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87.5%Acceptance
$47,146Tuition
5,216Students
76%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$74,742Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Duquesne University

Duquesne's Tamburitzans folk ensemble has performed across the globe for over 80 years, making this Catholic university famous far beyond its 5,216 students in Pittsburgh. The school built its reputation on pharmacy, nursing, and music programs that attract students to its large city campus. Notable graduates include NFL Hall of Fame coach Mike Ditka and former Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney. With an 87% acceptance rate, Duquesne welcomes most qualified applicants who meet its 1245 average SAT score.

Students pay an average net price of $34,978 after financial aid, though families earning under $30,000 pay just $25,943. Graduates earn a median of $74,742 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $26,244 manageable with monthly payments of $278. The 96% employment rate shows strong job prospects for Duquesne alumni.

Women outnumber men nearly two to one, creating a 63% female student body. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in classrooms. As a Division I Atlantic 10 school, Duquesne's 465 athletes compete in 15 varsity sports. The 76% four-year graduation rate reflects the academic support students receive on this close-knit Catholic campus.

Academics & Faculty

Duquesne operates as a Catholic research university with particularly strong professional programs that set graduates up for immediate career success. The school's pharmacy program consistently ranks among the nation's top programs, while nursing students benefit from extensive clinical partnerships throughout Pittsburgh's well-known medical district. The student-faculty ratio of 12:1 ensures personalized attention across all majors. Music students gain professional training through the well-known Tamburitzans folk ensemble and Mary Pappert School of Music. The 76.62% four-year graduation rate reflects solid academic support systems. Business and education programs also draw students seeking practical, career-focused training within a Catholic intellectual tradition that emphasizes both academic rigor and service.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
12:1
Full-Time Faculty
49.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
76.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
75.5%
Retention Rate
86.5%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$74,742
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. Doctoral $113,414
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Master $104,192
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Doctoral $93,342
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Master $88,739
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Master $86,129
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. Doctoral $68,666
Student Counseling and Personnel Services. Doctoral $67,660
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $65,486
Management Information Systems and Services. Bachelor $62,154
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $60,900

View all 155 programs →

Campus Life

Campus sits on a bluff overlooking Pittsburgh's three rivers, putting students right in the action of a major city. With housing capacity for 3,552 students and total enrollment of 5,216, about two-thirds of undergraduates live on campus in a tight-knit community. Pittsburgh winters demand heavy coats and boots, while spring and fall offer perfect weather for walking between the Gothic Revival buildings.

Students flock downtown on weekends to catch Steelers and Penguins games or explore neighborhoods like the Strip District. The 62.98% female enrollment creates a social atmosphere, especially around the strong nursing and pharmacy programs. Campus traditions center on the world-famous Tamburitzans folk ensemble, which has performed Slavic and other folk dances for decades. The Catholic identity shapes campus life with service opportunities and spiritual programs, though the 87.49% acceptance rate brings together students from diverse backgrounds. With 465 total athletes competing in 15 Division I sports, school spirit runs high during basketball season in the Atlantic 10 Conference.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
3,552 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1878

Campus Safety (2023)

29 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Rape 6 3 0 0
Dating Violence 3 2 0 0
Fondling 2 1 0 1
Stalking 4 0 0 0
Aggravated Assault 2 1 0 0
Domestic Violence 1 1 0 0
Burglary 1 0 0 0
Robbery 0 0 0 1

Climate & Weather

January Avg
22°–36°F
July Avg
64°–83°F
Annual Precipitation
41.3"
Annual Snowfall
44.1"

Student Demographics

Women make up nearly two-thirds of Duquesne's 5,216 students, reflecting the university's strength in nursing and health sciences programs. Most students come from Pennsylvania, drawn by the school's solid regional reputation and Catholic mission. The student body is predominantly white at 79%, typical for Pittsburgh-area universities. Only 18% receive Pell Grants, indicating families can generally afford the $35,000 average net price. Students often choose Duquesne for its professional programs, tight-knit community feel, and strong alumni network throughout western Pennsylvania's business and healthcare sectors.
Men
37.0%
Women
63.0%
White
79.4%
Black
5.0%
Hispanic
4.7%
Asian
3.6%
In-State Students
68.3%
Pell Grant Recipients
18.1%

Location

Duquesne University sits in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a major city known for its steel heritage and three rivers. The campus overlooks the Monongahela River from the Bluff neighborhood, just minutes from downtown Pittsburgh's business district. Pittsburgh offers students internship opportunities across healthcare, technology, and finance sectors while maintaining affordable living costs compared to coastal cities. The city's 68.28% in-state enrollment reflects strong regional loyalty. Students enjoy professional sports teams, cultural venues, and a revitalized downtown area. The surrounding Allegheny Mountains provide outdoor recreation within driving distance. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Duquesne University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282
Holy Ghost College
Holy Ghost College
DuquesneChapel
DuquesneChapel

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$74,742
Median Earnings (5 years)
$71,684
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$54,500
Loan Repayment Rate
82.2%
Monthly Loan Payment
$278/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,244

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Duquesne University?

Duquesne University accepts 87.49% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1160 and 1330 on the SAT. This Catholic university founded in 1878 draws most of its 5,216 students from Pennsylvania.

How much does Duquesne University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $34,978 after financial aid, down from the sticker price of $47,146. About 22.53% of students receive institutional grants averaging $26,800. Graduates typically leave with a median debt of $26,244 and monthly loan payments of $278.

What are the strongest programs at Duquesne University?

Duquesne is particularly known for its pharmacy, nursing, and music programs. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small across the university's offerings. The school maintains its Catholic identity while providing strong professional preparation in health sciences.

What do graduates of Duquesne University earn after college?

Alumni earn a median salary of $74,742 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 96.4% for recent graduates. About 75.50% of students complete their degree within six years.

Where is Duquesne University located and what is campus life like?

The university sits in Pittsburgh, giving students access to a major city's internships and cultural opportunities. Housing capacity reaches 3,552 students on campus with room and board costing $15,620. Women make up 62.98% of the student body while men represent 37.02%.

What is unique about Duquesne University's cultural traditions?

Duquesne is home to the historic Tamburitzans folk ensemble, which has performed traditional Eastern European music and dance for decades. The university competes as the Dukes in NCAA Division I athletics with 15 varsity sports and 465 total athletes. Notable alumni include Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney and NFL Hall of Fame coach Mike Ditka.