The future is bleak for many small private colleges and regional public universities. But some have seen record growth in the past few years—so what’s their secret? On paper, Dominican University fits the mold of higher ed’s most endangered species: a small religious institution in the demographically challenged heart of the Midwest. In reality, not only is the college in good shape—it’s never been better. The Catholic institution welcomed 650 new students this fall, the largest incoming class in its 122-year history and an 8 percent increase over last year’s then record-setting class.