Duquesne University

PA · Private · Mid-Atlantic

Acceptance rate: 43% (1,432 applicants)
Median LSAT: 157 (middle 50%: 155–160)
Median GPA: 3.62 (middle 50%: 3.35–3.85)
Tuition: $58,898 (per year)
Bar passage: 89.7% (+9.7 pts vs. state average)

Deadlines

Application deadline: April 1, 2027

Essays

Personal statement (1 to 2 typed pages)

A one- to two-page typed essay must be submitted. There is no required topic, but applicants should view the personal statement as an opportunity to provide the Admissions Committee with more information about themselves beyond their transcripts and LSAT scores. Applicants often address their backgrounds, why they want to practice law, and why they would like to attend the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University.

Optional essay 1: fit (1 to 2 pages, double-spaced)

Please explain why Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Duquesne University is a good fit for you. You may wish to consider our academic programs, our Catholic Spiritan mission and values, our location in Pittsburgh, or your personal and professional goals, though you are welcome to address any aspect of fit that you find most meaningful.

Optional essay 2: overcoming obstacles (1 to 2 pages, double-spaced)

Duquesne Kline Law is committed to promoting equal justice and democratic discourse, ideals that depend on a legal profession enriched by a wide range of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. Our Spiritan tradition affirms the dignity of every person and recognizes that the obstacles one has faced, and overcome, often shape the contributions one is uniquely positioned to make. Obstacles take many forms. Personal or family hardship, financial constraints, educational setbacks, and barriers related to identity or background are just a few examples of the challenges that may have shaped your path. Describe how you have overcome obstacles in your life, your education, or your career. How do your experiences, background, and perspectives add to the strength of our educational community and the legal community?

Optional essay 3: leadership (1 to 2 pages, double-spaced)

Our Law School's mission reads: Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University educates lawyers to excel in the ethical practice of law, to preserve the highest ideals of our profession, and to promote equal justice and democratic discourse through leadership, service, and civic engagement. We do so inspired by our Catholic Spiritan tradition and our law school's motto, "Salus populi suprema lex," which translates as "The welfare of the people is the highest law." Leadership is a lifelong journey, developed and demonstrated in many ways. Volunteer work, athletics, and professional experience are just a few of the contexts in which leadership takes shape. Please submit an essay describing either your leadership experience or the leader you aspire to become. You may choose to focus on leadership of self, leadership of others, or both.

Optional essay 4: volunteer and service experience (1 to 2 pages, double-spaced)

Duquesne University's mission can be stated simply: "We serve God by serving students who, in turn, go on to serve others." This spirit of service, rooted in our Spiritan tradition, calls each member of our community not only to give of themselves but also to walk alongside others, building authentic relationships grounded in mutual respect and shared purpose. Service and community go hand in hand. Volunteer work, ministry and religious service, community organizing, mentorship, and contributions to civic or professional organizations are just a few examples of the ways individuals build community and live out a commitment to service. Considering this mission, please discuss your volunteer, service, or community experience and reflect on what this experience has revealed about your own values and goals.

Editor's notes

Apply well before April 1. Duquesne admits on a rolling basis and only guarantees merit scholarship review for files in by the priority deadline. Scholarships are automatic and renewable without grade conditions, so a strong early file pays off for three years.
Write at least one optional essay. They're optional on paper, but Duquesne says they give the committee information it can't find elsewhere and asks you to complete one or more. Pick the prompt that adds something your personal statement doesn't.
Think hard before you choose ED. The binding round needs a complete file by Dec. 31, 2026, and the school itself tells scholarship-driven applicants not to use it. It makes sense only if Duquesne is your clear first choice regardless of price.
Choose your division carefully. A denial in one division means you can't be considered for the other, so if you need the evening schedule, apply to it from the start.