At $30,031/yr net price, Suffolk University graduates earn $67,506/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $33,506/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $30,031 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $120,124 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $67,506/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$33,506/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 59.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,889 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $25,575/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $26,678/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $27,191/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,230/yr |
| $110,001+ | $35,802/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Master | $97,071 | |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $87,973 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $83,388 | $42,540 |
| Marketing. | Master | $76,460 | |
| Taxation. | Master | $74,576 | $20,500 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $69,338 | $41,162 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $67,273 | $40,539 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $62,260 | $41,000 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $59,253 | $113,386 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $52,941 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
59.8% of students at Suffolk University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Suffolk University delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes concentrated in business programs but concerning debt levels across most majors. The $30,031 annual net price puts significant pressure on graduates, especially given the 59.8% graduation rate.
Business and finance majors at Suffolk see solid returns, with Business/Managerial Economics graduates earning $97,071 annually and Finance majors pulling $87,973. These programs justify the investment for students who can complete their degrees and land positions in Boston's financial sector. Marketing and Taxation also perform reasonably well at $76,460 and $74,576 respectively.
The debt picture varies dramatically by program. Taxation majors graduate with just $20,500 in debt, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio. Business Administration majors face $42,540 in debt despite strong $83,388 earnings, requiring careful financial planning.
Suffolk's Boston location creates both opportunity and risk. The city's finance and business sectors provide strong job prospects for relevant majors, but the high cost of living means your post-graduation dollars stretch less than in other markets.
The 27.4% financial aid rate suggests limited need-based assistance availability. Merit scholarships exist but competition is intense given the university's downtown location appeal.
Suffolk makes financial sense if you're targeting business or finance careers and can complete your degree within four years. The 75.5% retention rate indicates some students struggle with the academic or financial demands. Avoid Suffolk if you're uncertain about your major, considering non-business programs, or concerned about taking on debt without clear career direction. The combination of high costs and moderate graduation rates creates real financial risk for undecided students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Suffolk University worth the cost compared to other Boston schools?
Suffolk University's $30,031 annual net price leads to median earnings of $67,506 after 10 years, which is below average for Boston-area schools. The 59.8% graduation rate is concerning given the cost.
Which Suffolk University programs have the best return on investment?
Business and finance programs at Suffolk offer the strongest ROI, with economics majors earning $97,071 and finance majors earning $87,973 after graduation. Other business programs also perform well above the school average.
How much student debt do Suffolk University graduates typically have?
Suffolk graduates leave with a median debt of $26,889, which is manageable compared to their starting salaries in business fields. However, graduates in lower-paying majors may struggle with loan payments.
Does Suffolk University's location in Boston justify its tuition costs?
While Boston offers job opportunities, Suffolk's earnings outcomes don't fully justify the cost compared to other regional options. The high acceptance rate of 86.8% suggests limited selectivity that may impact career prospects.