AU vs. Duquesne University

Comparable Facts

Compare American University in Washington, DC with Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

American University is larger than Duquesne University based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 8,234 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• American University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Duquesne University is in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting).
• American University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Duquesne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: American University 10:1; Duquesne University 12:1.

AU vs. Duquesne University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Duquesne University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Duquesne University than AU ($37,917 vs. $39,676).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Duquesne University are 8.9% lower than at American University ($16,374 vs. $17,982).
• American University is 20% more expensive for in-state tuition than Duquesne University (about $9,785 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $48,986.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20% higher at AU than at Duquesne University (about $9,785 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $48,986.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Duquesne University than at American University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by American University students is 21.8% larger than aid received by Duquesne University students ($36,349 vs. $29,850).

AU vs. Duquesne University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AU or Duquesne University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Duquesne University and AU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is 110 points higher than at Duquesne University (1260).
• Incoming AU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 29 at Duquesne University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 1280/1460; Duquesne University 1180/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: American University 29/32; Duquesne University 26/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Duquesne University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: AU Jan 15, 2027; Duquesne University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Duquesne University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at AU (3.7).
• Duquesne University has a higher acceptance rate (83.6%) than AU (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at AU vs. 13.4% at Duquesne University.

AU vs. Duquesne University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Duquesne University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• American University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Duquesne University's (73%).
• Graduates from Duquesne University earn a median of about $300 more per year than AU graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,100 vs. $64,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Duquesne University graduates ($24,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Duquesne University graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More Duquesne University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AU students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 80%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.