Duquesne University vs. Wilkes

Comparable Facts

Compare Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA with Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Duquesne University is larger than Wilkes based on total student enrollment (8,234 students vs. 5,381 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Duquesne University is located in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting); Wilkes University is in Wilkes-Barre, PA (Small City setting).
• Duquesne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wilkes University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Duquesne University 12:1; Wilkes University 13:1.

Duquesne University vs. Wilkes Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Duquesne University or Wilkes? 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 Wilkes University than Duquesne University ($28,511 vs. $37,917).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wilkes University are 1.3% lower than at Duquesne University ($16,166 vs. $16,374).
• Duquesne University is 12.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wilkes (about $5,490 more per year; $48,986.00 vs. $43,496.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.6% higher at Duquesne University than at Wilkes University (about $5,490 more per year; $48,986.00 vs. $43,496.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Duquesne University as at Wilkes University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Duquesne University students is 5.4% larger than aid received by Wilkes University students ($29,850 vs. $28,324).

Duquesne University vs. Wilkes Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Duquesne University (1260) is 120 points higher than at Wilkes (1140).
• Incoming Duquesne University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (29 vs. 25 at Wilkes).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Duquesne University 1180/1340; Wilkes University 1020/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Duquesne University 26/32; Wilkes University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Duquesne University - Test optional; Wilkes - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Duquesne University Aug 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Duquesne University students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Wilkes (3.56).
• Wilkes has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than Duquesne University (83.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Duquesne University vs. 9.3% at Wilkes.

Duquesne University vs. Wilkes Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Duquesne University and Wilkes? 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 Wilkes University's (58%).
• Graduates from Duquesne University earn a median of about $6,900 more per year than Wilkes graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,100 vs. $58,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wilkes University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Duquesne University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Wilkes graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Duquesne University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Duquesne University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Wilkes students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 75%)

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.