NC State vs. Duquesne University

Comparable Facts

Compare North Carolina State University at Raleigh in Raleigh, NC with Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Carolina State University at Raleigh is larger than Duquesne University based on total student enrollment (38,464 students vs. 8,234 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Carolina State University at Raleigh is located in Raleigh, NC (Large City setting); Duquesne University is in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting).
• North Carolina State University at Raleigh is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Duquesne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Carolina State University at Raleigh 15:1; Duquesne University 12:1.

NC State vs. Duquesne University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NC State 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 North Carolina State University at Raleigh than Duquesne University ($15,522 vs. $37,917).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Carolina State University at Raleigh are 12.5% lower than at Duquesne University ($14,332 vs. $16,374).
• Duquesne University is 456.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than NC State (about $40,187 more per year; $48,986.00 vs. $8,799.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.1% higher at Duquesne University than at North Carolina State University at Raleigh (about $16,139 more per year; $48,986.00 vs. $32,847.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Duquesne University than at North Carolina State University at Raleigh (100% vs. 51%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Duquesne University students is 155.7% larger than aid received by North Carolina State University at Raleigh students ($29,850 vs. $11,675).

NC State vs. Duquesne University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NC State 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 NC State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Carolina State University at Raleigh (1390) is 130 points higher than at Duquesne University (1260).
• Incoming NC State 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: North Carolina State University at Raleigh 1300/1470; Duquesne University 1180/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Carolina State University at Raleigh 28/32; Duquesne University 26/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NC State - Test optional; Duquesne University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NC State Jan 15, 2027; Duquesne University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NC State students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at Duquesne University (3.8).
• Duquesne University has a higher acceptance rate (83.6%) than NC State (41.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at NC State vs. 13.4% at Duquesne University.

NC State vs. Duquesne University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NC State 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).

• Duquesne University's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than North Carolina State University at Raleigh's (72%).
• Graduates from Duquesne University earn a median of about $7,900 more per year than NC State graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,100 vs. $57,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Carolina State University at Raleigh graduates have a $6,218 lower median loan debt than Duquesne University graduates ($20,782 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, NC State graduates have an estimated $65 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Duquesne University graduates ($214 vs. $279).
• More Duquesne University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NC State students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 76%)

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.