About Duquesne University

Founded in 1878, Duquesne University. is a Private college. Located in Pennsylvania, which is a city setting in Pennsylvania, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 6,039 full time undergraduate students, and 3,304 full time graduate students.

The Duquesne University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 13:1. There are 502 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Duquesne University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate73%
Application Deadline1-Nov
Application Fee50
SAT Range1055-1230
ACT Range24-29

Admissions at DU are considered Selective, with ,41% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 20 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

89% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 60% were in the top quarter, and 29% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Duquesne University.

13%
“We”re apathetic”
36%
“We know about current events and vote”
48%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
3%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
4%
“We save it for the classroom”
27%
“Sometimes, but not often”
55%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
14%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
1%
“I only go out in groups”
24%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
74%
“I feel extremely safe”
41%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
46%
“We bought the gear”
13%
“We live for the big game”
13%
“It”s not really our thing”
22%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
55%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
10%
“We”re a very artistic group”
1%
“Haven”t met them”
6%
“Available in class”
45%
“They keep regular office hours”
47%
“They”re always available”
0%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
19%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
70%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
10%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
0%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
13%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
63%
“We only party on weekends”
24%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
4%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
67%
“There might be people who do”
25%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
4%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
13%
“We”re apathetic”
36%
“We know about current events and vote”
48%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
3%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
4%
“We save it for the classroom”
27%
“Sometimes, but not often”
55%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
14%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
1%
“I only go out in groups”
24%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
74%
“I feel extremely safe”
41%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
46%
“We bought the gear”
13%
“We live for the big game”
13%
“It”s not really our thing”
22%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
55%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
10%
“We”re a very artistic group”
1%
“Haven”t met them”
6%
“Available in class”
45%
“They keep regular office hours”
47%
“They”re always available”
0%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
19%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
70%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
10%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
0%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
13%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
63%
“We only party on weekends”
24%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
4%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
67%
“There might be people who do”
25%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
4%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
Write a review, Enter to win $1,000 Scholarship
  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    133 Students rated on-campus housing 3.2 stars. 6 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    100 Students rated off-campus housing 3.6 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    141 Students rated campus food 2.9 stars. 6 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    144 Students rated campus facilities 4.1 stars. 33 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    144 Students rated class size 4.4 stars. 52 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    143 Students rated school activities 3.8 stars. 29 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    143 Students rated local services 4.1 stars. 44 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    144 Students rated academics 3.9 stars. 33 % gave the school a 5.0.

Duquesne University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Duquesne University?

67 Students rated Duquesne University

ashley - 05/13/2024

Honestly, I love the school, good people and good environment! Good sports teams and the games are very exciting. The school is close to many sports arenas which is very nice for sports fans.

Angelino - 01/31/2023

Duquesne University has a lot to offer. From student life on and off the campus to its prominent location within the boundaries of the city. Academically it proud itself in the expansive variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, with professors more than adequate to satisfy the needs of knowledge-hungry young scholars. Those willing to study hard and concentrate on building their future from the start will certainly not be disappointed. Advances in the carrier post-graduation are the main goals in constructing the portfolio in the programs offered, especially the one with narrowed specialization in the given field of expertise. And the opportunities upon graduation are endless; hence the individuals are willing to progress. The Students also have the option to participate in extracurricular activities actively or simply partake in different clubs, etcetera. Last but certainly not least to mention is the importance of the safety of its resident students, in which Duquesne University places its utmost priority. I am proud to be called 'Duke'

kam - 06/30/2021

Outside of the sciences (pharmacy, health information systems, OT, nusring, PT, pre med) thisplace is average or below avg. its a tier four university with a close knit group of students who come from upper middle class catholic sheltered communities . It feels like a giant 5A high school of 8000 students. After two years of classes and partying youve seen everyone or know ofthier name/“reputation”. Greek life is vibrant. This university reminded me of kids who miss high school . Its super cliquey especially if you didnt come from western pa. The campus isbeautiful, the area is nice, southside is close by and the people at duquesne are very attractive. It looks like a jcrew photo shoot. The classes aresmall , the education is okay but dont expect people to value your degree if your not in pittsburgh. Its very unknown beyond pennsylvania. On campus life is definitely fun especially freshman orientation . The only advantage this school has is southside adjacent to it. Otherwise, its just another high priced university with no prestige. I would only go here if you think youllfit inand the program you want ishighly ranked and you know you are going to live or work in pennsylvania.

Julian - 06/11/2021

I regret my time at Duquesne.  I did not form a single meaningful friendship at the school, apart from meeting my husband there.  Due to the low admission standards, most students are not academically driven. The three professors of the small Computer Science program were the highlight of my time at the school.

Duquesne University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Duquesne University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Duquesne University is 73%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    Wow, well I would certainly tell myself a lot of things. I would definitely tell myself to stay focused and get work finished early. I would also tell myself to apply for many scholarships. Lastly I would tell myself that going off to college will be the best but most challenging years of your life. The transition will be easy but the work load and trying to balance a real job with school is the most difficult part!

    Read all 112 answers
  3. Describe the students at your school.

    My classmates are determined and hardworking.

    Read all 33 answers
  4. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    Its in the inner heart of PIttsburgh so there's always something to do, look at, or attend while experiencing the city to the fullest.

    Read all 31 answers
  5. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    Duquesne University does not do much to supply any sort of transportation around the city of Pittsburgh. Every other school in the city supplies its students with bus passes that are included in the cost of the tuition. Duquesne has what is called the "loop bus." It takes the students to a total of three places and is not big enough for the students on go out on friday and saturday night which are the only time it runs. This means the students have to pay everytime they get on the bus during the week/day which gets costly.

    Read all 22 answers
  6. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I needed to improve my study habits.

    Read all 22 answers
  7. What's unique about your campus?

    It's so cutting edge and really is a quality education. VERY personable.

    Read all 22 answers
  8. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    Duquesne cannot be described in words, let alone one sentence; the faculty, alumn, students and I myself are walking attestments to the University itself, a University unlike anyother grounded in education, morality, faith, reason, and a strong sense of self worth and pride, dedicated to hard work and those life experience that embody the self, that become the self, those things which cannot be explained in words but only in the character itself and the look of accomplishment and pride in the eyes of all who walk the campus of Duquesne University.

    Read all 20 answers
  9. What are the academics like at your school?

    I have had the most fantastic professors at Duquesne. Each and every one of them know your name and care how well you learn the information. They also love what they're teaching so they are more than enthusiastic which definitely helps, especially in the early classes. You'll have a bad professor here or there, I suppose, like every other school, but I never had one in my years there. They are also very open to speaking with you outside of class. They love when you come to their office hours with a question or just to talk about something that's going on in the class. The entire university simply wants you to learn. They want you to get a good job, too, but they realize there's much more to education than that. As far as the Psychology department goes, it is one of the only human-science undergraduate departments in the country. It focuses more on understanding the meanings people make in their lives as opposed to doing experiments in labs, which tend to be very far from understanding actual life. Our department professors are nationally renowned in their field and know more than anyone could ever hope to. They are truly amazing people. If you're looking for a unique spin on the traditional scientific psychology, Duquesne is the place to be.

    Read all 19 answers
  10. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    For me, Duquesne is one of the most unique universities. It's medium range regarding size so there are so many activities to do all the time like any other big university, but the majority of classes are very small so you get all of the personal attention that you would want from a smaller school. Also, since it is based in liberal arts, everyone is required to take a certain amount of classes outside of their major. It may sound stupid at first since you don't "need" them for your future career, but some of my favorite classes have been the ones outside my major because they're so different than what I would normally be learning. Duquesne is also unique because it's in the city, but you would never know it walking around campus. It's very secluded from the bussle of city life and is filled with green spaces and beautiful fountains. It's truly an amazing campus to view at any point in the year. Its seclusion also makes it a very safe campus, which helps parents when they worrying about their children going to school in a city. On the other hand, you are only blocks away from anything you would want to go to in a city: shopping, plays, concerts, etc.

    Read all 19 answers
  11. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    The parking on campus is some what of a frustrating issue. Since we are in the city parking is very limited and if you do wish to buy a pass it can get very expensive. It is a high commuter school so we have many people parking on campus everyday.

    Read all 18 answers
  12. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    This school is unfortunately best known for attracting well off, upper middle class to high class people, as well as those who are only making it through on grants and loans. There is a lot of diversity, but in such a lot of disparity between the girls wearing the UGG boots and the girls who are coming from India to study and kids like me, who have little to no money to afford the expensive things most of them wear and feel a little left out.

    Read all 18 answers
  13. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    Since it's so expensive, that all the students come from wealthy families.

    Read all 18 answers
  14. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    Not really. There are a fair share of wealthy students that drive mercedes and only wear Coach or Gucci merchandise but that is certainly not the majority. Most people (like me) have worked their butts off for scholarships and have taken out loans to go to Duquesne so they do not take their education lightly. Everyone is very dedicated to working hard and getting the most out of their time at Duquesne.

    Read all 18 answers
  15. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Greek life is popular.

    Read all 17 answers
  16. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Duquesne is the right school for those who take great joy in helping others, are dedicated students, and have good time management skills. Although it is difficult to balance both volunteer activities and course work, students at Duquesne find a way to make sure they keep up on their studies while being involved in the community and other on-campus events.

    Read all 17 answers
  17. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    A person who doesn't like the Catholic faith.

    Read all 12 answers
  18. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    I mostly love the small classes the the exciting life of living in a fairly big city.

    Read all 11 answers
  19. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    If we had a stereotype it would be laid-back kids who like to party on the weekends, but work really hard and buckle down around exam time. We get stuff done!

    Read all 3 answers
  20. What's the Greek scene like?

    Duquesne has both social, professional and honor Greek organizations. About 20{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of students are Greek at Duquesne. The organizations make a positive presence on campus through philanthropy events, Greek Sing, Carnival and being present at major events on campus. Professional Greek Organizations are ones that are focused on a major area of study or other aspects, like service. There are many of these on campus. These organizations have a strong presence on campus with their own philanthropy events, educational outreach and events to help build not only their members but the campus community in professional life.

    Read all 2 answers
  21. What are the most popular classes offered?

    One of the most popular classes is the Harry Potter themed Faith and Reason class through the Honors College.

    Read all 2 answers

Student Body

Students

63%

female

37%

male

6,039

Total Undergrad Enrollment

3,304

Total Grad Students

30%

Out-Of-State

68%

In-State

2%

International

Organizations

200

Student Organizations

11

Fraternities

7

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

38%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
3%
% Black or African-American
5%
% Hispanic/Latino
3%
% White or Caucasian
80%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

99% of students attending Duquesne University receive some sort of financial aid. 22% were awarded federal grants. While 74% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$35,062

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,400

Books and Supplies

$11,760

Room and Board

48,222

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$19,546
$30 - $48K
$21,066
$48 - $75K
$25,692
$75 - $110K
$30,803
$110K & UP
$32,642

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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