Exceptional Incoming Class Admitted from Record Applications

More than 13,300 first-year students applied to Duquesne’s undergraduate programs this year. From this highly competitive pool, the enrolled class of approximately 1,500 first-year students, as well as 200 transfer students, represent great ability, diversity and geographic variety. Some of these eager learners have already embarked on their educational journey by taking advantage of available summer course opportunities.

The incoming class is a vibrant mix of students from 29 states, 33 countries and one U.S. territory, underscoring the University’s global appeal. Among them are 24 valedictorians and 12 salutatorians. Roughly 57% of the enrolling students come from Pennsylvania and 5% are from countries outside the U.S. The other four top states from which students applied and were admitted are New York, Ohio, New Jersey and Maryland.  

The percentage of the incoming class who identify as Black, Latina/o, Asian American or Native American increased 70% over the last two years, representing 22% or two out of 10 incoming students. About two-thirds of the class are women and a third are men; 65% of students applied test-optional. About 30% are first generation college students. 

“Duquesne’s stellar reputation for graduates prepared for anything is generating lots of interest from students and families who are increasingly conscious of getting value for their investment,” said Joel Bauman, senior vice president for enrollment. “Students sense the huge momentum we have gained—a newly launched medical school, a variety of interesting programs, our student research and study-abroad opportunities, and faculty that are highly visible in our region’s communities and organizations.”

This class also shares a strong commitment to community service, work, athletics and student government and politics. Their interests are wide-ranging as well, including students who participate in Big Brothers Big Sisters, Model UN, e-Sports and marching band.

Duquesne’s incoming Class of 2028 includes students with strong academic preparation and an enthusiasm for expanding their horizons. While many have declared a major area of interest, about 10% of the class have chosen to follow their own path in the University’s Discover program. It allows students in their first year an opportunity to explore a major that can best help them achieve their personal and professional ambitions.  

“People know about Duquesne—we have a national profile,” said Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. David Dausey. “And when students and their parents dig in and learn what happens here, they get to know our distinctive offerings and how our faculty take real joy in helping people find what they’re good at and how it’s good for the world. That turns into real demand.”

About 30 students are starting in Duquesne’s newest engineering programs, including general, environmental and energy, mechanical and systems, along with 26 in the biomedical engineering program. Over the last three years, the number of new Honors College students has increased 36%. 41 students will be in the ROTC program, a strong increase from the 24 new ROTC students in 2023. 

While Duquesne University offers test-optional admission to applicants for whom the SAT or ACT may not be a fair predictor of academic success based upon their motivations and high school academic accomplishments, many students still opt to provide those scores. This year, that information suggests significant academic ability in the incoming class. 

With scores higher than that of 88% of those who take the test, students’ ACT range for the middle 50% of all applicants submitting scores was 26-32, and the corresponding SAT range was 1190-1330. 

Roughly a third of the enrolling class rank in the top 10% of their high school graduating class, and 61% overall are in the top 25%. The average GPA for the incoming class is 3.79.