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Proven Success. Shared Commitment. 

As a federally designated HSI since 2011, Dominican University has grown from a Hispanic-enrolling institution to a model for how to truly serve today’s diverse Latine student populations. 

Grounded in our Catholic, Dominican tradition, we approach the needs, strengths, and lived experiences of our students holistically, building a mission-centered strategy aimed at expanding social mobility for Latine—and all—students.

A National Model in Supporting the Success of Latine Students

Dominican’s HSI identity is about more than the numbers of students who enroll. It’s about expanding scholarships, reducing equity gaps, creating new pathways to 䰮Ƶ school and careers, and so much more.

It’s Good to Go First

We know what it’s like to go first. Around half our students are the first in their families to go to college. Here, it’s a point of pride and celebration.

Gateway to STEM

Underrepresented students in STEM can face obstacles. We help clear them from our students’ path, so they can focus on their success and their goals.

A Culturally Sustaining Campus 

At Dominican, our HSI identity is a lived experience woven into every facet of student life. We intentionally design spaces, staffing, and teaching practices that create a more inclusive community. From dedicated leaders in equity to culturally affirming spaces like the Center for Cultural Liberation, we view every interaction with our students through a mission-centered lens. Here are just a few examples:

Dominican’s Office of Justice, Equity & Inclusion has tripled in size in the last four years, reflecting Dominican’s commitment to integrate this work across the institution. This expansion allows for more proactive programming, deeper partnerships with academic units, and greater capacity to respond to student needs.

Dominican’s Center for Cultural Liberation (CCL) was founded in 2020 in response to a call from students for a multicultural space on campus. Now celebrating its 5th anniversary, the CCL serves as a hub for Latinx, LGBTQ+, and other underrepresented students, offering programming that affirms identity, builds leadership, and fosters cross-cultural understanding. Its success inspired the creation of a new Black Cultural Center opening in Fall 2025, a further affirmation that Dominican invests in models of belonging that grow with student needs.

Dominican’s TRIO program provides Pell-eligible, first-generation, and students with targeted advising, career coaching, financial wellness, and stress management support. By addressing the barriers most likely to derail persistence, TRIO strengthens retention, academic performance, and graduation rates among historically underserved students..

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69%
of Under䰮Ƶs Identify as Hispanic of Any Race
>50%
Over half of DU students are first-generation
#1
Best Value in the Midwest by the prestigious U.S. News & World Report

Why choose an HSI?

Top of the Charts

Dominican was recognized in the Top 20 out of nearly 160 Regional Midwest Universities and named #1 in the state in several subcategories.
Multiple students in staircase with HSI t-shirts

What Our HSI Status Means to Us

Our students, faculty and staff share what it truly means to be a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

‘Where you feel like you belong’

Dominican is a place where students feel seen, supported and at home. Hear from our students how they felt welcomed “from the moment they stepped on campus.”

Award-winning Career Development Resources

Career development isn’t just an office or resource center at Dominican. It’s an engaging process that guides you toward your calling—and it begins on day one of your time here.
Students seated at a table under Hispanic flags

Truly Serving Our Students

At Dominican, our HSI designation reflects more than numbers—it reflects a community of care and inclusion and a dedication to providing students with the resources they need to succeed.
Kiara V.

As a first-generation student, and especially a Latina, picking Dominican meant a lot in a lot of different ways … there's people that I could really relate to, and especially at an HSI, I'm able to learn more about my heritage.”

Kiara V.
Dominican University Graduate

Destination: Dream Job

Dominican’s students don’t just 䰮Ƶ—they launch careers. Through required internships, immersive experiential learning, and a core curriculum that embeds career readiness throughout the student journey, our 䰮Ƶs enter the workforce or pursue advanced degrees at rates few HSIs match. As the only HSI ranked in the top five for the Social Mobility of its 䰮Ƶs in the Midwest, Dominican demonstrates leadership in launching students toward thriving, equitable futures. 

Preparing Students for Career Success

Within six months of graduation, 93% of Dominican students are either employed or in 䰮Ƶ school. From the moment students arrive on campus, they begin a guided process designed to help them prepare to make their mark on the world. Students complete career assessments, build résumés, and meet regularly with staff trained in culturally sustaining advising. This proactive model ensures that by the time our students 䰮Ƶ, they have a clear plan, professional connections and the confidence to navigate the job market.

Hands-on Experience

Dominican embeds experiential learning directly into the academic journey. Every under䰮Ƶ is required to complete at least one internship, practicum, or clinical placement before graduation. This requirement is supported by a dedicated Experiential Learning and Employer Relations Coordinator who cultivates partnerships with Chicago-area employers, nonprofits, hospitals, schools, and financial institutions. 

Learn by Doing

From the arts to healthcare, hands-on learning is a hallmark of the Dominican experience

Defined by Purpose

Dominican University’s story as an HSI is driven by our mission. What makes us distinctive is not one program or outcome, but the way we weave advising, career readiness, cultural affirmation and equity-driven leadership into a mission-centered, student-first approach to higher education. 

Mission and Ministry

At the heart of the university is our Dominican Catholic tradition, including a deep exploration of Latine theology.

¡El Futuro Is Here!

Dominican University is at the center of exploring ways that campus ministries can be more firmly rooted in the diverse cultures of Latine students.

For more information,
please contact:

Jaqueline Neri Arias
Assistant Vice President, Hispanic-Serving and Culturally Sustaining Initiatives
Office of Hispanic-Serving Initiatives
jneriarias@dom.edu