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86.8%Acceptance
$45,380Tuition
4,434Students
60%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$67,506Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Suffolk University

Suffolk operates without traditional campus boundaries, weaving its 4,434 students directly into Boston's Government Center and Financial District. The university built its reputation on practical programs that connect students to the city's power centers in law, business, and politics. Notable graduates include Baseball Hall of Famer David Ortiz and former Secretary of State John Kerry. With an 87% acceptance rate, Suffolk welcomes students who want urban immersion over ivy-covered quads.

Students pay an average net price of $30,031 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $45,380. Graduates earn a median of $67,506 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $26,889. The monthly loan payment of $285 represents a manageable portion of most graduates' salaries. With a 94% employment rate, Suffolk delivers solid career outcomes that justify the investment.

The student body skews 63% female and draws 58% of students from Massachusetts. Suffolk's 15 NCAA Division III teams compete as the Rams, though athletics take a backseat to internships and co-ops in downtown Boston. The 76% retention rate reflects students who appreciate the school's no-frills approach to urban education, though the 60% graduation rate suggests the city's distractions challenge some students' focus.

Academics & Faculty

Suffolk operates as a full urban university with particularly strong programs in business, government, and law. The school's downtown Boston location provides direct access to internships at financial firms, government agencies, and legal practices. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive substantial individual attention from professors. However, the 60% four-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete degrees on time. Suffolk's Sawyer Business School draws students interested in finance and entrepreneurship, while the political science program benefits from proximity to the State House. The university's integrated urban campus means classrooms often extend into the city itself, with Boston serving as a living laboratory for students.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
15:1
Full-Time Faculty
56.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
60.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
59.8%
Retention Rate
75.5%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$67,506
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Business/Managerial Economics. Master $97,071
Finance and Financial Management Services. Master $87,973
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $83,388
Marketing. Master $76,460
Taxation. Master $74,576
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Master $69,338
Accounting and Related Services. Master $67,273
Public Administration. Master $62,260
Law. Doctoral $59,253
Finance and Financial Management Services. Bachelor $52,941

View all 127 programs →

Campus Life

Suffolk's campus doesn't exist in the traditional sense - it's woven directly into downtown Boston's financial district. Students walk past skyscrapers and historic sites between classes, with the State House just blocks away. Only 32% of the 4,434 students live on campus, so most commute from apartments throughout the city or nearby suburbs. Boston winters demand heavy coats and boots, with snow lasting from December through March.

Weekend life centers on exploring Boston rather than campus activities. Students hit Faneuil Hall, catch Red Sox games at nearby Fenway, or take the T to Cambridge and other neighborhoods. The 15 NCAA Division III teams draw modest crowds, but the real action happens in the city's endless internship opportunities. With 325 total athletes among the student body, sports culture stays low-key. The 75.52% retention rate reflects students who either love the urban integration or transfer seeking a more traditional college experience. Suffolk works best for students who want city life over campus quads and see Boston as their real classroom.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
1,440 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1906

Campus Safety (2023)

17 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Fondling 2 2 0 1
Stalking 3 1 0 0
Aggravated Assault 0 0 0 2
Burglary 1 1 0 0
Dating Violence 1 1 0 0
Rape 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
23°–36°F
July Avg
66°–82°F
Annual Precipitation
43.6"
Annual Snowfall
49.2"

Student Demographics

Suffolk draws primarily Massachusetts students who want Boston's opportunities without leaving home. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the 4,434 students, reflecting the university's strength in fields like communications and social work alongside business. The student body is increasingly diverse, with nearly half being students of color. About one in four receives Pell Grants, showing Suffolk's role serving working-class families seeking urban professional careers. Students choose Suffolk for its downtown location and direct pathways into Boston's government, media, and business sectors.
Men
36.9%
Women
63.1%
White
49.7%
Black
7.9%
Hispanic
17.2%
Asian
7.1%
In-State Students
57.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
27.4%

Location

Suffolk University sits in downtown Boston, Massachusetts, with campus buildings woven directly into the city's financial and government districts. The school operates without a traditional campus boundary, instead occupying multiple buildings along Tremont Street near Boston Common. Students walk the same sidewalks as business professionals and state legislators. With 4,434 students spread across an urban setting, Suffolk offers immediate access to internships at nearby corporations, law firms, and government offices. The Beacon Hill neighborhood provides a mix of historic architecture and modern city amenities. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Suffolk University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Boston, Massachusetts 02108-3901
Bud Uanna War 3
Bud Uanna War 3
Marty Meehan, President of the University of Massachusetts
Marty Meehan, President of the University of Massachusetts
Gleason Archer founder of Suffolk University
Gleason Archer founder of Suffolk University

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$67,506
Median Earnings (5 years)
$69,332
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$43,700
Loan Repayment Rate
70.0%
Monthly Loan Payment
$285/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,889

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Suffolk University?

Suffolk University accepts 86.79% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1080 and 1300 on the SAT. This relatively high acceptance rate reflects the university's commitment to providing urban education opportunities in downtown Boston.

How much does Suffolk University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Suffolk University is $30,031 after financial aid, lower than the full tuition of $45,380. About 27.41% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates typically leave with $26,889 in debt. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of just $25,575.

What is Suffolk University known for academically?

Suffolk University is recognized for its strong programs in law, business, and government, taking advantage of its downtown Boston location. The student-faculty ratio is 15:1, providing personalized attention in an urban setting. The university's proximity to state government and financial districts creates excellent internship and networking opportunities.

What are the graduation rates and career outcomes at Suffolk University?

Suffolk University graduates 59.80% of students within six years, with a 93.5% employment rate after graduation. Alumni earn a median salary of $67,506 ten years after graduation. The university's urban location and strong alumni network, including notable figures like David Ortiz and John Kerry, help students launch successful careers.

Where is Suffolk University's campus located?

Suffolk University's campus is integrated directly into downtown Boston, providing students with an urban college experience. The university can house 1,440 students on campus, though many students live throughout the city. This downtown location puts students steps away from internships, cultural attractions, and professional opportunities.

How diverse is the student body at Suffolk University?

Suffolk University enrolls 4,434 students, with women comprising 63.10% of the student body. The campus is ethnically diverse, with 49.71% White students, 17.21% Hispanic students, and 7.85% Black students. About 57.63% of students come from Massachusetts, while others travel from across the country to experience Boston's educational opportunities.