Duquesne University vs. VCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA with Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Virginia Commonwealth University is larger than Duquesne University based on total student enrollment (28,464 students vs. 8,234 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Duquesne University is located in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting); Virginia Commonwealth University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Duquesne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Commonwealth University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Duquesne University 12:1; Virginia Commonwealth University 17:1.

Duquesne University vs. VCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Duquesne University or VCU? 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 Virginia Commonwealth University than Duquesne University ($26,836 vs. $37,917).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Duquesne University are 10.3% lower than at Virginia Commonwealth University ($16,374 vs. $18,254).
• Duquesne University is 189.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCU (about $32,041 more per year; $48,986.00 vs. $16,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.1% higher at Duquesne University than at Virginia Commonwealth University (about $8,877 more per year; $48,986.00 vs. $40,109.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Duquesne University than at Virginia Commonwealth University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Duquesne University students is 110.4% larger than aid received by Virginia Commonwealth University students ($29,850 vs. $14,186).

Duquesne University vs. VCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Duquesne University or VCU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between VCU and Duquesne University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Duquesne University (1260) is 120 points higher than at VCU (1140).
• Incoming Duquesne University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (29 vs. 26 at VCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Duquesne University 1180/1340; Virginia Commonwealth University 1010/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Duquesne University 26/32; Virginia Commonwealth University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Duquesne University - Test optional; VCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Duquesne University Aug 15, 2027; VCU Jan 18, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Duquesne University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at VCU (3.75).
• VCU has a higher acceptance rate (92.6%) than Duquesne University (83.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Duquesne University vs. 21.6% at VCU.

Duquesne University vs. VCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Duquesne University and VCU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Duquesne University's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Virginia Commonwealth University's (53%).
• Graduates from Duquesne University earn a median of about $17,600 more per year than VCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,100 vs. $47,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Virginia Commonwealth University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Duquesne University graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, VCU graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Duquesne University graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Duquesne University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCU students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 56%)

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.