Natural Sciences at Dominican University

River Forest, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
25 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
26
Optimistic
25
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $27,081/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Medium (24,400 openings/yr)
ROI 5.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #9 of 11 Natural Sciences programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Natural Sciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $781K $768K $717K
Earnings Multiple 5.2x 5.1x 4.7x
Probability of Field Employment 77% 74% 64%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 25 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$151,376
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$60,452
60% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,109
11.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$64,442
138% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $27,081/yr, Natural Sciences graduates from Dominican University land near the $31,645 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 5.1x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,109 debt-to-$27,081 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #9 out of 11 programs, Dominican University's financial outcomes for Natural Sciences trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $27,081 to $64,442 over five years (138% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Dominican University

With 80% of applicants admitted, Dominican University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 2,271 students in River Forest, IL. Pell Grant recipients make up 49% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity. The average net cost of $60,452 over four years represents a 60% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Dominican University →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Physical scientists, all other $117,960/yr
Life scientists, all other $87,800/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Natural Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at Dominican University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Dominican University's Natural Sciences program score?
This program scores 25/100 — on the lower end for Natural Sciences. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How affordable is Natural Sciences at Dominican University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $151,376, but the average net cost is $60,452 — a 60% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →