Duquesne University vs. VCU

Duquesne University and Virginia Commonwealth University side by side on admissions, cost, and outcomes, from public data.

Duquesne University
Virginia Commonwealth University

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: Duquesne University (83.6% admitted vs 92.6%). Typical SAT 1260 vs 1140.
  • Cheaper after aid: VCU. Average net price is $26,836 vs $37,917 at Duquesne University.
  • Graduation: Duquesne University 73% vs VCU 53%.
  • Earnings 10 years out: Duquesne University $65,100 vs VCU $47,500 (median).
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Key differences

Duquesne University Virginia Commonwealth University
Acceptance rate
Duquesne University more selective
Duquesne University83.6%
VCU92.6%
SAT range (middle 50%)
Duquesne University higher
Duquesne University1180-1340
VCU1010-1270
Average net price
VCU $11,081 less
Duquesne University$37,917
VCU$26,836
In-state tuition
VCU $32,041 less
Duquesne University$48,986
VCU$16,945
Out-of-state tuition
VCU $8,877 less
Duquesne University$48,986
VCU$40,109
Graduation rate
Duquesne University +20 pts
Duquesne University73%
VCU53%
Median earnings (10 years)
Duquesne University +$17,600
Duquesne University$65,100
VCU$47,500

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

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  • Applied
  • Duquesne University 12,893
  • VCU 20,954
  • Admitted
  • Duquesne University 10,773
  • VCU 19,408
  • Acceptance rate
  • Duquesne University 83.6%
  • VCU 92.6%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • Duquesne University 13.4%
  • VCU 21.6%
  • Typical SAT score
  • Duquesne University 1260
  • VCU 1140
  • Typical ACT score
  • Duquesne University 29
  • VCU 26
  • Average high school GPA
  • Duquesne University 3.8
  • VCU 3.75
  • Typical high school grades
  • Duquesne University A-
  • VCU A-
  • Admissions standards
  • Duquesne University Difficult
  • VCU Challenging
  • Applicant competition
  • Duquesne University
  • VCU
  • SAT range
  • Duquesne University 1180-1340
  • VCU 1010-1270
  • ACT range
  • Duquesne University 26-32
  • VCU 22-30
  • Submit test scores
  • Duquesne University Test optional
  • VCU Test optional
  • Application deadline
  • Duquesne University Aug 15, 2027
  • VCU Jan 18, 2027
  • Tuition (in state)
  • Duquesne University $48,986
  • VCU $16,945
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • Duquesne University $48,986
  • VCU $40,109
  • Room & board
  • Duquesne University $16,374
  • VCU $18,254
  • Average net price
  • Duquesne University $37,917
  • VCU $26,836
  • Average grant aid
  • Duquesne University $29,850
  • VCU $14,186
  • % receiving grant aid
  • Duquesne University 100%
  • VCU 88%
  • Graduation rate
  • Duquesne University 73%
  • VCU 53%
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • Duquesne University $65,100
  • VCU $47,500
  • Making student loan payments
  • Duquesne University 82%
  • VCU 56%
  • Median student loan debt
  • Duquesne University $27,000
  • VCU $23,250
  • Median loan payment
  • Duquesne University $279
  • VCU $240
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • Duquesne University 12:1
  • VCU 17:1
  • Popular majors
  • Duquesne University
    • Business (31%)
    • Health Professions (18%)
    • Communication (8%)
    • Education (8%)
    • Social Sciences (6%)
  • VCU
    • Business (15%)
    • Visual and Performing Arts (13%)
    • Health Professions (9%)
    • Psychology (9%)
    • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting (8%)
  • Location
  • Duquesne University Pittsburgh, PA
  • VCU Richmond, VA
  • Setting
  • Duquesne University Large City
  • VCU Midsize City
  • Total enrollment
  • Duquesne University 8,234
  • VCU 28,464
  • Type
  • Duquesne University Private 4 Year
  • VCU Public 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • Duquesne University #190
  • VCU #465

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 tables 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.

Cost details

  • 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).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 22.1% higher at Duquesne University than at Virginia Commonwealth University (about $8,877 more per year; $48,986 vs. $40,109).
  • 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).

Admissions details

  • Typical ACT composite is 3 points higher at Duquesne University than at VCU (29 vs. 26, midpoint estimate).
  • SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both Duquesne University and VCU.
  • Typical fall application deadline: Duquesne University Aug 15, 2027; VCU Jan 18, 2027.
  • Enrolled first-year students at Duquesne University average a 3.8 high school GPA, 0.05 higher than at VCU (3.75).
  • The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Duquesne University vs. 21.6% at VCU.

Loans and repayment

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

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