Natural Sciencesat Dominican University
Graduates earn $27,081/yr in their first year — about 14.0% below the national Natural Sciences average. Base-case 10-year earnings $768K; scenarios range from $717K to $781K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Dominican University
Dominican's Natural Sciences program, while part of a small, specialized national cohort, often sees graduates entering roles where initial compensation reflects a strong foundation in theory rather than immediate high-paying industry application. Many pursue careers in education, government agencies, or non-profit research in the Chicago area, which may offer robust benefits and work-life balance but aren't always top-tier for early-career salaries. Opportunities at institutions like Argonne National Lab, local universities, or environmental consultancies are common, but often require further specialization or advanced degrees to reach management or senior scientist levels. You'll likely benefit from the personalized attention a smaller university offers, but your career trajectory will heavily depend on leveraging internships and networking within the Chicago metro's diverse scientific community. Consider aligning your coursework and experiences closely with specific career interests to maximize your post-graduation earnings potential.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Dominican University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Natural Sciences
How Dominican University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Dominican University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Dominican University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Natural Sciences offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Natural Sciences trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Natural Sciences at Dominican University
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.