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University of Massachusetts-Boston vs Suffolk University

University of Massachusetts-Boston is a public university in Boston, MA. Suffolk University is a private university in Boston, MA. Suffolk University admits about 82% of applicants and University of Massachusetts-Boston about 84%, making Suffolk University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $17,707 a year at University of Massachusetts-Boston after aid, and about $29,618 at Suffolk University. About 60% of students graduate at Suffolk University, compared with 50% at University of Massachusetts-Boston. Ten years after enrolling, Suffolk University alumni earn a median of about $67,506, against $65,865 for University of Massachusetts-Boston.

University of Massachusetts-Boston

Boston, MA · Public

Suffolk University

Boston, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Boston, MA
Boston, MA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
11,512
4,268
Acceptance rate
84%
82%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.38–3.88
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
1070–1290
1090–1300
ACT (middle 50%)
22–29
24–28
Test policy
Considered
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,707
$29,618
Full cost / yr
$30,544
$65,281
In-state tuition
$15,908
$47,550
Out-of-state tuition
$38,125
$47,550
Application fee
$60
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,070
$24,745
$30k - $48k
$13,558
$25,711
$48k - $75k
$15,663
$25,702
$75k - $110k
$20,885
$29,654
Over $110k
$25,571
$36,264
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
60%
Freshman retention
70%
75%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,521
$55,856
Median earnings (10 yr)
$65,865
$67,506
Median debt at graduation
$21,974
$26,889
Student body
Pell grant recipients
42%
30%
First-generation students
43%
30%
International students
7%
12%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 15
Regular decision
Feb 15
Feb 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of Massachusetts-Boston or Suffolk University harder to get into?
Suffolk University is harder to get into. It admits about 82% of applicants, compared with 84% at University of Massachusetts-Boston. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Massachusetts-Boston or Suffolk University?
University of Massachusetts-Boston is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,707 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,618 at Suffolk University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at University of Massachusetts-Boston and Suffolk University?
Before aid, University of Massachusetts-Boston costs about $30,544 a year and Suffolk University about $65,281. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, University of Massachusetts-Boston or Suffolk University?
University of Massachusetts-Boston. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,070 there, against about $24,745 at Suffolk University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Massachusetts-Boston or Suffolk University?
University of Massachusetts-Boston is the larger of the two, with about 11,512 undergraduates against 4,268 at Suffolk University.
Does University of Massachusetts-Boston or Suffolk University have a better graduation rate?
Suffolk University has the higher graduation rate, at about 60% against 50% at University of Massachusetts-Boston.
Do graduates of University of Massachusetts-Boston or Suffolk University earn more?
Suffolk University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $67,506 ten years after enrolling, against about $65,865 for University of Massachusetts-Boston. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Massachusetts-Boston and Suffolk University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Massachusetts-Boston considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Suffolk University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do University of Massachusetts-Boston and Suffolk University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1070–1290 at University of Massachusetts-Boston and 1090–1300 at Suffolk University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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