At $34,978/yr net price, Duquesne University graduates earn $74,742/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $40,742/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $34,978 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $139,912 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $74,742/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$40,742/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 75.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,244 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $25,943/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $27,610/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $31,920/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $35,852/yr |
| $110,001+ | $38,975/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $113,414 | $52,000 |
| 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 | $65,117 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $86,129 | $33,500 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $68,666 | $73,412 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Doctoral | $67,660 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $65,486 | $40,750 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $62,154 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,900 | $19,500 |
The Risk Factor
75.5% of students at Duquesne University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 25% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Duquesne University delivers solid financial returns for career-focused programs but struggles with affordability for most students. The $34,978 annual net price creates a significant barrier, especially since only 18% of students receive financial aid.
Your major choice makes or breaks the financial equation here. Pharmacy graduates earn $113,414 annually, easily justifying higher debt loads. Nursing programs also pay off well, with graduates earning $88,739 to $93,342. Allied health professions offer strong mid-tier returns at $86,129 with manageable $33,500 debt. Liberal arts surprisingly ranks second in earnings at $104,192, though this likely reflects a small sample of high achievers rather than typical outcomes.
The school's biggest financial risk is its limited aid distribution. Most students pay close to full price, making Duquesne primarily viable for families who can afford $35,000 annually without significant borrowing. The 75.5% graduation rate means one in four students leaves without a degree but potentially with debt.
Duquesne works financially if you're pursuing pharmacy, nursing, or allied health and can manage the upfront costs. The Pittsburgh job market supports these healthcare careers well. However, students considering general majors or those needing substantial financial aid should explore more affordable options. The school's merit scholarship opportunities appear limited given the low percentage receiving aid.
If you're debt-averse or price-sensitive, Duquesne's financial profile likely doesn't align with your needs. The returns exist for specific programs, but only if you can afford the entry price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Duquesne University worth the cost?
Duquesne's $35,000 annual net price produces $75,000 in median earnings 10 years after graduation, which is decent but not exceptional for the cost. The value depends heavily on your program - pharmacy and nursing graduates earn significantly more than liberal arts majors.
What are the highest paying majors at Duquesne University?
Pharmacy leads at $113,000 median earnings, followed by pharmaceutical sciences at $104,000 and nursing at $93,000. These healthcare programs justify the tuition cost better than general liberal arts, which still earns over $100,000 but represents less clear value.
How much debt do Duquesne University graduates have?
Duquesne graduates carry a median debt of $26,244, which is manageable compared to the national average. However, with a 75% graduation rate, about 1 in 4 students leave without a degree but potentially with debt.
Does Duquesne University have good financial aid?
The $35,000 net price suggests Duquesne provides some aid from its $54,000 sticker price, but it's still expensive for a regional private university. Students should compare aid packages carefully since the 87% acceptance rate means less competition for merit scholarships.