Suffolk University
About Suffolk University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Suffolk University is a private university in downtown Boston, Massachusetts, on Beacon Hill near the State House. It is known for its law school, Sawyer Business School, and strong programs in government and public affairs.
Founded
1906
Location
Boston, Massachusetts
Students
6,298
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
82.3%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
60.9%
Near national average
Tuition
$47,550
Per year
Avg Net Price
$29,618
After financial aid
SAT Average
1216
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$67,506
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$50
Early
Nov 15
Regular
Rolling
Suffolk University accepts the majority of applicants at 82.3%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1216/ 1600
ACT Scores
26/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
60.9% complete their degree within six years
Retention
75.4%
4-Year Grad
47%
6-Year Grad
60%
Teaching Quality
13:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
56.2%
$/Student
$11.8K
Class Size
Medium
While 47% finish in 4 years, 75.4% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$47,550
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$21,326
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$65,281
After Financial Aid
$29,618
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$24,745
Receive Grants
30%
Take Loans
54.8%
The total cost of attendance runs about $65,281/yr, including $21,326 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $29,618.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Suffolk University fund their education.
While in School
30%
Get Grants
Free money
54.8%
Take Loans
Must repay
$62,281
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$26,889
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$285/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $26,889 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $68K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Suffolk University.
Gender
64.3%
Female
36%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
4,268
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
2,030
Graduates
29.7%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
3.7%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 64% of the student body. 29.7% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 11.9% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
4,268
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Doctoral
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Suffolk University fields 10 varsity teams with 459 student athletes, about 11% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III without football
Conference
Commonwealth Coast
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
10
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
459
11% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
47% / 53%
216
Men
243
Women
7
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Suffolk Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$67,506
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Marketing
$44K
97 grads
1yr Earnings
Finance and Financial Management Services
$56K
84 grads
1yr Earnings
Non-Professional Legal Studies
$44K
80 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$53K
78 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$38K
61 grads
1yr Earnings
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
$45K
60 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $56K at six years, $51K at eight, and $68K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Suffolk University
What is the acceptance rate at Suffolk University?▾
How much does Suffolk University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Suffolk University?▾
How much do Suffolk University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.