Duquesne University vs. Messiah University

Comparable Facts

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

Duquesne University is larger than Messiah University based on total student enrollment (8,234 students vs. 3,373 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Duquesne University vs. Messiah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Duquesne University or Messiah 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 Messiah University than Duquesne University ($29,408 vs. $37,917).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Messiah University are 20% lower than at Duquesne University ($13,098 vs. $16,374).
• Duquesne University is 16% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messiah University (about $6,746 more per year; $48,986.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16% higher at Duquesne University than at Messiah University (about $6,746 more per year; $48,986.00 vs. $42,240.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Duquesne University as at Messiah University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Duquesne University students is 12.3% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($29,850 vs. $26,576).

Duquesne University vs. Messiah University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Duquesne University (1260) is 30 points higher than at Messiah University (1230).
• Incoming Duquesne University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 28 at Messiah University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Duquesne University 1180/1340; Messiah University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Duquesne University 26/32; Messiah University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Duquesne University - Test optional; Messiah University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Duquesne University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Duquesne University students have the same average high school GPA (3.8) as students at Messiah University (3.8).
• Duquesne University has a higher acceptance rate (83.6%) than Messiah University (79%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Duquesne University vs. 29.1% at Messiah University.

Duquesne University vs. Messiah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Duquesne University and Messiah 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).

• Messiah University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Duquesne University's (73%).
• Graduates from Duquesne University earn a median of about $16,500 more per year than Messiah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,100 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Messiah University graduates have a $1,011 lower median loan debt than Duquesne University graduates ($25,989 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Messiah University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Duquesne University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Messiah University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Duquesne University students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 82%)

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.