Wake Forest vs. Duquesne University

Comparable Facts

Compare Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC with Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Wake Forest University is larger than Duquesne University based on total student enrollment (9,322 students vs. 8,234 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wake Forest University is located in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting); Duquesne University is in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting).
• Wake Forest University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Duquesne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wake Forest University 10:1; Duquesne University 12:1.

Wake Forest vs. Duquesne University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wake Forest 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 Wake Forest University than Duquesne University ($24,401 vs. $37,917).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Duquesne University are 11.5% lower than at Wake Forest University ($16,374 vs. $18,494).
• Wake Forest University is 38.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Duquesne University (about $18,656 more per year; $67,642.00 vs. $48,986.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.1% higher at Wake Forest than at Duquesne University (about $18,656 more per year; $67,642.00 vs. $48,986.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Duquesne University than at Wake Forest University (100% vs. 35%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wake Forest University students is 111.4% larger than aid received by Duquesne University students ($63,117 vs. $29,850).

Wake Forest vs. Duquesne University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Wake Forest University (1470) is 210 points higher than at Duquesne University (1260).
• Incoming Wake Forest students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (33 vs. 29 at Duquesne University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Wake Forest University 1410/1520; Duquesne University 1180/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Wake Forest University 32/34; Duquesne University 26/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wake Forest - Test optional; Duquesne University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wake Forest Jan 1, 2027; Duquesne University Aug 15, 2027.
• Duquesne University has a higher acceptance rate (83.6%) than Wake Forest (21.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.1% at Wake Forest vs. 13.4% at Duquesne University.

Wake Forest vs. Duquesne University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wake Forest and Duquesne University? 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.

• Wake Forest University's six-year graduation rate (88%) is higher than Duquesne University's (73%).
• Graduates from Wake Forest University earn a median of about $12,100 more per year than Duquesne University graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,200 vs. $65,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wake Forest University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Duquesne University graduates ($23,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Wake Forest graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Duquesne University graduates ($237 vs. $279).
• More Wake Forest graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Duquesne University students, three years after graduation. (88% 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.