrition program only accepts credential evaluations from SpanTran, Scholaro, WES, and Educational Perspectives.

Credential evaluations must be sent directly from the credential evaluation agency to the Director of International Admission at nencina@dom.edu.

Applicants from countries where English is not the primary language must demonstrate proficiency in the English language.  Acceptable English proficiency exams/programs would include:

Completion of qualifying academic program

• International Baccalaureate (IB): Successful completion of a full IB Diploma Program in English.
• Completion of a U.S. degree
• Completion of English 101 & 102 (or equivalent) with C- or better at a U.S. college or university
• Successfully completed degree taught in English curriculum from a U.S. accredited institution.
• Successfully completed degree from any of the following countries where English is the official language: Countries with English as Official Language

English Proficiency Exams

• Internet-based TOEFL iBT: minimum score of 79-80
• At-home TOEFL iBT test: minimum score of 79-80
• Paper TOEFL PBT: minimum score of 79-80
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): minimum score of 6
• Completion of ELS 112 (ELS Language Centers)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 53
• ACT: minimum score of 21 in the English and Reading portion and a minimum score of 8 in the writing section
• SAT score of 520 or higher in the Reading and Writing Section

Completion of other qualifying programs, courses, or degrees

• Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE): B2 First
• International Baccalaureate (IB) English A: 5 or higher
• Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition with a minimum score of 4
• British Curriculum GCE (AS/A levels) English Language and/or English Language & Literature with a minimum result of C
• EdExcel IGCSE requires a minimum grade of B with speaking endorsed separately on the certificate.

Applicants with alternative English language qualifications or schooling, such as Malaysia SPM, GCE-O levels, or CBSE or ISC Indian Standard XII examinations, the Director of International Enrollment should be contacted for a case by case evaluation.

International students should be advised that they must pay the first semester’s tuition, fees, and room and board in full prior to beginning classes. International students are advised that limited financial aid is available to them from the university. The magnitude of educational and living costs should be clearly defined.

Information needed to complete the I-20 form will be collected for all international students, including information regarding financial support.

The International Student Advisor will issue the I-20 form after the student has been accepted for admission and provided all required documents, including evidence of financial support. Students with a B-2 (tourist) visa are not permitted to study in the United States, and would have to request a change of status in order to be eligible to study.  Students with an F-2 visa are permitted to study on a part-time basis only.  

All I-20 forms will be transmitted directly to the student electronically. Dominican University will not mail I-20 forms, unless otherwise directed by USCIS and/or SEVP.

Degree Completion Agreements

Dominican University, in partnership with over 10 area community colleges, offers a number of degree completion programs. Generally, completing certain programs at one of these colleges admits the student into a bachelor’s degree program at Dominican. Please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission for a complete listing of degree completion programs.

Admission to Certificate or Licensure Programs

Students admitted to certificate or licensure programs will follow the same procedures as outlined for degree-seeking students. Students accepted into certificate programs may apply those credits toward a bachelor’s degree. The change of status must be filed with the Office of the Registrar.

Admission as an Undergraduate Student-at-Large

Students who are not seeking a degree and who have graduated from high school or earned a GED may be admitted as students-at-large. Students-at-large need to complete a special application and present official transcripts for high school and any previous college work. The college transcripts will serve to verify 1) whether specific prerequisite courses had been taken, and 2) that the student was in good standing at the most recent institution.

Students-at-large may register for up to 30 semester hours of credit before they must change to degree-seeking status. Credits earned as students-at-large at Dominican may then be applied to satisfy degree requirements.

They must meet all admission requirements when applying for degree-seeking status and are subject to all academic rules and regulations during their attendance at the university.

Students seeking teacher licensure or Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) certification, or students registering for certificate and/or licensure programs, may not apply as students-at-large. Students-at-large are not eligible for financial aid.

Tuition Exchanges

Dominican University participates in the Catholic College Cooperative Tuition Exchange (CCCTE), the Council of Independent Colleges Tuition Exchange (CIC-TEP), and Tuition Exchange (TE). Dependents of employees of participating institutions are eligible for tuition benefits at Dominican University. Additional information on these tuition exchanges is available in the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

Admission of Graduate Students

Admission Requirements

Applicants to a Dominican University master’s degree programs are required to submit official transcripts from a regionally accredited college or university showing the conferral of a bachelor’s degree. Applicant’s to the PhD program are required to submit official transcripts from a regionally accredited college or university showing conferral of a master’s degree. Additional admission requirements are outlined in each school’s profile and/or included with graduate program listings.

Student at Large

Applicants interested in enrolling in a class or classes as a student-at-large-with no intention of completing a degree or other program-need to apply through the college or school that offers the course(s) they are interested in taking.

International Students

Applicants who were educated outside of the United States and/or students requiring a student visa must:

Meet the requirements for admission as outlined in each school’s profile and/or included with the graduate program listing. 

International student admission is separate from receiving an I-20 form for an F-1 visa application. Admission to Dominican University does not guarantee that an international student seeking a student visa and in need of an I-20 will obtain an I-20 form. Please review both the requirements for international student admission and the requirements for obtaining an I-20.

For International Graduate Admission

• An online application must be completed. 

Credential Evaluation: Complete a course-by-course credential evalutaion through any of the following evaluation agencies:

Other acceptable evaluation agencies include:

• Scholaro (with specific link to obtain a 10% discount)
• SpanTran (with specific link to obtain a 10% discount)
• Education Credential Evaluators
• World Education Services
• Educational Perspectives

Please note that these other credential evaluation agencies do not offer Catalog Match. For SpanTran, Scholaro, ECE, or WES, a course-by-course evaluation would need to be ordered. This type of evaluation will only transfer any eligible credits as electives and not as direct course credits, if any.

Nutrition Students: The nutrition program only accepts credential evaluations from SpanTran, Scholaro, WES, and Educational Perspectives.

Credential evaluations must be sent directly from the credential evaluation agency to the Director of International Admission at nencina@dom.edu or directly to the university through electronic code. 

Proof of English Proficiency

International students who are not native speakers of English must provide proof of English language proficiency as part of the application to Dominican University. Accepted forms of proof are listed below

• Internet-based TOEFL iBT: minimum score of 79-80
• At-home TOEFL iBT test: minimum score of 79-80
• Paper TOEFL PBT: minimum score of 79-80
• IELTS: International English Language Testing System: minimum score of 6.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: minimum score of 53
• Completion of ELS 112
• Completion of an undergraduate degree at a U.S. college or university or completion of an undergraduate degree program outside the U.S. that was taught in English.
• Successfully completed degree from any of the following countries where English is the official language: Countries with English as Official Language

Following admission, Dominican can assist with immigration requirements. Dominican is authorized by the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services to issue SEVIS I-20s and DS 2019s for students living abroad or those wishing to transfer their SEVIS records. International students requiring an I-20 form for the F-1 student visa must show evidence of sufficient funds to cover a full year of tuition, fees, and living expenses including:

• Housing costs (whether room and board in university residence halls or off-campus housing) are the student’s responsibility.
• Medical insurance (international students are automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan via the Dominican Wellness Center unless they can document existing coverage that is equal to or better than the student plan offered)
• Books and personal items
• Support during such times when the university is not in session

University Admission Policies

Dominican University does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, age, marital status, political orientation, sexual orientation or diverse lifestyle in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarships, loan programs or any other program administered by the university.

Applications

• Only completed application files will be reviewed by the admission committee.
• Providing incomplete or inaccurate information regarding a previous academic record on an admission application is grounds for denial of admission.
• All application materials become the property of Dominican University; no credentials will be returned to the applicant.
• Students admitted to an undergraduate program of study may defer their enrollment for up to two semesters; students will be required to submit a short form and confirm that they have not attended other colleges or universities since deferring before enrolling at Dominican University. Financial aid, such as scholarships received at the original time of admission acceptance, may be subject to change for students deferring their enrollment. 
• Students admitted to a graduate program of study may defer their enrollment for a maximum of one year. After that, it is necessary to reapply. 
• Applicants who have withdrawn their application after it has been submitted must reapply for further consideration.

Students in Need of Accommodations and Accessibility

At Dominican University, no qualified individual with a disability will be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of the university. Accommodations and Disability Access is a university resource promoting barrier-free environments (physical, program, information, attitude) and assisting the university in meeting its obligations under federal statutes and school tradition with regard to the rights of students with disabilities.

Accommodations and Disability Access coordinates providing necessary and appropriate services for students with disabilities. Upon receipt of appropriate documentation of disability, the office assists by providing or arranging appropriate auxiliary aids and services, reasonable accommodations, academic adjustments, and consultation. In some instances Accommodations and Disability Access acts as a liaison with other appropriate state and federal agencies.

Students are encouraged to meet individually with our Accommodations and Disability Access staff to determine what specific services and accommodations are needed. It is the responsibility of the student to make requests for auxiliary aids or special services at least three weeks prior to the start of a program or class. While accommodations should be requested at least three weeks prior to the start of a program or class, students can contact Accommodations and Disability Access at any time to discuss their needs.   

Appealing an Accommodation Decision or Filing a Grievance

If your accommodation request is denied by Accommodations and Disability Access staff, you have the right to appeal the decision and your request will be reviewed again by a designated campus committee. To start the process of appealing an accommodation decision, email ADA@dom.edu.

If you have been approved for accommodations, but feel that your accommodations are not being met on campus, please contact us. We are here to support you, advocate with faculty, and help determine if a particular accommodation can be met in a given class, program, or setting. We can also help facilitate communication between you and any faculty or staff, to help promote understanding.

Any individual who feels they have been discriminated against due to disability or access needs can file a grievance by submitting a report through Dominican University’s One Process reporting system.

Immunization and Vaccination Policy

Students registering for post-secondary education must submit to the university evidence of immunity against those diseases specified in the rules and regulations promulgated by the Illinois Department of Public Health and Dominican University. All students are required to comply with the University policy for Immunizations and Vaccinations by the first day of class:

• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR): Two MMR (measles/mumps/rubella) given at least 28 days apart after the first birthday. Individuals born before January 1, 1957 are exempt from MMR vaccine documentation.
• Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (TDAP): At least 3 doses of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis containing vaccine are REQUIRED. One dose must be TDAP (tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis) within the past 10 years. 
• Meningitis: One Meningitis vaccine given after the 16^th birthday for students under 22 years of age.

Tuberculosis Screening  All incoming students are required to be screened for Tuberculosis (TB) through a screening questionnaire. Those students with identifiable risk factors for exposure to TB and/or for TB disease will be tested. Incoming students at low risk will not be tested for TB. Students with a documented previous positive test will not be retested.

Students in some academic programs, including education, nutrition, nursing and physician assistant programs, must meet additional requirements as determined by their College.

Students that are enrolled in an academic program, specifically designated by the College as Online, are exempt from meeting this requirement.  Students that are registered for all online classes in a term but not in a fully online academic program are required to comply.

Medical and Religious Exemption To qualify for a religious or medical exemption, students will need to complete the vaccine exemption form. The form must be signed by the student and a healthcare provider. The State of Illinois requires a visit with the healthcare provider to discuss implications of not having all the vaccines. 

Failure to comply with the policy will result in the assessment of fines and/or withholding of grades and transcripts until compliance is complete. Immunization records are available from high schools or from personal physicians and are to be submitted to the Wellness Center. Any questions regarding immunization records should be directed to the Wellness Center.

Eligibility to Use Veterans Benefits

Dominican University is approved by the State Approving Agency for the training of veterans and is a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program for the Post-9/11 GI Bill*. Veterans should obtain a certificate of eligibility from their local veterans administration office at least one month before they plan to enter college. 

*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill . Veterans should obtain a certificate of eligibility from their local veterans administration office at least one month before they plan to enter college.

Financial Aid

The financial aid program at Dominican University provides assistance to students whose personal and family resources cannot meet the cost of education. Assistance is in the form of federal, state, and institutional grants, loans, and employment. Only those students who have been accepted for admission are considered for financial aid.

An applicant’s aid eligibility will be determined by an evaluation of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To be eligible for federal and state aid, students must be degree-seeking United States citizens or permanent residents.  Also, students who are ineligible to file the FAFSA and are Illinois residents, can review the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid and see if they are eligible to complete it for consideration for the State of IL MAP Grant (Est). To remain eligible for financial aid, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress.  Students are also required to complete annual submission of the FAFSA or the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid to receive federal and state aid.  Students can visit the Dominican University website for more details on financial aid.  

Financial Aid Application Process 

 Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid to be considered for federal and/or state financial aid. Students must list Dominican University (FAFSA school code 001750) as the institution to receive the information. Both returning students and new students are encouraged to file their FAFSA  or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid as soon after October 1 as possible. Some students may be required to submit additional information.

Student Accounts -Tuition and Fees

Costs 2025 - 2026 Academic Year

New students: Welcome to Dominican University (DU)!

Please review this section for specific financial information regarding your tuition account at DU. 

Upon acceptance to Dominican University (DU), new students are required to make a $200 tuition deposit. This should be done electronically through the Common App process and also can be made directly with DU. New students who intend to live on campus are required to make a separate $200 housing deposit.  The deposits will be credited to the student’s tuition account balance after the Add-Drop Period. Tuition and housing deposits can be refunded if the student cancels by the deadline date (May 1 for the fall semester and November 1 for the spring semester, unless the dates are extended in unforeseeable circumstances-which will be posted).  If cancelled after that deadline date, the deposit(s) will be forfeited. Students can make tuition deposits and payments via Slate, DU’s online payment portal, or with the Stars Connect Office. 

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

It is the understanding that once a student registers for classes, the student accepts that they will be charged for the courses and fees. At this time, a tuition account will be established. The tuition balance will comprise tuition/fees, and room & board (if applicable). Financial Aid items (scholarships, grants, and loans) will be credited to the tuition account to offset the tuition balance. The tuition balance will remain until the account is paid in full.  Students may not be allowed to register for future terms if the tuition balance is not in an acceptable status. Students should work quickly with Stars Connect or the Business Office to resolve any unpaid balances. Accounts with outstanding balances over a prolonged period of time are subject to external collection activity, additional collection fees, credit rating reporting, and possible legal costs.   

TUITION STATEMENTS:

Tuition statements are generated per the student’s registration each semester. Tuition, fees, room and board are charged to the student’s account each semester, see Tuition Charges below. Financial Aid amounts (grants, scholarships and loans) are credited to the tuition statement, which reduces the overall tuition amount the student will pay. Tuition charges and financial aid amounts will be first processed in preliminary status, until after the Add-Drop Period. Shortly after, tuition and fees, as well as financial aid, will be processed in actual mode. For account updates, students should regularly review their tuition balances on DU’s internal website (myDU).  Static tuition statements will be processed regularly and stored on the student’s myDU account. In addition, tuition statements in real-time are always available for review, and students should regularly review these.

Before each term begins, registered students will receive an email to their DU email address notifying them that their eBill is ready for review. At this time, students should prepare to make payments in full or set up a payment plan. The notification process will continue throughout the semester.  

ROOM AND BOARD CHARGES: 

Room and board charges are based upon the full year’s costs and are billed each semester. It is expected that students will remain in housing the entire year except in cases when degree work is completed before the end of the academic year. Refunds will be made on a prorated basis in the case of withdrawal due to serious illness or withdrawal at the request of university officials. 

PAYMENT DUE DATES and PAYMENT PLANS: 

Tuition payments are due in full at the start of the semester, unless the student signs up for DU’s zero interest payment plan, and pays accordingly. Enrollment is easy. Students will enroll through DU’s online payment portal (myDU), or by assistance from the Stars Connect or Student Accounts Office.  The payment plan fee is $45 per semester. Payments can be made online via DU’s online payment portal (on myDU), or with the Stars Connect Office.  Throughout the semester, the tuition balance must be in good standing before the student is allowed to register for a future semester. Financial arrangements can be discussed with the Business Office or with Stars Connect.  

FEES FOR NON-PAYMENT OR LATE PAYMENTS: 

 Failure to pay in full or to sign up for a payment plan could result in a $90 deferment fee (charged once a semester). Also finance fees of 1% will be billed to the tuition account each month.    

THIRD-PARTY REIMBURSEMENTS FOR TUITION PAYMENT: 

 If a student has an employer reimbursement agreement or any other third-party agreement that will pay the tuition, the student must timely submit this information at the start of each term to the Business Office or Stars Connect to avoid the finance fees. 

STUDENTS MUST OFFICIALLY DROP: 

If the student decides he/she no longer wants to be in class(es), or stops attending class(es), he/she must officially drop the class(es) in order for tuition amounts to be adjusted. This can be done on myDU. Adjustments to tuition will be made according to the Refund Schedule. The date of the drop determines the amount of tuition adjustment.   

TUITION REFUND SCHEDULE: 

According to DU’s policies, students are allowed to add or drop classes during the Add/Drop period without much financial impact. Students must officially drop from course(s) to have tuition amounts adjusted. This will need to be done timely. Officially dropping from a course is done on myDU or by contacting the Stars Connect or Student Accounts Offices. Adjustments to tuition amounts will be based on the Refund Schedule below. Dates are important and will dictate the amount of adjustment that the student receives. The Student Accounts Office will calculate the amount of adjustment based on the schedule below.  

TUITION REFUND SCHEDULE - DROPS/WITHDRAWALS

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS:

GRADUATE STUDENTS:

The withdrawal will be dated as of the day that notice of withdrawal is given to the Students Accounts unless extenuating circumstances warrant an adjusted withdrawal date. See the Academic Regulations page for further information on withdrawing from classes. 

REFUND FOR OVERPAYMENT OF TUITION AMOUNTS:   

When payments, actual financial aid amounts, and/or loans exceed the amount of tuition/fees/room and board, this creates a refund. Refunds are amounts due to the student.  Refunds will not be issued based on estimated or pending financial aid amounts and are only refunded when loan amounts are actually received.  Dominican reserves the right not to refund any of its own grants and scholarships to students.  

The refund process begins shortly after the Add/Drop Period each semester. Refunds created from Title IV aid (Pell Grants, SEOG Grants, and loans) will be automatically refunded unless the student gives written permission that the funds may remain in the student’s tuition account. If the refund is generated by parent loans, the refund will generally be issued to the parent, unless the parent authorizes their student to receive the refund. Students are encouraged to sign up for electronic refunds (done on myDU), which is a direct deposit to the student’s personal bank account.  If the student is not set up for an electronic refund, then the refund will be sent by eCheck (an electronic check sent to the student’s DU email account), or by paper check if the refund is from a parent loan.  Refunds are generally processed within 14 business days of actual receipt, as shown on the tuition account. 

BOOKS 

Dominican University offers each enrolled student a $500  line of credit at the bookstore, which is available the day after the student registers for classes and once the books for the semester become available. If the student has enough financial aid to cover your book purchase, then no additional steps need to be taken. If not, please contact the  Stars Connect Office to discuss your payment options. Students are expected to regularly review their tuition account on Dominican University’s intranet (myDU). If the bookstore voucher is used, the amount used will be charged to the tuition statement. Payment plan amounts may be revised as bookstore purchases are added to the bill.  

Books and supplies are an additional out of pocket expense and do not initially appear on the tuition statement, unless the bookstore voucher is used. Bookstore expenses could range from $200 to $1,000 per semester, depending on the student’s major and course load. Visit the Stepan Bookstore online. 

STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE: 

Students who do not have health insurance should visit the Wellness Center at Dominican University’s River Forest campus for assistance in navigating your health insurance options. 

GRADGUARD INSURANCE (OPTIONAL): 

Students can protect their tuition account balances by purchasing tuition insurance with Dominican University’s partner, GradGuard. This is optional insurance. Students will pay GradGuard directly.   

UNDERGRADUATE TUITION 2025-2026, FEES, and EXPENSES                                                                                                                                

Borra College of Health Sciences; College of Business, Information Studies & Technology; Rosary College of Arts, Education & Sciences

Undergraduate Tuition & Housing - Chicago Campus

Undergraduate Fees 2025-2026

Housing - River Forest 2025-2026

Board Plan - River Forest 2025-2026

GRADUATE TUITION AND FEES: 2025-2026