Overview of Duquesne University
Duquesne University, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a private Catholic university known for its commitment to academic excellence, ethical leadership, and service to the community. Established in 1878 by the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, Duquesne has a rich history rooted in the Spiritan tradition, emphasizing education for moral and spiritual development.
History and Mission:
Duquesne University was founded by the Congregation of the Holy Spirit with the vision of providing an education that integrates intellectual, ethical, and spiritual dimensions. The university is named after the Marquis Michel-Ange Duquesne de Menneville, a French governor of New France who embodied the Spiritan values of service and leadership.
Duquesne’s mission is grounded in the Spiritan tradition, emphasizing the development of the whole person—mind, heart, and spirit. The university seeks to foster a community of scholars who are committed to ethical leadership, social justice, and the common good.
Academic Programs:
Duquesne University offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its nine schools and colleges. These include the McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts, the A.J. Palumbo School of Business Administration, the Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, and the School of Law, among others.
The university is known for its commitment to small class sizes and personalized attention, allowing students to engage deeply with their studies and develop close relationships with faculty. The core curriculum at Duquesne emphasizes critical thinking, communication skills, and a broad-based understanding of various disciplines.
Campus and Facilities:
Duquesne’s campus is situated atop the Bluff, providing panoramic views of downtown Pittsburgh. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including the iconic Old Main and the Duquesne Union. The Gumberg Library serves as a central hub for research and academic resources, offering extensive collections and study spaces.
The Power Center, a state-of-the-art facility, provides spaces for fitness and recreation, and the Palumbo Center serves as the home for the university’s athletic programs. Duquesne’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in initiatives such as the LEED Gold-certified College Hall.
Student Life:
Duquesne University offers a vibrant and inclusive student life experience. The campus is home to numerous student organizations, clubs, and activities, covering a wide range of interests and passions. The Student Government Association (SGA) plays a crucial role in representing student interests and organizing events, fostering a sense of community among the student body.
Duquesne’s commitment to service is evident in initiatives such as the Spiritan Campus Ministry, which provides opportunities for spiritual growth, community service, and social justice advocacy. The university’s location in Pittsburgh also offers students access to a dynamic urban environment with cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities.
Community Engagement:
Community engagement and service are integral to the mission of Duquesne University. The Center for Community-Engaged Teaching and Research facilitates partnerships with local organizations, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills to address real-world challenges. The annual “Duquesne Day of Service” is a campus-wide initiative that underscores the university’s commitment to making a positive impact on the local community.
Ethical Leadership:
Duquesne University places a strong emphasis on developing ethical leaders who are prepared to address the complex challenges of the modern world. The Palumbo-Donahue School of Business, in particular, is recognized for its focus on business ethics and responsible leadership. The university’s commitment to ethical leadership aligns with its mission to educate students to be ethical and socially responsible contributors to society.
Global Perspective:
Duquesne University encourages students to cultivate a global perspective through study abroad programs, international courses, and global engagement initiatives. The university’s commitment to global education is reflected in its efforts to prepare students for an interconnected world. The Office of International Programs facilitates opportunities for students to experience different cultures and gain a deeper understanding of global issues.
Conclusion:
Duquesne University stands as a distinguished institution with a rich history, a commitment to the Spiritan tradition, and a focus on academic excellence, ethical leadership, and community engagement. The university’s emphasis on holistic development, small class sizes, and service to others contributes to a transformative educational experience. Duquesne’s mission to prepare students for lives of purpose and service aligns with its historical legacy and continues to shape the university’s role in fostering ethical leaders and engaged citizens.
600 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15282
Phone: (412) 396-6222
Email: admissions@duq.edu
Web site: http://www.duq.edu
Rankings: Duquesne University
Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Duquesne University is one of the best universities in the state of Pennsylvania. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Duquesne University in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Duquesne University.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 128 |
| Score: | 33 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 2.6 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 88 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 87.0% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 72.0% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | 61% |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | 11 |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 163 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 49.4% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 6.6% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 16:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 74.2% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 148 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 1030-1210 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 23% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 55% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 75.6% |
| Financial resources rank: | 187 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 113 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 13.5% |
Essential Facts: Duquesne University
- The student-faculty ratio at Duquesne University is 14:1, and the school has 40.4 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students.
- Founded 140 years ago by the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, Duquesne University is the only Spiritan institution of higher education in the United States.
- The most popular majors at Duquesne University include: Nursing Science; Biology/Biological Sciences, General; Accounting; Early Childhood Education and Teaching; and Finance, General.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 59% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 12% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 9% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 70% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | No |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 28% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, hazing prohibited |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA I |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field (outdoor), wrestling |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | basketball, crew (heavyweight), cross country, lacrosse, crew (lightweight), soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field (indoor), track and field (outdoor), volleyball |
| Student activities: | campus ministries, choral groups, concert band, dance, drama/theater, international student organization, jazz band, literary magazine, marching band, model UN, music ensembles, musical theater, opera, pep band, radio station, student government, student newspaper, student film society, symphony orchestra, television station, yearbook |