Duquesne University
Duquesne University is a private nonprofit university in Pittsburgh, PA ranked #494 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 5,216 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 78.8%. Students most often pursue Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions and Computer and Information Sciences.
Day to day, students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, 86.5% first-year retention, and 75.5% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $34,978, about $17,980 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -55.2%, roughly 140.5 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $62,627. That's about $18,939 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Duquesne University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Duquesne University graduates 75.5% of students within six years and keeps 86.5% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Duquesne University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $47,146 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,440 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $15,620 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,958 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $63,042 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 18.1% of Duquesne University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $25,943 to $38,975 depending on family income. Use Duquesne University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $35,852/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $38,975/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $62,627
- 10-Year Median Earnings $62,627
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $23,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 82.2%
- Employment Rate 89.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Duquesne University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Duquesne University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Duquesne University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Duquesne University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Duquesne University graduates earn $62,627 median, the -55.2% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 590-680
- SAT Math 570-670
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 26-31
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 5,216
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 86.5%
- Graduation Rate 75.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
How to Get Into Duquesne University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Duquesne University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 78.8%, Duquesne University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 78.8% acceptance rate, Duquesne University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1160 and 1350 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Duquesne University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Marketing, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 15.4%
- Marketing 6.7%
- Biology, General 6.1%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 5.7%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 4.4%
- Psychology, General 4.2%
See more majors
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions 4.1%
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions 4.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $109,037
- 2. Computer and Information Sciences, General $90,589
- 3. Management Information Systems and Services $85,614
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $82,748
- 5. Finance and Financial Management Services $78,484
- 6. Business Administration, Management and Operations $78,277
- 7. Health and Medical Administrative Services $75,507
- 8. Accounting and Related Services $74,343
- 9. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $72,901
- 10. Biology, General $72,885
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree) $134,511
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $126,244
- 3. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $123,946
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $113,888
- 5. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Master's Degree) $104,878
- 6. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $99,292
- 7. Law (First Professional Degree) $90,320
- 8. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $88,628
- 9. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $83,387
- 10. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degree) $75,107
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions grads earn $109,037—50% more than Biology, General ($72,885). Graduate: Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration programs lead with $134,511 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Duquesne University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Law (First Professional Degree, 132 graduates)
- Marketing (Bachelor's Degree, 111 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 101 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 95 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 92 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (56 programs)â–¼
- Marketing
- Biology, General
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Psychology, General
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Accounting and Related Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Political Science and Government
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- English Language and Literature, General
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Music
- Mathematics
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- History
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Sociology
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Communication and Media Studies
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Journalism
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Business/Corporate Communications
- Public Policy Analysis
- International Business
- Chemistry
- Philosophy
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Business/Commerce, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Economics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Education, General
- Area Studies
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Security Science and Technology
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Public Health
- Computational Science
- Applied Mathematics
Online Master's Degrees (48 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Accounting and Related Services
- Special Education and Teaching
- Music
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Security Science and Technology
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- History
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Biotechnology
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Communication and Media Studies
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Applied Mathematics
- Psychology, General
- Philosophy
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- English Language and Literature, General
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Business/Corporate Communications
- Biology, General
- Religious/Sacred Music
- Religious Education
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Public Policy Analysis
- Public Health
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Computer Science
Online Doctoral Degrees (14 programs)â–¼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Biology, General
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Chemistry
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Philosophy
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- English Language and Literature, General
- Special Education and Teaching
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (13 programs)â–¼
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Music
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Online First Professional Degrees (3 programs)â–¼
- Law
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 5,216
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 37.0%
- Female Students 63.0%
- Caucasian 79.4%
- Asian 3.6%
- Hispanic 4.7%
- Black 5.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 18.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Duquesne University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Duquesne University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Duquesne University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Duquesne University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 79.4% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. Women make up 63.0% of undergraduates. About 18.1% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Duquesne University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Duquesne University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Duquesne University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -55.2% ROI. Ranked #494 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $34,978 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $62,627 median earnings. With 75.5% graduating within six years and 86.5% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Duquesne University's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #494 ranking, Duquesne University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $34,978 annually, Duquesne University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 86.5% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $24,485 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -55.2% ROI and $62,627 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $24,978+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Duquesne University ranks #494 of 1966 institutions, with 1308 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 75.5% six-year graduation rate sits 13.0 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 86.5% first-year retention is 9.7 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -55.2% return on investment is 140.5 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $62,627 run about 43% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $34,978 is roughly $15,068 higher than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 86.5% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 89.4% employment rate within three years sits 21.2 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $34,978 is about $15,068 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 18.1% trails the national share by 15.3 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Duquesne University—a private nonprofit university in Pittsburgh, PA—at B+ overall. It is currently ranked #494 nationally Grades by category break down as Completion A-, Support B+, Career Outcomes A-, and Affordability C-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 86.5% of first-year students return, and roughly 75.5% finish within six years. The reported ROI is -55.2%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $34,978 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $63,042.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $28,064 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $23,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 18.1% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $62,627 at the median. This is roughly 43% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
The three-year employment rate is close to 89.4%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -55.2%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
78.8% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Duquesne University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Pittsburgh, PA 15282
- Website www.duq.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$564.7M