Duquesne Palumbo-Donahue

Pittsburgh, PA · Private · One-Year MBA (full-time daytime cohort, 12 months / 3 semesters, 39 credits, sustainability-focused; starts late May)

Program tuition: $66,978 (program total (one year))

Deadlines

Round I: Nov. 1, 2026
Round II: Feb. 1, 2027
Rolling admissions (after Feb 15):

Essays

Essay 1 (250 words)

Why are you interested in pursuing an MBA emphasizing sustainability?

Essay 2 (250 words)

How has your background prepared you for the challenges of graduate business study and next-generation leadership?

Essay 3 (250 words)

Tell us about a time when you overcame a significant challenge. Describe the situation, the process for resolving it, any action you took and the outcome.

Editor's notes

Apply by Nov. 1 if you can. Round 1 and Round 2 carry the merit money, and Duquesne says early applicants get the most aid. The program starts in late May, so a February application still leaves time to plan a move.
Test-optional doesn't mean test-irrelevant here. A 500 GMAT or 305 GRE puts you in line for fellowships and some endowed scholarships, and under a 3.25 GPA you need a score to be considered for an assistantship. If cost matters, the test may pay for itself.
Your three essays have to fit together. Essay 1 is why sustainability, Essay 2 is why you're ready, Essay 3 is how you handle trouble. Use a different story for each, and keep every one under 250 words; the school says it may send back essays that ignore the prompts or format.
Choose recommenders who can speak to graduate-level work. Duquesne asks for two professional references from professors or supervisors. A title matters less than whether they've seen you do the kind of work the program demands.