Admissions & Financial Aid

Financial Aid and Tuition

Deciding to continue growing your expertise in the field of nursing was hard enough, so planning how you’re going to pay for it shouldn’t be. That’s why we offer a number of financial aid options to help you through every step of the process — from enrollment through graduation.

Choose the option that works for you.

• Stafford loans (subsidized and unsubsidized)
• Program-specific loans
• Privately funded loans
• Loan forgiveness programs
• Nursing organization scholarships
• Student employment opportunities
• Government grant programs

For more information about graduate tuition and financial aid, click here. For information on applying for aid, click here.

Cost of Attending Duquesne University Online

We know how important it is to understand the numbers. And since we want to you to be confident in your decision to study with us, below is a summary of expected tuition rates for 2023-2024  — fees and program-specific costs are not included.*

* A nonrefundable $250 deposit is required if accepted into our graduate programs.
**Final cost depends on previous education and degree earned.

Tuition Discounts

Duquesne University offers a 30% tuition discount for our graduate programs to RNs currently working either full-time or part-time at one of our tuition discount partners. This tuition discount isn’t exclusive to traditional students — it’s also available to all active-duty and reserve personnel.

If you’re an adjunct clinical instructor enrolled in one of our graduate nursing programs, then you’re eligible for Duquesne’s 55% tuition discount.

Corporate Deferment

Duquesne University offers Corporate Tuition Deferment, a program whereby tuition payments are deferred until after grades are posted. To receive a corporate deferment, you must submit a letter on official letterhead from your company (from the HR department or a direct supervisor) to the Student Accounts department stating that the student is an employee and is entitled to tuition reimbursement from the company. Corporate deferment letters should be sent to Karen Hartupee at hartupeek@duq.edu or fax 412.396.5958.

This letter is required at the start of every semester — fall, spring and summer — which can be emailed or faxed to the Student Accounts department. You must enroll for the corporate deferment payment plan through the University’s payment system. There is a $35.00 enrollment fee each semester you enroll in the deferment plan, and you will be able to defer your tuition until approximately four weeks after the end of the 15-week semester.

Once Student Accounts receives the company letter, they will code it accordingly, which allows you to enroll in the corporate deferment payment plan. E-bills are created and available through the University payment system, and you will receive a notice when payment is due.

Military Admissions

We’re honored that veterans, active-duty servicemembers, members of the National Guard and Reserves, and military dependents trust us to guide them through their next career mission.

We understand the unique needs of students associated with our military, and we aim to provide a military-friendly, quality nursing education to those who serve our country. Because of this, Duquesne is consistently recognized as a Military Friendly School and is ranked #12 on the Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs for Veterans 2021 list by U.S. News & World Report.

We are a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program and accept students who wish to use benefits from the Post 9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill. Active-duty military servicemembers may also opt to use Federal Tuition Assistance (TA) programs to fund their nursing education. For more information, visit our Office for Military and Veteran Students website.

Duquesne University offers a number of support services for military members and veterans.

• Student Veterans of America (SVA)
• Military Services Clinic
• Counseling and Wellbeing Center
• Gumberg Library

Important Dates

Technical Standards and Health Requirements

All graduate students must meet the Technical Standards for Admission and the health requirements found in the Graduate Student Handbook.

• All registered Duquesne nursing students are required to complete specific health and clinical requirements in order to remain enrolled and to be permitted entrance into clinical facilities for student practica. No student will be permitted to enter a clinical practice site without completion of these requirements. All students must adhere to the Clinical Policies.  Failure to meet clinical, health, clearance, drug screen, and site-related requirements by the pre-established clinical deadline will prohibit students from clinical learning activities and may result in a program plan change.
• When a student discloses an illness, physical limitation, is hospitalized, or placed under any medical restrictions, the School of Nursing will follow the policies.
• Any student having an illness or physical disability that affects his/her ability to function satisfactorily in the clinical areas must contact the Disability Services Office.
• Due to possible exposure to infectious diseases in the clinical areas, it is important for the student to notify the Associate Dean of Student Affairs of any chronic illnesses or if health status has changed recently that may require further considerations.
• Students taking prescribed medications should be aware of the effects of these medications on alertness, judgment, and the ability to meet all technical standards. Students cannot attend clinical if there is impairment of ability to safely provide care to assigned patients.
• The Duquesne University School of Nursing has a vested interest in the health and welfare of its students.  Furthermore, the School has a duty and obligation to protect the public health and safety. Therefore, all students must adhere to the Substance Use Policy.

• Students must adhere to the following Medical Marijuana Policy in order to be eligible for student practica:

1. ­Students are not permitted to use marijuana during a practicum as it is not permitted by our clinical partners while you care for patients due to patient safety considerations. A student with a positive drug test for marijuana will not be permitted to attend the practicum portion of our program.
2. It is up to your provider if you elect not to use marijuana as medical treatment.  We are not recommending any medical treatment.  You will need medical clearance by your provider that you meet our Technical Standards without marijuana use.  Send a letter providing medical clearance from your provider to the Associate Dean of Student Affairs.