About

About Duquesne University

catholic spiritan missionhealth sciences focushigh acceptance ratedoctoral research university

Duquesne University is a private research university in Pittsburgh, PA, known for its catholic spiritan mission, health sciences focus, and high acceptance rate. With an acceptance rate of 87%, DU is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 1,441 students each year. DU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1190–1330, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. DU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $25,556 per year; the sticker price of $61,270 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Duquesne University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

87%
Overall Accept Rate
3.75
Typical Admitted GPA
1260
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 3.50 – 4.00 unweighted

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SATSubmitted score range: 1190 – 1330 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Duquesne University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
If you write a Why Duquesne essay, go beyond the campus itself and connect to Pittsburgh specifically, mentioning how the city's healthcare, business, or nonprofit sectors align with your career goals, since Duquesne heavily promotes its urban location as a learning asset.
Test Score Strategy
Since Duquesne is test optional and your score falls below their 75th percentile, consider withholding it and letting your GPA, activities, and recommendations carry more weight.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Duquesne University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$61k/yr$30.0k
30k-48k~$61k/yr$31.7k
48k-75k~$61k/yr$32.1k
75k-110k~$61k/yr$35.6k
110k+~$61k/yr$41.3k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

76%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$63k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
13:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
5,395
Undergrad Enrollment
Duquesne University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch