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Duquesne University vs University of Pennsylvania

Duquesne University is a private university in Pittsburgh, PA, and University of Pennsylvania is a private university in Philadelphia, PA. University of Pennsylvania is the more selective of the two, admitting about 5% of applicants against 84% at Duquesne University. University of Pennsylvania is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $28,699 a year against $37,730 at Duquesne University. About 97% of students graduate at University of Pennsylvania, compared with 77% at Duquesne University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Pennsylvania alumni earn a median of about $111,371, against $74,742 for Duquesne University.

Duquesne University

Pittsburgh, PA · Private

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
5,350
10,650
Acceptance rate
84%
5%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.42–3.92
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1180–1340
1510–1570
ACT (middle 50%)
26–32
34–36
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$37,730
$28,699
Full cost / yr
$67,776
$89,028
In-state tuition
$48,986
$68,686
Out-of-state tuition
$48,986
$68,686
Application fee
$0
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$29,986
$0*
$30k - $48k
$31,729
$316
$48k - $75k
$32,102
$10,439
$75k - $110k
$35,611
$25,476
Over $110k
$41,273
$55,972
Outcomes
Graduation rate
77%
97%
Freshman retention
84%
99%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$62,627
$90,555
Median earnings (10 yr)
$74,742
$111,371
Median debt at graduation
$26,244
$15,715
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
17%
First-generation students
17%
19%
International students
3%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 5

* Reported aid for this income range averaged above the billed cost.

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 University of Pennsylvania harder to get into?
University of Pennsylvania is harder to get into. It admits about 5% 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 University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,699 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 University of Pennsylvania?
Before aid, Duquesne University costs about $67,776 a year and University of Pennsylvania about $89,028. 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 University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-3,012 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 University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania is the larger of the two, with about 10,650 undergraduates against 5,350 at Duquesne University.
Does Duquesne University or University of Pennsylvania have a better graduation rate?
University of Pennsylvania has the higher graduation rate, at about 97% against 77% at Duquesne University.
Do graduates of Duquesne University or University of Pennsylvania earn more?
University of Pennsylvania alumni earn more on average: a median of about $111,371 ten years after enrolling, against about $74,742 for Duquesne University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Duquesne University and University of Pennsylvania require SAT or ACT scores?
Duquesne University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Pennsylvania requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do Duquesne University and University of Pennsylvania look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1180–1340 at Duquesne University and 1510–1570 at University of Pennsylvania. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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