Dominican University of California: A Local Guide to San Rafael

Dominican University of California is a small, independent university in San Rafael, founded in 1890 by the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael. It offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate programs on a park-like campus at 50 Acacia Avenue, a short drive from downtown San Rafael and Highway 101.

This guide covers the basics a prospective student, parent, new faculty member or staff hire usually wants to know: the history, how the academic program is set up, how to get around, and what housing looks like near campus.

We are a real estate brokerage, not the university. For admissions, tuition and financial aid, go straight to the university’s own pages. Where we can help is the local side: neighborhoods, commutes, renting and buying in Marin.

A short history

The Dominican Sisters moved their school and central administration from Benicia to San Rafael in 1889 and filed articles of incorporation in 1890. The school grew from those roots into Dominican College of San Rafael.

• 1918: the congregation bought Meadowlands, a large estate house that became classrooms and student rooms.
• 1971: the college became fully co-educational.
• 2000-2001: it took the name Dominican University of California, reflecting its growing graduate programs.

The campus covers about 60 acres today, according to the university, and sits inside an established residential neighborhood rather than apart from it.

Academics and the Dominican Experience

The university lists more than 60 majors, minors and concentrations across the arts and humanities, business, education, health and the natural sciences, plus graduate programs. Its stated mission is to prepare students to be ethical leaders and socially responsible global citizens.

The undergraduate program is built around what the school calls the Dominican Experience. Every undergraduate gets:

• An integrative coach who works with the student for all four years
• Community engagement work, often with local organizations
• A signature work project
• A digital portfolio that collects coursework and projects

In 2022 the U.S. Department of Education designated Dominican a Minority Serving Institution, qualifying as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. That designation can open access to certain federal grant programs.

The university is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Check program-specific accreditation directly with the department, especially for health programs that lead to licensing.

Where the campus is and how to get around

The campus sits in a residential area at the north end of central San Rafael, near the base of San Pedro Mountain. Downtown San Rafael, with its shops and restaurants, is a few minutes away by car or bike.

Transit options

• SMART train: the San Rafael station is downtown. The line runs north through Novato, Petaluma and Santa Rosa to Windsor, and south to Larkspur.
• Ferry to San Francisco: Golden Gate Ferry runs from the Larkspur terminal, near the SMART Larkspur station.
• Bus: Golden Gate Transit and Marin Transit serve the San Rafael Transit Center.
• Driving: Highway 101 is close by. Interstate 580 and the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge connect to the East Bay.

Check current schedules before you plan a daily commute. Service levels change.

The neighborhood around campus

The streets closest to the university fall within the Dominican/Black Canyon area. Fire Safe Marin describes it as roughly 950 homes, with open space bordering about half of its perimeter. Housing ranges from older homes on flat, tree-lined streets near campus to hillside properties on winding roads.

The open space is a big part of the appeal. It also means wildfire preparation matters. If you buy here, plan on:

• Keeping defensible space around the house and clearing gutters and roofs each year
• Asking the seller for any defensible space documentation. In high and very high fire hazard severity zones, California Civil Code 1102.19 requires sellers to provide compliance documentation or sign an agreement that the buyer will obtain it
• Getting homeowners insurance quotes early, before you remove your contingencies

Our San Rafael homes for sale page shows what is listed now, and the Marin County real estate hub covers the wider area.

Housing for students, faculty and staff

Renting near campus

Rentals near the university range from rooms and in-law units to apartments near downtown and single-family homes. Many students share a house. Start early for fall move-ins, since the best options go quickly in summer.

California’s Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) caps annual rent increases for most covered units at 5 percent plus the change in cost of living, or 10 percent, whichever is lower. Some properties are exempt, including many single-family homes not owned by a corporation or REIT, so ask the landlord how the law applies to your unit. The Attorney General’s office publishes a plain-language summary.

Buying near campus

Marin is one of the more expensive housing markets in California. The California Association of Realtors reported a Marin County median sales price of $1,678,750 in September 2026. Prices around campus vary widely with size, condition, lot and views.

The 2026 conforming loan limit in Marin is $1,249,125 for a one-unit home, set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Loans above that amount are jumbo loans, which usually have stricter underwriting. Our home financing page explains the options.

Buying a rental near a university

Some parents and investors look at buying a house or small multi-unit property near campus. Run the numbers carefully. Factor in vacancies over the summer, wear and tear, local rental rules and insurance in fire-prone areas. Our real estate investor services page outlines how we help with income property. Talk to a tax adviser before you buy.

Nearby towns to consider

If San Rafael itself is out of range or not the right fit, people connected to the university often look at:

• Novato: to the north, with SMART stations and a range of single-family neighborhoods. See Novato homes for sale.
• San Anselmo and Fairfax: smaller towns to the west, with walkable downtowns.
• Larkspur and Corte Madera: to the south, close to the ferry terminal.
• Petaluma: in Sonoma County, reachable on Highway 101 or the SMART train, where prices have generally run below Marin’s.

Questions people ask

Is Dominican University a public or private school?

It is a private, independent university. It was founded by the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, a Catholic congregation, and today describes itself as an independent institution.

Where exactly is the campus?

The main address is 50 Acacia Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901. It is in a residential neighborhood a short drive from downtown San Rafael and Highway 101.

Can I get to San Francisco without a car?

Yes. Take a bus or the SMART train to Larkspur, then the Golden Gate Ferry into the city. Golden Gate Transit buses also run from San Rafael to San Francisco.

Is it hard to find a rental near campus?

Supply is limited and demand peaks before the fall term. Start looking in spring if you can, and set a realistic budget. Sharing a house is common.

What should I know before buying a home near the university?

Expect Marin prices, check the fire hazard zone and insurance costs early, and get a pre-approval that reflects jumbo loan rules if your loan will be above the conforming limit.

If you are relocating for a role at the university or helping a student find housing, we can walk you through neighborhoods and what your budget buys. Contact our team to set up a call. You can also read our guide to choosing a San Rafael realtor.

Sources & notes

• About Dominican, Dominican University of California
• Our Campus History, Dominican University of California
• Dominican Earns Minority Serving Institution Designation, Dominican University of California (2022)
• Dominican/Black Canyon, Fire Safe Marin
• Stations, Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART)
• Landlord-Tenant Issues, California Attorney General
• California Civil Code Section 1102.19 (via Justia)
• September 2026 Home Sales and Price Report, California Association of Realtors
• FHFA Announces Conforming Loan Limit Values for 2026, Federal Housing Finance Agency

Last reviewed October 2026 by Matthew Martinez.