2020-21 Academic Year Brings Diverse Freshman Class, New Majors

Despite challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic last spring, Duquesne has again welcomed an ambitious, diverse and academically accomplished freshman class.

When surveyed about why they selected Duquesne, the 1,217 freshmen cited academic reputation, academic program of study, proximity to nearby vibrant neighborhoods and access to internship opportunities in downtown Pittsburgh among their top reasons.

The mean SAT score—for freshmen who chose to include their standardized test scores in their admissions review or who were required to due to their programs of study—is 1196, and the average GPA is 3.74. In addition, one out of five students were able to be reviewed under standardized test-optional admission policies.

This is one of the most diverse freshman classes in University history, with just over one in five students identifying as underrepresented. Members of the new class hail from 29 states, plus Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., as well as 14 countries, including Brazil, China, Rwanda and Spain.

“An increasingly diverse, and highly inclusive, student population is central to the learning environment and the student experience,” said Joel Bauman, senior vice president for enrollment management, who joined Duquesne in July. “Students, faculty and staff benefit from exposure to viewpoints, backgrounds and experiences that differ from their own—both while in college and as they move to graduate school or the workforce. Encouraging students to find their place in a modern global society, to understand themselves as world citizens who are intimately linked to, and therefore called to work for, a peaceful and just world, are among the core foundational and Spiritan values of our University.”

With its historic and unique dedication to learning and community throughout its history, Duquesne continues to serve its students and families. Slightly more than a quarter of incoming freshmen have relatives who are Duquesne alumni. “Alumni are some of our greatest advocates as they already understand what makes Duquesne so special,” said Debbie Zugates, assistant vice president for undergraduate admissions. “It’s exciting for us when the children, grandchildren and other alumni relatives become the next generation of Dukes.”

The schools with the largest number of freshmen include business, health sciences, liberal arts and nursing. Some freshmen are pursuing new majors that began this fall, including public health and health sciences.

In addition to freshmen, the University welcomed more than 130 new transfer students representing several states, including Ohio, New York, West Virginia, Maryland, and New Jersey. Students transferred from a number of institutions, including Ohio University, Kent State, Youngstown State, University of Pittsburgh, Penn State, Gannon, Robert Morris and the community colleges of Allegheny and Westmoreland counties.