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 tables 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.

Cost details

• 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).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16% higher at Duquesne University than at Messiah University (about $6,746 more per year; $48,986 vs. $42,240).
• 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).

Admissions details

• Typical ACT composite is 1 point higher at Duquesne University than at Messiah University (29 vs. 28, midpoint estimate).
• SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both Duquesne University and Messiah University.
• Typical fall application deadline: Duquesne University Aug 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Duquesne University students have the same average high school GPA (3.8) as students at Messiah University (3.8).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Duquesne University vs. 29.1% at Messiah University.

Loans and repayment

• 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, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.