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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

Overview

Duquesne University is a accessible private four-year institution in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The school accepts 87.5% of applicants and enrolls 5,216 students.

Admission Statistics

Acceptance Rate
87.5%
Average SAT
1,245
SAT Range (25th–75th)
1,160–1,330
ACT Composite (avg)
28
Total Enrollment
5,216

Your Chances by SAT Score

Strong Candidate
SAT above 1,330

Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.

Competitive
SAT 1,160–1,330

Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.

Reach School
SAT below 1,160

Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.

Admission Guide

Duquesne uses a rolling admissions process, so you can submit your application anytime between August and July for the following fall semester. Apply early in the fall for the best chance at merit scholarships and housing preferences. You need to submit the Common Application, official transcripts, one letter of recommendation, and either SAT or ACT scores.

The nursing and pharmacy programs require separate applications with additional prerequisites and are significantly more competitive than general admission. Nursing applicants need specific science courses completed before enrollment, and pharmacy requires a strong foundation in chemistry and biology. Both programs fill quickly due to limited spots.

Pittsburgh's Bluff neighborhood where Duquesne sits requires some adjustment. The campus is compact and walkable, but the surrounding area has steep hills that make getting around the city challenging without a car. Most students live on campus for at least two years since off-campus housing nearby is limited and expensive.

Submit your housing application and deposit immediately after admission since residence halls fill on a first-come basis. The university requires all freshmen to live on campus unless they live within 25 miles of Pittsburgh with family. Orientation happens in June and July with multiple session options, and you register for fall classes during your orientation session.

Financial aid applications close in May, much later than most schools, but submit your FAFSA by March for priority consideration for merit scholarships. The school offers substantial aid packages to offset the high sticker price, making it more affordable than the published tuition suggests for most families.

What It Costs If You Get In

Average Net Price
$34,978/yr
Tuition (in-state)
$47,146
Students Receiving Aid
18%

View full cost breakdown →

After You Graduate

Graduation Rate (6-year)
75.5%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$74,742/yr
Freshman Retention Rate
86.5%

View full outcomes data →

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Duquesne University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

Duquesne University is test-optional for most undergraduate programs. Students can choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.

What is the application deadline for Duquesne University?

Duquesne University has a rolling admissions policy with priority deadlines in early spring. Students should check with specific programs as some may have earlier deadlines.

Does Duquesne University offer early decision or early action?

Duquesne University offers early decision with a November deadline. Early decision is binding, meaning students must attend if accepted and financial aid is adequate.

What GPA do you need to transfer to Duquesne University?

Transfer students to Duquesne University typically need a minimum 2.0 GPA from their previous institution. Students with fewer than 24 college credits must also submit high school transcripts.