FAQs about DFC
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about DFC, along with the answers. Go to the FAQ section that aligns with your questions:
- DFC and its purpose
- Who should attend DFC
- The cost of DFC
- Applying to DFC
- What happens after the Application
- Attending DFC
Contact DFC Admissions if you have questions that aren’t answered here.
FAQs about DFC and its purpose
DFC (Dougherty Family College) is a two-year college at the University of St. Thomas that offers an associate degree as a step towards obtaining a four-year bachelor’s degree.
DFC stands for "Dougherty Family College" which was named after co-founding benefactors Mike and Kathy Dougherty and their daughters, Sarah and Mollie.
DFC classes take place on the downtown Minneapolis campus of St. Thomas. The Minneapolis campus is easy to get to from many bus routes.
Each year DFC enrolls approximately 150 first-year students. We have a maximum capacity of about 300 total students (first and second year). DFC classes typically have approximately 25 students.
DFC does not offer different majors. All students will earn their associate of arts (AA) degree in liberal arts by taking a variety of general courses. See details about the DFC classes.
DFC offers an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in liberal arts. In addition, DFC offers an associate of arts degree with a Pre-STEM concentration.
FAQs about who should attend DFC
DFC is for students who have demonstrated solid academic achievement in high school, have a desire to ultimately earn their bachelor’s degree, and demonstrate high financial need.
A strong applicant to DFC has earned a cumulative high school GPA of at least 2.5 along with an average of C's or better in math and English courses throughout high school. Students also need to have taken standard level English 9-11. DFC is a diverse learning community, and we invite students of all backgrounds to apply.
No. The DFC program is not designed to support students who are studying in the U.S. on a student visa.
St. Thomas does not request or require any information from students about their immigration status. Undocumented students are not eligible for federal financial aid, but may be eligible for state financial aid by filing the Minnesota Dream Act Application.
DFC is designed to serve students with a high-level of financial need (as demonstrated by the FAFSA or MN Dream Act). If you are concerned that your family may not meet that requirement, we would encourage you to reach out to the DFC admissions team to discuss further.
Unfortunately, DFC is not able to enroll transfer students. A transfer student is defined as a student that has enrolled in any college coursework after graduating from high school. College courses taken during high school (such as AP, PSEO or CIS) would not qualify someone as a transfer student.
A strong applicant to DFC has a cumulative high school GPA of at least 2.5.
FAQs about the cost of DFC
In 2024-2025, tuition and fees for DFC was $15,036 per year. However, most students receive a high level of need-based financial aid (through the FAFSA or MN Dream Act) that brings this cost down significantly. The average out-of-pocket cost for 2024-25 students was $2,095 per year. See additional DFC cost information. Tuition and fees may increase each year.
The cost of DFC and St. Thomas' 4-year varies from student to student and depends on a number of factors.
No, DFC is a private college and it is not eligible to be part of the North Star Promise Program.
FAQs about applying to DFC
You can apply online via the DFC Admissions Portal.
No! Applying to DFC is free.
In addition to completing the online application itself, all applicants are required to submit their high school transcript. Submitting an essay or letters of recommendation is encouraged but not required.
No, you cannot apply to DFC through the Common Application (Common App).
No, DFC does not require any standardized test scores (ACT or SAT) to apply.
We review applications on a rolling basis and our application stays open until we have filled all available spots in our class. We have a limited number of spots each year, so it is recommended to apply as soon as possible.
If you are not eligible to file the FAFSA or MN Dream Act, you can still apply (and be admitted) to DFC. We would recommend connecting with our financial aid counselor to determine if DFC will be an affordable option for you.
DFC admissions counselors are assigned based on your high school.
No, you cannot transfer any college credits into DFC. Depending on the college courses you took, you may be able to transfer them into the 4-year institution you attend after DFC, but they will not count towards your associate degree.
FAQs about what happens after the application
We begin reviewing applications each fall (typically around late September or early October) and you will hear from us within 1-2 weeks after completing your application and sending us your high school transcript.
You can check the status of your DFC application by logging back into your application portal (https://uofstthomasmn.my.site.com/Admissions/applicationlogin) or contacting your DFC admissions counselor.
In order to receive a financial aid award at DFC, you must file either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the MN Dream Act. Be sure to include the University of St. Thomas on your FAFSA along with our federal code, 002345.
You can contact our financial aid office for more information on when you can expect to receive your financial aid award.
DFC's confirming deposit is $50 and is due by May 1 in order to guarantee your place in our class.
Information for admitted students, about the required orientation, that we call Summer Enrichment Program, and what to expect, can be found on our Admitted Students page.
FAQs about attending DFC
DFC is one of eight colleges at the University of St. Thomas, which makes us a private, 2-year college. With less than 300 total students, DFC is smaller than most community colleges, which gives us the opportunity to offer students a high level of personalized support.
Our team at DFC takes care of your class registration for your first semester. After that, you will receive support and guidance from our faculty and staff on completing the registration process.
DFC follows St. Thomas' standard academic calendar, which can be found here: Academic Calendars.
DFC clubs and student organizations vary from year to year depending on student interest. DFC students are also welcome to join any clubs and organizations on the St. Paul campus.
Find more information about student clubs and organizations.
DFC students are welcome to join any of St. Thomas' intramural or club sports - get more information on Club Sports and Intramurals.
DFC students are NOT eligible to play for St. Thomas' varsity (Division I) teams.
DFC does not have residence halls (dorms) and DFC students are not eligible to live in the residence halls on the St. Paul campus.