Ohio Dominican University Market Research Report

Background

Overview

Ohio Dominican University (ODU) is a private, Catholic institution located in Columbus, Ohio. Established in 1911 by the Dominican Sisters of Peace, ODU has evolved from the College of St. Mary of the Springs into a comprehensive university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university's mission emphasizes the pursuit of truth, justice, and peace, fostering a commitment to lifelong learning and service.

Academic Programs

ODU offers 42 undergraduate majors and nine master's degree programs across various disciplines, including Business Administration, Education, and Science. Recent additions to its academic portfolio include programs in Physician Assistant Studies and Healthcare Administration, reflecting the university's responsiveness to evolving industry demands.

Student Demographics

As of 2022, ODU enrolled approximately 1,276 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1. The student body is diverse, comprising 57.1% White, 20.1% Black or African American, 5.41% Hispanic or Latino, and 4.08% identifying as two or more races.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

ODU is committed to providing a holistic education grounded in the liberal arts and Catholic traditions. The university aims to develop critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and professional skills among its students, preparing them for meaningful careers and civic engagement.

Specializations and Technologies

The university has introduced in-demand programs such as Risk Management & Insurance and Software Engineering, integrating contemporary technologies and methodologies to equip students with relevant skills.

Target Markets

ODU primarily serves students from Ohio and neighboring states, with a focus on attracting individuals seeking a values-based education in a metropolitan setting.

Financials and Funding

Tuition and Financial Aid

For the 2022 academic year, undergraduate tuition was $32,780, with an average net price of $21,881 after financial aid. Notably, 100% of full-time traditional undergraduates received financial assistance in the 2024-25 academic year.

Endowment

As of 2020, ODU's endowment was valued at approximately $18.9 million, providing financial stability and supporting the university's mission and strategic initiatives.

Pipeline Development

Program Expansion

ODU has expanded its academic offerings to include high-demand fields such as Physician Assistant Studies and Healthcare Administration. These programs are designed to meet the growing needs of the healthcare industry and provide students with practical, career-oriented education.

Collaborative Initiatives

The university has established partnerships with institutions like the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, offering top high school students a direct path to medical school from ODU. Additionally, ODU offers a direct acceptance option into its own Physician Assistant Studies master’s program.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Online Education

ODU offers a range of online degrees and certificates, including master's degrees in Business Administration and Sport Management, as well as bachelor's degrees in Accounting and Business Administration. These programs provide flexibility for working professionals and non-traditional students.

Accreditation

The Business Administration program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP), ensuring adherence to high educational standards.

Leadership Team

Acting President

As of January 2024, Shonna Riedlinger serves as the acting president of Ohio Dominican University.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The higher education landscape in Ohio is competitive, with numerous private and public institutions offering similar programs. ODU's unique positioning as a Catholic university in an urban setting provides distinct advantages in attracting students seeking a values-based education with access to metropolitan resources.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois, and other regional institutions offering comparable programs. Dominican University, for instance, has a larger enrollment and higher graduation rate, but ODU offers competitive tuition rates and a strong focus on student-athlete programs.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Transfer Pathways

ODU participates in The Ohio Consortium for Transfer Pathways to the Liberal Arts, facilitating streamlined transfer pathways for students from institutions like Cuyahoga Community College into baccalaureate programs at ODU.

Medical School Partnerships

The university's partnership with the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine offers students a direct path to medical school, enhancing ODU's appeal to pre-medical students.

Operational Insights

Athletics

ODU's athletic teams, known as the Panthers, compete in the NCAA Division II as members of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC). The university offers 16 varsity sports, with a significant portion of student-athletes maintaining a GPA above 3.0.

Campus Facilities

The university's urban campus spans 75 acres, providing students with access to modern facilities and proximity to downtown Columbus, enhancing opportunities for internships and employment.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Program Development

ODU is poised to continue expanding its academic offerings in response to market demands, particularly in healthcare and technology fields. The university's commitment to integrating liberal arts education with professional preparation positions it well for future growth.

Community Engagement

Strengthening partnerships with local businesses and organizations in Columbus can enhance experiential learning opportunities for students and foster community development.