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Duquesne University

Pittsburgh, PA·Private nonprofit·5,216 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $68,200 within 10 years; strong 76% graduation rate.

79%
Accept
5,216
Students
$34,978
Net Price
76%
Grad Rate
$68,200
Earnings
10 yr
$23,500
Debt

About This School

Duquesne University is a private nonprofit institution located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with approximately 5,216 undergraduate students enrolled. Duquesne University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 79%. The average net price after financial aid is $34,978 per year. The graduation rate is 76%, and the typical graduate earns $68,200 within 10 years of enrollment.

Duquesne University of the Holy Spirit is a private Catholic research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded by members of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, Duquesne first opened as the Pittsburgh Catholic College of the Holy Ghost in October 1878 with an enrollment of 40 students and a faculty of six. In 1911, the college became the first Catholic university-level institution in Pennsylvania. It is named for an 18th-century governor of New France, Michel-Ange Duquesne de Menneville.

Worth considering if you're drawn to a smaller Catholic university in a major city — the 86% freshman retention rate signals that students who enroll tend to stay and feel supported. The $68,200 median earnings at 10 years is solid, and the $23,500 median debt is relatively manageable compared to many private schools. The 79% acceptance rate means this isn't a reach for most applicants, but the $34,978 average net price is still a real cost, so compare your actual aid offer carefully before committing.

Founded
1878
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Health Professions38%
Business & Marketing19%
Biological Sciences7%
Education7%
Psychology5%
Computer Science5%
Social Sciences5%
Communications4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Bobby VintonDaniel DiNardoAdam MaidaMichael HaydenAldo DonelliT. J. McConnellChuck CooperDerrick AlstonCarl BetzSammy NesticoMike JamesSihugo Green

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1257
Reading 75th %ile680
Math 75th %ile670

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite27

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$47,146
Out-of-State Tuition
$47,146
Avg Net Price
$34,978
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants18%
Median debt at graduation$23,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
76%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
86%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$68,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$23,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$23,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$54,500
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$68,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.9x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White79%
Black5%
Hispanic/Latino5%
Asian4%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (5,216 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Duquesne University

Administration Bldg 600 Forbes Ave

Pittsburgh, PA 15282

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Pennsylvania

Browse all Pennsylvania schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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