Admissions
The Office of Admissions is located on the first floor of the Administration Building.
(412) 396-6222 or (800) 456-0590
Fax: (412) 396-5644
Office Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
admissionsFREEDUQUESNE
Policy
It is the policy of Duquesne University to admit students who will be open to pursuing excellence, display adaptability and openness to opportunities, and who will thrive and develop in our learning environments - locally, nationally, and around the globe. Overcoming adversity or showing promise to contribute to or benefit from the University's intellectual, spiritual, and social growth will be considered as well.
We review applications holistically, taking into consideration qualities of academic preparation (which includes rigor of course work, class standings, and grades), extracurricular activities, leadership potential, the potential for adding a unique perspective, individual talents, character, and recommendations if provided. Duquesne University undergraduate admissions is currently both test optional and test flexible and, if submitted, ACT or SAT test scores and any other standardized test scores such as AP, IB, CLEP, etc. will be considered.
Admission Requirements for First-time Freshmen and Transfers
Duquesne University invites applications from qualified high school students who have graduated or expect to graduate from an accredited secondary school. The student should request information about Duquesne University early in their high school career to help plan their course selection.
The recommended high school/secondary school college preparatory curriculum should
include completion of a minimum of 16 units of secondary school work. Candidates who
do not meet these minimum requirements should provide an explanation with their application. Minimum
requirements include four units in English, three in college preparatory mathematics
(including Algebra I, II, and Geometry, and up to 4 years of mathematics with precalculus/calculus
recommended for some programs),* and at least two each in history, laboratory science,
and second language (in the same language, including American Sign Language) and additional
academic electives. Candidates who do not meet these requirements may still apply
for admission, however for the more competitive programs candidates for admission
exceed the minimum requirements and have taken three to four units in science, history,
and second language at the highest levels available in their school setting.
*Applicants to Sciences and Engineering, select Nursing, Pharmacy, Health Sciences,
Pre-medical and Business academic programs should consider a year of calculus or a
year of precalculus and a year of AP Statistics. For students enrolled in IB courses,
this requirement would be met with enrollment in HL or SL Math Analysis & Approaches
or HL Math Applications & Interpretations.
Remember that while meeting minimum requirements is essential, other factors, such
as program-specific criteria, competitiveness of the current pool of applicants, and
available slots, also influence admission and scholarship decisions. It’s crucial
for applicants to thoroughly review the admission policies and program- and school-specific
requirements of their chosen area of study.
Application
Complete the appropriate Duquesne University Online Application for Undergraduate Admission, Common App, Coalition Application or Future Focused Application. While many of our academic programs adhere to the university-wide deadlines and may receive applications on a rolling basis after that, some programs are limited capacity, highly competitive and operate on earlier and stricter deadlines. Please check your specific program of interest to determine and abide by published deadlines and requirements.
Transcript
- Applicants must submit all official high school transcripts and college transcripts, if applicable.
- Applicants may choose to submit a Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) or self-report their academic records through the Common Application, Duquesne application, or Coalition application.
- All high school students should request that their current senior year grades and coursework be included on their official transcripts, if possible or on their mid-year report.
- Transcripts marked "Issued to Student" are not official.
- Acceptance and any scholarships, if awarded at time of admission, are contingent upon the successful completion of the applicants' high school program and our receipt of a final, official high school transcript, which will be used to verify graduation.
- Final official high school transcripts (and college coursework) certifying successful high school graduation are required before beginning coursework at Duquesne University.
Test Scores
- Submit ALL official SAT and/or ACT scores. Duquesne University "superscores" and combines your highest section scores across all SAT or ACT test dates that you submit. Only your highest section scores will be considered in the admissions decision.
- The admissions office encourages you to submit your scores each time you take the SAT/ACT. Sending your scores each time you take the SAT/ACT can benefit you by allowing us to consider you for all available enrollment-related opportunities. Internal research shows that academic placement and advising, tutoring services and accelerated options can be more effective when test scores are supplied during or after the admission process.
- Test-Optional Admission is available for programs for Fall 2025, Spring 2026 and Summer
2026.
- Students have the ability to indicate whether they would like us to consider their standardized test scores at the time of application. In deciding, students should consider their level of confidence that the overall sum of their record and experiences presented fully reflect their academic ability and potential.
- Students choosing test optional, may choose to send in their scores at the time of application of later to help in course placement, advising, placement in advanced coursework or availability of tutoring services.
If you would like your standardized test scores considered:
Duquesne University accepts self-reported standardized test scores on your application.
Please note: If you submit self-reported standardized test scores, an official score report from the testing agency will be required before enrolling at Duquesne University. If there are discrepancies between self-reported and official standardized test scores, your enrollment may be revoked and rescinded.
You may also submit your official test scores via the testing agency. When sending official scores, the DU codes are:
- SAT: 2196
- ACT: 3560
Recommendations
- Recommendations are invited and considered helpful but optional for applicants to most academic programs.
- Recommendations must be completed by a teacher or school counselor.
- A minimum of one recommendation from an academic source is strongly encouraged for health professions applicants.
Personal Statement/Essay
- A writing sample, graded paper or essay is strongly recommended but optional for applicants to most academic programs.
- A Personal Essay is required for Physicians Assistant Studies applicants and should include the following: a statement about yourself, why you would like to become a physician assistant, and why you chose Duquesne University.
- A personal essay is recommended but not required for certain health professions programs (Athletic Training, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech-Language Pathology) and optional for other programs.
Home Schooled Applicants must meet the following additional Admissions requirements
- Provide transcripts and academic curriculum from the Home School Agency or Program.
- Submit the results of the SAT or ACT exam.
Test-Optional Admission
Fall 2025, Spring 2026 and Summer 2026, Test-Optional Admission is available for applicants to select schools and programs.
Students who do not have SAT or ACT scores, or believe their scores do not reflect their academic achievement and ability to be successful at Duquesne, may choose to apply as a Test-Optional candidate. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 within a college preparatory curriculum to be considered for Test-Optional Admission.
Technical Standards
Duquesne It does not discriminate on the basis of religious preference, sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, non-performance-related handicap or veteran’s status in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletics or other University-sponsored programs. In preparation for certain professional health care roles, program applicants and continuing students in the program must be able to meet the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor requirements of the curriculum. Graduates must have knowledge, skills, and attitudes to function in a wide variety of clinical situations and to render a wide spectrum of patient care. If you are applying for enrollment in the schools of Health Sciences, Nursing or Pharmacy, please review the technical standards related to classroom, laboratory, and clinical/fieldwork environments.
Graduate Students
Students interested in graduate school admissions must directly contact the specific school for their program of interest. For general questions, email gradadmissionsFREEDUQUESNE.
New First-Year Students
Application procedures and requirements vary by program. To have a complete application on file, applicants may need to submit, in addition to an application: transcript, test scores, recommendations (optional for most programs), and a personal essay (optional for most programs). Some programs and schools have additional requirements or technical standards. These requirements are posted annually on the admissions requirements web page and are communicated to individual students on their applicant portal.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to arrange to have all supporting credentials on file with the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid Office prior to the deadline dates.
Other Categories
It is the responsibility of persons who apply as international students, readmission students, transfers, or for the Summer Session to arrange to have all supporting credentials on file with the Office of Admissions and the Financial Aid Office before deadline dates.
Students who have followed the College Entrance Examination Board college level program in secondary schools and have performed satisfactorily in the advanced placement examinations are eligible for college credit. Duquesne University grants credit and placement for achievements that merit such consideration.
Applicants who hope to receive advanced placement credits must request that scores be sent to the University. Credit will be given for minimum advanced placement scores as determined yearly by the College of Liberal Arts and the School of Science and Engineering.
IB Diploma Students
Duquesne University may award up to 30 academic credits to students completing the IB Diploma with a total score of 30 or above. Credit will be given for both higher and standard level subjects according to the advisor’s discretion. The diploma curriculum must include at least three higher level subjects.
Non-Diploma Students
Students who do not complete the IB Diploma are able to receive advanced standing credit for IB Higher level subjects with scores of 5, 6 or 7. IB Standard Level scores of 6 or 7 will be accepted in foreign languages for a maximum of eight semester hours per language. No credit will be given for other standard level courses. For a list of credits awarded by discipline, view the list or contact your academic advisor.
A student may acquire credits by achieving a satisfactory score on one or more of the College Level Examinations - Subject and General. Examinations may be taken at any CLEP Center. Students should check with their Success Coach to make sure that they are eligible to receive credit for the particular exams they plan to take.
Students whose total credits, including CLEP credits, do not exceed sixty (60), are permitted to take CLEP exams. Students who have failed or withdrawn from a course cannot receive CLEP credit for that course.
Duquesne University offers its most highly qualified and outstanding freshmen the opportunity to participate in the Honors College. Students meeting the Honors College’s standards of admission receive an invitation to join this selective program. The criteria for invitation to the Honors College is fluid, based on SAT or ACT scores, high school GPA, and other admissions data. Students must also demonstrate a commitment to our humanities curriculum when accepting the invitation to join the University Honors College.
Others may petition for admission by applying directly to Honors College. Along with the application form, the required supporting documentation includes one recommendation (from a teacher who can attest to the applicant’s academic ability and character.
If students are not initially invited or accepted into the Honors College, they may reapply following the completion of their first semester at Duquesne. The deadline for current Duquesne students is February 1st.
Costs and Credits
Honors College students pay the same tuition as other students in their schools or
programs.
Many AP credits can count toward your Honors College Core classes or toward your other
course requirements. Your Success Coach will help you determine where your AP credits
fit.
Early Admission
Exceptional students who wish to enter college prior to high school graduation may
apply for Early Admission. The student’s first year of college is applied toward the
completion of their high school diploma with prior agreement from their school. Early
Admission applicants must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.5+ and
a minimum SAT score of 1270 (math and EBRW only) or ACT score of 26. An interview
with an admissions counselor, a personal essay, and written permission from the applicant’s
high school principal are also required. For more details, contact the Admissions Office at admissions@duq.edu or 412.396.6222.
Student Eligibility
Students who meet all the following criteria are qualified to participate in the program:
- The student is in high school, grades 11-12.
- The student is making satisfactory progress toward fulfilling applicable secondary school graduation requirements, as determined by the School District. The School District will determine satisfactory progress based on credits earned.
- The student demonstrates readiness for college-level coursework in the intended subject area of study, as determined by the high school.
Courses
The following criteria apply to all high school courses:
- The courses are non-remedial.
- The courses are in core academic subjects; specifically English, reading or language arts, mathematics, science, foreign languages, civics and government, economics, arts, history and geography.
- The courses offered to students enrolled for college credit are identical to those offered to students who are not enrolled for college credit, including the use of identical curriculum, assessments and instructional materials.
- The courses enforce prerequisite coursework requirements identical to those enforced for the courses when students are not enrolled for college credit.
Student Registration
Only students who are taking classes for college credit should complete the registration form. A parent's signature is required on the form. Submit registration form with a check to the teacher who is teaching the course. Checks should be made payable to Duquesne University. The tuition rates are published annually on the tuition and fees webpage of the university.
Registrations for courses completed in the spring are due March 1. Registration in
these classes is a binding contract between the University and the student. Students
will receive final grades, which will result in an official Duquesne University transcript.
If a student does not complete the course, a withdrawal grade ("W") will be issued.
Course fees will be assessed, and payment will be due regardless of a student's completion
of the course. Payment in full must accompany the registration form, and no refunds
will be issued.
Transferring Credits After Taking Classes
To transfer credits to another university or college you must request a copy of your
transcript from the University Registrar. It is the student's responsibility to determine if the credits will transfer to the university or college of his or her choice.
University Contacts
McAnulty College of Liberal Arts
412.396.6389 / liberalarts@duq.edu
School of Science and Engineering
412.396.4793 / palmerp1@duq.edu
University Registrar
412.396.6212
Please review The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. FERPA prohibits postsecondary educational institutions from disclosing the education records of students to most third-parties without the student's consent. Under the provision of FERPA, parents are third parties,
and student information may not be disclosed to parents without the student's consent.
Application Criteria
Duquesne University welcomes applications from qualified international students interested in entry as either freshmen or transfer applicants.
Eligibility criteria for application as a first-year freshman student include:
- Graduation from a secondary school recognized as an acceptable equivalent to a U.S. secondary school, and
- A demonstrated record of acceptable academic success.
Eligibility criteria for application as a transfer student include the above criteria for freshman-level applicants plus successful completion of some post-secondary study at a recognized institution of higher education either in the applicant’s home country or in another country, including the U.S.A. Duquesne University processes requests for transfer credit evaluation according to guidelines established by the academic unit to which an application is submitted.
Application Procedures
Interested applicants should submit the following items:
- Duquesne University Undergraduate Application Form;
- Completed Duquesne University Affidavit of Support Form along with required accompanying
financial resource certifications;
(NOTE: Limited scholarships are available to undergraduate international students); - Mandatory International Applicant’s Sheet;
- Original or certified copies of all academic records of secondary and any post-secondary study. Credentials should be submitted in the native language and with certified English translation;
- One letter of recommendation;
- A personal statement; and
- Application fee in the amount specified on the application form.
Duquesne University is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant foreign nationals. However, no immigration documents can be issued until all application materials, including financial resource certification, have been received. In order to complete on-campus arrival orientation, language proficiency testing, and registration, accepted international students should plan to arrive approximately one-two weeks before classes begin unless informed otherwise.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
Since English is the language of instruction at Duquesne University, all undergraduate students must meet the necessary language requirements to be fully enrolled in academic coursework. Minimum scores required for direct admission are:
- TOEFL (iBT 70)
- IELTS (6.0)
- Duolingo (95)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) (48)
Some applicants, however, may be exempt from English language proficiency requirements and/or English language testing if they have:
• completed four years of high school coursework taught in English at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or have a minimum 540 verbal score on the SAT.
Submission of English Proficiency Scores by Applicants to Undergraduate Degree Programs
Submission of scores on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), DET (DuoLingo English Test), or PTE (Pearson Test of English) is strongly recommended since these scores can assist in earning placement into partial or full academic study. However, because Duquesne University maintains an accredited ESL Program available on campus to students who may need additional English language study, submission of TOEFL, IELTS, DET, or PTE scores is not required for application to undergraduate degree programs. For additional details on the Duquesne University English language proficiency requirements, see “Policies and Procedures”.
Placement into Partial or Full Undergraduate Courses in an Academic Major
New students earn placement into partial or full academic courses by demonstrating sufficient English language proficiency as follows:
- Obtain a score of 70 on the iBT (internet-based TOEFL), a 6.0 on the IELTS, a 65-74
on the Duolingo test, or a 48 on the PTE, OR
- Complete any required Duquesne University ESL Program courses and tests for one or more semesters, earn a clearance recommendation from the ESL Program based on academic success, AND obtain satisfactory scores on the standardized tests listed above.
Notes: TOEFL, IELTS, or DuoLingo scores submitted by new students must be current within one year. The Duquesne University TOEFL Institution Code is 2196. Students accepted to undergraduate degree programs may earn up to six elective university credits for successful completion of ESL Program levels. Continuing degree program students enrolled in the ESL Program are also required to complete the Institutional TOEFL each semester.
Applicants to English as a Second Language Program
Students interested in applying only for English language study in the Duquesne University English as a Second Language Program (ESLP) on either a short- or long-term basis may submit an application to the ESL Program to study as non-degree students. ESL students must comply with all U.S. immigration regulations for maintenance of full-time student status. Additional information on the ESL Program may be found in the catalog under Special Programs.
Additional Information on International Student Applications
Direct all inquiries and requests for additional information and application materials to:
Center for Global Engagement
Duquesne University
601 Duquesne Union
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282-1660
USA
(412) 396-6113
Fax: (412)396-5178
intladmissions@duq.edu
A non-degree/visiting student is a student taking credit or non-credit courses but not seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree at Duquesne University.
- Non-degree students must submit proof (a transcript) of any necessary prerequisites before enrollment can be finalized for courses offered by Duquesne's College of Liberal Arts, School of Business, School of Education, and School of Science and Engineering.
- Duquesne University's Schools of Health Science and Pharmacy will permit non-degree course enrollment, but permission is required by the school. Please contact rshs@duq.edu (health sciences) or pharmacy@duq.edu (pharmacy) for additional information.
- Courses offered by the Duquesne University's Schools of Music and Nursing are not eligible to non-degree students.
Classes are offered throughout the summer online and on campus beginning in May, June and July.
Current Duquesne Students
Any current Duquesne University undergraduate student wishing to take summer classes is encouraged to discuss their options with their Success Coach. Students who were dismissed by their school at the close of the preceding Spring Semester for academic reasons may register for summer classes by permission of the Committee on Student Standing of their School.
Graduates and other former students must obtain re-admittance by applying as a non-degree student before they may register for summer classes.
Non-degree Students
Students from other universities or those wishing to take classes over the summer for their own goals (but not pursuing a degree) will apply as non-degree students. Students visiting from another university may need to show transcripts for any classes that may require prerequisites.
To apply for admission as a transfer student to Duquesne University, the following items must be submitted:
- An application for admission (Duquesne University application, Common Application, or Coalition application).
- Official, final high school transcripts and/or G.E.D. scores (not required for Business, Liberal Arts, and Music majors with more than 24 college-level credits).
- Official transcripts from all previous colleges attended.
- A personal essay is required for Physicians Assistant Studies applicants and should discuss the following: Tell us something unique about you, why you chose Physician Assistant Studies major, and how you expect Duquesne University to help you achieve your academic, personal and professional goals. Please include any examples of your research, shadowing or volunteer experiences.
- A personal essay is recommended but not required for certain health professions programs (Athletic Training, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech-Language Pathology) and optional for other programs.
- An essay is optional for applicants to other programs.
- SAT and/or ACT scores are optional for submission.
Additional Information
- Transfer students may receive Financial Aid provided that they submit a FAFSA form.
- Pennsylvania residents must submit by May 1 to be eligible for state grant aid.
- Transfer students can live in the residence halls on campus based on availability at the time of application.
- Duquesne University does not provide housing for married students.
Transferring Credits
- Generally, Duquesne accepts credits from an accredited college or university that correspond to the Duquesne curriculum and in which students have earned a grade of C or higher.
- Final determination on transferable credits is made by student success coaches or deans of the school.
Maximum Amount of Credits Duquesne Accepts
Duquesne University accepts up to 60 credits from a two-year community college or up to 90 credits from a four-year college or university.
The final 30 credits must be completed at Duquesne University.
- GPA is calculated based on courses taken only at Duquesne University.
- It is possible to receive some credit from military experience, and this is determined by a student success coach in the school of study.
A student who officially withdraws from the University must apply for readmission through the Office of Admissions regardless of the time interval involved since withdrawal.
A student who is dismissed for academic reasons must appeal to the Committee on Student Standing of the school from which he/she was dismissed once the application has been submitted to the Admissions Office.
Prior to being readmitted, all outstanding financial and/or judiciary issues must be resolved.
Affirmation Statement
I certify that all information submitted in the admission process -- including this application and any other supporting materials -- is my own work, factually true, and honestly presented, and that these documents will become the property of Duquesne University and will not be returned to me. I understand that I may be subject to a range of possible disciplinary actions, including admission revocation, expulsion, or revocation of course credit, grades, and degree should the information I have certified be false.
I agree to immediately notify Duquesne University should there be any change to the information requested in this application, including disciplinary history.
I understand that once my application has been submitted it may not be altered in any way; I will need to contact the institution directly if I wish to provide additional information.
I understand that all offers of admission are conditional, pending receipt of final transcripts showing work comparable in quality to that upon which the offer was based, as well as honorable dismissal from the school.
I affirm that I will send an enrollment deposit (or equivalent) to only one institution; sending multiple deposits (or equivalent) may result in the withdrawal of my admission offer from Duquesne University. [Note: students may send an enrollment deposit (or equivalent) to a second institution where they have been admitted from the waitlist, provided that they inform the first institution that they will no longer be enrolling.]
I understand that my social media presence may be considered in addition to my application to Duquesne University. Posts and comments viewed as derogatory, defamatory, racially insensitive, hate speech, or otherwise inappropriate may affect my admission decision.
I understand and agree that DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY may rescind its admission decision at any time before the first day of my entering term based on new information.