If Duquesne is to carry on its Spiritan Mission,
funding for need-based aid
must be substantially increased—
especially endowed funds
which ensure perpetual support.

Our Spiritan founders insisted that the transformative benefits of a Duquesne education be available to all worthy students, regardless of ability to pay. Funding for need-based financial aid is critical to keeping this promise alive—now and for generations to come.

In Duquesne’s earliest days, the Spiritans frequently reduced tuition—or waived it entirely—for deserving students who were unable to pay. This reflected our founders’ inclusive, missionary philosophy, and addressed the reality that many students were the children of first-generation, working-class immigrants who struggled just to feed, clothe and house their families. For them, a Duquesne education was a ticket out of poverty.

Today’s conditions are much different for the University and its students, but higher education remains the key to better lives and careers. Affordability is still a challenge—in some ways, more now than ever before. Students and their families must sacrifice and often incur substantial debt in their quest for a college education. For many, the bottom line cost is a key factor in deciding whether to enroll—or stay—at a particular school.

Increased financial aid does not imply relaxed admission standards. To the contrary, it is pivotal to sustaining our remarkable recent success in attracting the most talented and motivated students, and to building a more diverse and vibrant learning community. Competition for the finest students is fierce. By making finances less of a concern, students and families can make decisions based on Duquesne’s many other advantages.

More dedicated scholarship funds will have a similar effect on the University’s finances. Aside from salaries, financial aid is the largest single line item in Duquesne’s operating budget. Funding more need-based aid from endowments rather than operational revenue will also make more resources available for improvements in academics and student life.

Generations of Spiritans, alumni and friends have made financial aid available to needy Duquesne students. See a current list...

Advancing Our Legacy offers you the opportunity to add your support for current and future students. Make your gift now or contact us to learn more.