Duquesne University vs. Mason

Comparable Facts

Compare Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA with George Mason University in Fairfax, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

George Mason University is larger than Duquesne University based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 8,234 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Duquesne University is located in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting); George Mason University is in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Duquesne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Duquesne University 12:1; George Mason University 16:1.

Duquesne University vs. Mason Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Duquesne University or Mason? 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 George Mason University than Duquesne University ($18,823 vs. $37,917).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at George Mason University are 4% lower than at Duquesne University ($15,725 vs. $16,374).
• Duquesne University is 244.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mason (about $34,766 more per year; $48,986.00 vs. $14,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.6% higher at Duquesne University than at George Mason University (about $10,298 more per year; $48,986.00 vs. $38,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Duquesne University than at George Mason University (100% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Duquesne University students is 132.3% larger than aid received by George Mason University students ($29,850 vs. $12,852).

Duquesne University vs. Mason Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Duquesne University or Mason? 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 Mason and Duquesne University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Duquesne University (1260) is the same as at Mason (1260).
• Incoming Duquesne University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 27 at Mason).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Duquesne University 1180/1340; George Mason University 1160/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Duquesne University 26/32; George Mason University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Duquesne University - Test optional; Mason - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Duquesne University Aug 15, 2027; Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Duquesne University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Mason (3.68).
• Mason has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than Duquesne University (83.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Duquesne University vs. 20.2% at Mason.

Duquesne University vs. Mason Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Duquesne University and Mason? 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).

• Duquesne University's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than George Mason University's (64%).
• Graduates from Duquesne University earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than Mason graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,100 vs. $61,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $7,250 lower median loan debt than Duquesne University graduates ($19,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $75 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Duquesne University graduates ($204 vs. $279).
• More Duquesne University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mason students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 73%)

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.