‘U.S. News Ranks’ Duquesne a Top-100 Private National University

Reflecting its continued momentum, Duquesne University debuted at No. 78 in the new Top Private Colleges–National Universities category of the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, placing it among the country's top 100 private universities.

Duquesne also made a significant gain in the Best Value Schools category, jumping an impressive 53 places to No. 62, while its undergraduate engineering and nursing programs each climbed substantially in the U.S. News rankings.

The 2027 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings evaluate nearly 1,700 colleges and universities nationwide, using up to 17 factors to measure academic quality and graduate success, including graduation and retention rates, post-graduate outcomes and academic resources.

“There’s tremendous energy across Duquesne right now, and it’s gratifying to see that reflected in these rankings,” said President David J. Dausey. “We’re building on our strengths, creating new opportunities and staying focused on what matters most—preparing our students to thrive and ensuring their education opens doors throughout their lives.”

Duquesne climbed 16 spots to No. 44 in the Undergraduate Engineering Programs (No Doctorate) category. The gain comes just three years after Duquesne announced a major expansion of engineering education, building on its established biomedical engineering program with new programs designed to meet growing workforce needs.

“Our students learn by doing—working alongside faculty on research, gaining real-world experience and learning to solve complex problems together in class projects,” said Dr. Ellen Gawalt, dean of the School of Science and Engineering. “This recognition reflects the strength of that approach and how we’re preparing students to be ready for anything in a rapidly changing world.”

In the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs category, Duquesne climbed 18 spots to No. 56.

“We are very proud of U.S. News’ Best College recognition of our BSN program,” said Dr. Mary Ellen Glasgow, dean of the School of Nursing. “The BSN program integrates ethical reasoning, advanced clinical skills and a holistic approach preparing nurses to deliver compassionate, evidence-based and socially just care.”

Duquesne also continued its upward movement in the overall National Universities ranking, climbing 13 spots to No. 156. The University also rose 12 places to No. 110 among Best Colleges for Veterans.

In addition to the U.S. News rankings, Duquesne has earned several other recent distinctions from national higher education publications and organizations.

Duquesne was included in The Princeton Review’s Best 392 Colleges for 2027, positioning the University among the top 15% of four-year institutions in the U.S. It also was listed among the Best Mid-Atlantic Colleges as well as in The Princeton Review’s 388 Green Colleges, recognizing environmentally responsible colleges and universities.

In its 2026 Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars rankings, Washington Monthly listed Duquesne No. 48 nationally for service and No. 16 in the Northeast, placing it among the top five Pennsylvania institutions for service. The publication also ranked Duquesne No. 46 nationally for earnings four years after graduation.

Money named Duquesne one of America’s Best Colleges for 2026, based on its evaluation of educational quality, affordability and student outcomes. Forbes also named Duquesne among America’s Top Colleges for 2027, a list focused on student outcomes and the return students receive on their investment in higher education.

Duquesne University

Founded in 1878, Duquesne is consistently ranked among the nation's top Catholic universities for its award-winning faculty and horizon-expanding education. A campus of more than 8,200 graduate and undergraduate students, Duquesne prepares students by having them work alongside faculty to discover and reach their goals. The University's academic programs, community service and commitment to equity and opportunity in the Pittsburgh region have earned national acclaim.

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