Carlow University vs Duquesne

Carlow University and Duquesne University, both located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, offer distinct educational experiences. Carlow, a private Catholic university, boasts a smaller student body and a higher acceptance rate compared to Duquesne, a private Catholic research university. While Duquesne offers a wider range of undergraduate and graduate programs, Carlow focuses on undergraduate studies with popular majors in nursing, business, and education. Duquesne's student body is more diverse, with a higher percentage of international students, while Carlow's student body is predominantly female. Duquesne also has a higher graduation rate compared to Carlow. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more key differences and make an informed decision about which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Carlow University logo

Carlow University

Duquesne University logo

Duquesne University

Overview

Location Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Campus setting City: Large City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 76.0% 84.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation Catholic Catholic

Admission

Acceptance rate 92.0% 84.3%
Application fees
SAT range 955 - 1140 1140 - 1310
ACT range 21 - 24 24 - 29
Students submitting SAT score 48.0% 34.0%
Students submitting ACT score 6.0% 10.0%
Total number of applicants 1,044 10,512
Total number of admissions given out 961 8,857
Admitted students who chose to enroll 185 1,233
Yield rate 19.3% 13.9%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Not required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $48,500 $61,270
Average net price $18,638 $34,505
Tuition $31,458 $43,526
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $6,516

Meal plan: $6,112
Room/dormitory: $7,774

Meal plan: $6,370
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

100.0%
Average amount $23,417
100.0%
Average amount $24,056
Students receiving federal student loan 74.0%
Average amount $5,458
54.0%
Average amount $5,367
Students taking out private loans 12.0%
Average amount $13,957
18.0%
Average amount $19,923

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 1,246
Men 15.3% Women 84.7%
5,085
Men 36.5% Women 63.5%
Graduate students 738
Men 11.1% Women 88.9%
3,215
Men 33.0% Women 67.0%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Very Low
Out-of-state students N/A 26.0%
International students 0.4% 5.2%
Campus local/setting City: Large City: Large
Dormitory capacity 445 3,243
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A Pennsylvania New York Ohio New Jersey Maryland

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Business
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Business
  • Legal Profession
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio 11:1 13:1
Institutional accreditation Middle States Commission on Higher Education Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome

Graduation rate 52.3% 78.3%
Dropout rate 46.8% 21.2%
Transferred out N/A N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $85,027
  • Year 2: $87,051
  • Year 3: $91,798
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,654
  • Year 2: $60,623
  • Year 3: $66,937
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,682
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $64,258
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,706
  • Year 2: $58,919
  • Year 3: $60,246
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $33,993
  • Year 3: $47,635
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $45,285
  • Year 2: $42,682
  • Year 3: $47,519
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $36,335
  • Year 2: $34,704
  • Year 3: $42,157
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $36,132
  • Year 3: $42,151
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $38,584
  • Year 2: $39,369
  • Year 3: $41,489
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $37,386
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $37,462
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $105,192
  • Year 2: $113,414
  • Year 3: $117,556
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $100,276
  • Year 2: $86,129
  • Year 3: $103,309
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $101,788
  • Year 2: $93,342
  • Year 3: $96,807
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $85,211
  • Year 2: $88,739
  • Year 3: $93,733
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $104,192
  • Year 3: $81,700
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $68,944
  • Year 2: $68,666
  • Year 3: $75,635
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,168
  • Year 2: $65,486
  • Year 3: $73,486
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $54,867
  • Year 2: $59,350
  • Year 3: $70,530
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $51,935
  • Year 2: $54,417
  • Year 3: $68,603
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $51,374
  • Year 2: $57,318
  • Year 3: $66,128

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary differences in location between Carlow University and Duquesne University?

    Carlow University is located in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, offering a more intimate, residential campus experience. Duquesne University is also in Pittsburgh's Bluff neighborhood, but it has a larger campus and a more integrated presence within the city, with views of the city skyline and the rivers.

  • How do the academic programs compare at Carlow and Duquesne?

    Duquesne University offers a wider range of programs, including a comprehensive selection of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across various schools, such as law, medicine, and pharmacy. Carlow University focuses on programs with a strong emphasis on healthcare, education, and the humanities, with a particular focus on serving the needs of the community. Duquesne has a broader research focus, while Carlow emphasizes hands-on learning and community engagement.

  • What is the student body like at each university?

    Duquesne University has a larger and more diverse student body, with a significant number of students from various states and countries. Carlow University has a smaller student body, fostering a close-knit community and a more personalized learning environment. Carlow has a history of serving a diverse student population, including a significant number of adult learners and first-generation college students.

  • How does the cost of attendance compare between Carlow and Duquesne?

    Tuition and fees at both universities are comparable, but the overall cost of attendance can vary depending on factors such as housing, meal plans, and personal expenses. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available at both institutions, so it's important to explore those options to determine the net cost for your specific circumstances. Duquesne may have slightly higher overall costs due to its larger campus and broader range of resources.

  • What are the campus life and extracurricular activities like at Carlow and Duquesne?

    Duquesne University offers a more extensive range of extracurricular activities, including a wide variety of student organizations, Greek life, and Division I athletics. Carlow University provides a more intimate campus life with a focus on community engagement, smaller clubs and organizations, and NAIA athletics. Both universities offer opportunities for students to get involved and build connections.

  • How do the career services and alumni networks differ?

    Duquesne University's larger alumni network and broader industry connections provide extensive career opportunities and resources for students. Carlow University's career services are focused on providing personalized support and guidance, with a strong emphasis on career paths related to its core academic programs. Both universities offer career services to help students prepare for their future careers.

  • Which university is better for students interested in healthcare programs?

    Both universities offer strong healthcare programs. Carlow University is particularly well-known for its nursing and other healthcare-related programs, with a focus on hands-on experience and community service. Duquesne University also has a well-regarded nursing school and offers a wider range of healthcare programs, including pharmacy and medicine, providing more specialized options.

  • What are the religious affiliations of Carlow and Duquesne?

    Duquesne University is a Catholic university founded by the Congregation of the Holy Spirit. While it welcomes students of all faiths, its Catholic identity is central to its mission and values. Carlow University was founded by the Sisters of Mercy and maintains a strong commitment to its Catholic heritage and values, emphasizing social justice and service to others.

  • How do the campus environments differ in terms of safety and accessibility?

    Both universities prioritize campus safety. Duquesne University has a dedicated police force and security measures in place. Carlow University also has security personnel and a safe campus environment. Both campuses are accessible, but Duquesne's larger size may require more walking. Carlow's smaller size makes it easier to navigate.

  • Which university is a better fit for a student seeking a more traditional college experience?

    Duquesne University offers a more traditional college experience with a larger campus, a wider range of activities, and a more diverse student body. Carlow University provides a more intimate and personalized experience, which may be a better fit for students who prefer a close-knit community and a focus on individual attention.

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