Skip to content

Carnegie Mellon University vs Duquesne University

Carnegie Mellon University is a private university in Pittsburgh, PA, and Duquesne University is a private university in Pittsburgh, PA. Carnegie Mellon University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 12% of applicants against 84% at Duquesne University. Carnegie Mellon University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $31,944 a year against $37,730 at Duquesne University. About 93% of students graduate at Carnegie Mellon University, compared with 77% at Duquesne University. Ten years after enrolling, Carnegie Mellon University alumni earn a median of about $114,862, against $74,742 for Duquesne University.

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA · Private

Duquesne University

Pittsburgh, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
7,304
5,350
Acceptance rate
12%
84%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.53–4
3.42–3.92
SAT (middle 50%)
1500–1570
1180–1340
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
26–32
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$31,944
$37,730
Full cost / yr
$83,654
$67,776
In-state tuition
$66,246
$48,986
Out-of-state tuition
$66,246
$48,986
Application fee
$75
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,097
$29,986
$30k - $48k
$6,994
$31,729
$48k - $75k
$14,468
$32,102
$75k - $110k
$24,865
$35,611
Over $110k
$51,480
$41,273
Outcomes
Graduation rate
93%
77%
Freshman retention
98%
84%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$105,360
$62,627
Median earnings (10 yr)
$114,862
$74,742
Median debt at graduation
$21,750
$26,244
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
20%
First-generation students
10%
17%
International students
19%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 2
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jan 4
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Carnegie Mellon University or Duquesne University harder to get into?
Carnegie Mellon University is harder to get into. It admits about 12% of applicants, compared with 84% at Duquesne University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Carnegie Mellon University or Duquesne University?
Carnegie Mellon University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $31,944 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $37,730 at Duquesne University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Carnegie Mellon University and Duquesne University?
Before aid, Duquesne University costs about $67,776 a year and Carnegie Mellon University about $83,654. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Carnegie Mellon University or Duquesne University?
Carnegie Mellon University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,097 there, against about $29,986 at Duquesne University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Carnegie Mellon University or Duquesne University?
Carnegie Mellon University is the larger of the two, with about 7,304 undergraduates against 5,350 at Duquesne University.
Does Carnegie Mellon University or Duquesne University have a better graduation rate?
Carnegie Mellon University has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 77% at Duquesne University.
Do graduates of Carnegie Mellon University or Duquesne University earn more?
Carnegie Mellon University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $114,862 ten years after enrolling, against about $74,742 for Duquesne University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Carnegie Mellon University and Duquesne University require SAT or ACT scores?
Carnegie Mellon University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Duquesne University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Carnegie Mellon University and Duquesne University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1500–1570 at Carnegie Mellon University and 1180–1340 at Duquesne University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school