<p>First of all, when we mentioned that he was interested in the business department, the college arranged for him to visit a professor there. And the prof spent time talking to him, making him comfortable and telling him all about what D had to offer, right down to the particulars of a freshman business student. The tour was a nice size with a great tour guide was clearly well trained in all aspects of the school. The school is small, but attractive with a nice combination of old and new. THe view of the river and South Side was spectacular, as was the location right on the edge of downtown. That it also bordered on the more dangerous part of town was also explained along with the security measures the college has taken, the lack of reason to go over there, and the many resources including a Barnes & Noble store right on campus. It was a small school, compact school, but without an inbred feeling with many outreach programs involving the city and area involved. Security for the dorms were good. Lots of dorms on campus. Lots of campus space even though the school is smack dab in the middle of downtown Pittsburgh. </p>
<p>I don’t know how good their fin aid is or their merit scholarships. It appears that my son may be eligible for some small ones. Their cost is also slightly less than other private schools. </p>
<p>The school offered a good mix of pragmatic programs along with a core of liberal arts. Good music program, sports are big there, lots to do on campus–great student center and facilities… Just small, but for a city school, nice sized. </p>
<p>There are bits of the campus that are make it very clear that this is a Catholic school, but it isn’t so “in your face” that non CAtholics would be offended. The tour guide was Jewish and from NY. The professor was also from the east coast and Jewish. Decent diversity, from what I could see. I liked the school as did my son. It will definitely be on his list and if it does come through with some merit money, it will get heavy consideration. One con is that it is 7 hours away from us. A lot of Catholic schools between there and here. Duquesne enjoys the reputation of being the premier Catholic school in Pittsburgh, and that was another thing son like. That the school was well known and regarded there. We visited Pitt and CMU the same day (a triple play!). He also really like Pitt, but it was clear that there would not be the small class sizes and personal attention for the first two years there and absolutely no enclosed campus, but lots of amenities, and great atmosphere. Did not like CMU at all which surprised me as it has the best rep of the 3 schools.</p>
<p>Providence College has priests living in the dorms too, which bothered by college son when he visited the school a few years ago. Felt that their presence was a too invasive for his comfort.</p>