WSU vs. Duquesne University

Comparable Facts

Compare Wayne State University in Detroit, MI with Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Wayne State University is larger than Duquesne University based on total student enrollment (23,803 students vs. 8,234 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wayne State University is located in Detroit, MI (Large City setting); Duquesne University is in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting).
• Wayne State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Duquesne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wayne State University 14:1; Duquesne University 12:1.

WSU vs. Duquesne University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WSU 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 Wayne State University than Duquesne University ($14,416 vs. $37,917).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wayne State University are 13% lower than at Duquesne University ($14,252 vs. $16,374).
• Duquesne University is 222.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSU (about $33,796 more per year; $48,986.00 vs. $15,190.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 52.9% higher at Duquesne University than at Wayne State University (about $16,949 more per year; $48,986.00 vs. $32,037.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Duquesne University than at Wayne State University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Duquesne University students is 130.4% larger than aid received by Wayne State University students ($29,850 vs. $12,953).

WSU vs. Duquesne University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WSU 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 WSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Duquesne University (1260) is 90 points higher than at WSU (1170).
• Incoming Duquesne University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 26 at WSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wayne State University 1060/1270; Duquesne University 1180/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wayne State University 23/29; Duquesne University 26/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WSU - Test optional; Duquesne University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSU Aug 1, 2027; Duquesne University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Duquesne University students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at WSU (3.42).
• Duquesne University has a higher acceptance rate (83.6%) than WSU (81.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.4% at WSU vs. 13.4% at Duquesne University.

WSU vs. Duquesne University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WSU 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 Wayne State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Duquesne University earn a median of about $14,100 more per year than WSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,100 vs. $51,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wayne State University graduates have a $4,742 lower median loan debt than Duquesne University graduates ($22,258 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WSU graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Duquesne University graduates ($230 vs. $279).
• More Duquesne University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 38%)

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.