Pittsburgh, PA · Private University
Is Duquesne University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$74,742
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$47,146
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$47,146
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$188,584
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.58x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
4.7 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
75.5%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$26,244
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$34,978
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Duquesne University graduates earn $29,742 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Duquesne University ranked by graduate earnings
47 graduates
383 graduates
107 graduates
93 graduates
47 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Duquesne University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Duquesne University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $78,806) and the lowest (Communication and Media Studies: $33,275) is $45,531/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $78,806 | 1.7x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $69,735 | 1.5x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $67,679 | 1.4x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $67,308 | 1.4x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $65,452 | 1.4x |
| Computer Science(1yr data) | $65,098 | 1.4x |
| Mathematics | $62,639 | 1.3x |
| Biology, General | $62,208 | 1.3x |
| International Business(1yr data) | $60,748 | 1.3x |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $58,848 | 1.3x |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $56,192 | 1.2x |
| Marketing | $54,209 | 1.1x |
| Political Science and Government | $50,606 | 1.1x |
| History | $49,746 | 1.1x |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $49,016 | 1.0x |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | $48,434 | 1.0x |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations(1yr data) | $48,319 | 1.0x |
| Sociology | $46,134 | 1.0x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $45,520 | 1.0x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $43,845 | 0.9x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $43,186 | 0.9x |
| Psychology, General | $42,256 | 0.9x |
| Business/Corporate Communications(1yr data) | $38,207 | 0.8x |
| Music | $35,095 | 0.7x |
| Communication and Media StudiesLowest(1yr data) | $33,275 | 0.7x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Duquesne University offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $74,742 10 years after starting — $29,742 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 4.7 years — faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.