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Duquesne University vs Lehigh University

Duquesne University is a private university in Pittsburgh, PA. Lehigh University is a private university in Bethlehem, PA. Lehigh University admits about 26% of applicants and Duquesne University about 84%, making Lehigh University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $36,931 a year at Lehigh University after aid, and about $37,730 at Duquesne University. About 89% of students graduate at Lehigh University, compared with 77% at Duquesne University. Ten years after enrolling, Lehigh University alumni earn a median of about $105,584, against $74,742 for Duquesne University.

Duquesne University

Pittsburgh, PA · Private

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Bethlehem, PA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
5,350
5,898
Acceptance rate
84%
26%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.42–3.92
3.51–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1180–1340
1370–1500
ACT (middle 50%)
26–32
31–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$37,730
$36,931
Full cost / yr
$67,776
$80,856
In-state tuition
$48,986
$64,980
Out-of-state tuition
$48,986
$64,980
Application fee
$0
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$29,986
$16,917
$30k - $48k
$31,729
$17,140
$48k - $75k
$32,102
$18,722
$75k - $110k
$35,611
$22,184
Over $110k
$41,273
$48,751
Outcomes
Graduation rate
77%
89%
Freshman retention
84%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$62,627
$88,810
Median earnings (10 yr)
$74,742
$105,584
Median debt at graduation
$26,244
$21,960
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
18%
First-generation students
17%
17%
International students
3%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 1

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 Duquesne University or Lehigh University harder to get into?
Lehigh University is harder to get into. It admits about 26% 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, Duquesne University or Lehigh University?
Lehigh University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $36,931 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 Duquesne University and Lehigh University?
Before aid, Duquesne University costs about $67,776 a year and Lehigh University about $80,856. 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, Duquesne University or Lehigh University?
Lehigh University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,917 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, Duquesne University or Lehigh University?
Lehigh University is the larger of the two, with about 5,898 undergraduates against 5,350 at Duquesne University.
Does Duquesne University or Lehigh University have a better graduation rate?
Lehigh University has the higher graduation rate, at about 89% against 77% at Duquesne University.
Do graduates of Duquesne University or Lehigh University earn more?
Lehigh University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $105,584 ten years after enrolling, against about $74,742 for Duquesne University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Duquesne University and Lehigh University require SAT or ACT scores?
Duquesne University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Lehigh University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Duquesne University and Lehigh University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1180–1340 at Duquesne University and 1370–1500 at Lehigh University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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