About Suffolk University
Suffolk University, a 4-year, private, not-for-profit institution, owes its existence to a fortunate quid quo pro arrangement. In 1906, a generous benefactor provided Gleason Archer with a loan to complete his law degree with one condition—he must pay it forward. And that’s precisely what Archer did, on a grand scale. In gratitude, he founded Suffolk School of Law, offering evening classes to support the thriving immigrant community in Boston.
Archer’s dedication bore fruit, and by 1930, Suffolk School of Law had blossomed into one of America’s most extensive law schools. As time passed, the institution expanded its offerings to include liberal arts, sciences, and business programs, eventually transforming into Suffolk University.
Suffolk University has become a beacon of opportunity, offering various academic programs across the College of Arts and Sciences, Sawyer Business School, and Suffolk Law School. Today, the university provides diverse educational programs, including online undergraduate courses and graduate programs.
Accreditation & Licensing
Suffolk University is accredited by:
New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 4,814 ; Graduate: 2,432Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 1% ; Graduate: 8%Graduation Rate:
61%Transfer Rate:
25%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$67,506Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$26,889Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
94%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$28,742Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by Suffolk University
All Programs
Business
Suffolk University offers a practical path to finish your degree if you keep a steady pace. Classes are rigorous but manageable. The term-by-term structure helps students stay on track and keep moving toward graduation.
Small class sizes make it easier to follow assignments and plan your week. That can make a real difference when you are trying to finish on time.
Tuition may feel high, but daily living costs in Boston are often the bigger strain. Housing is usually the largest bill. For many students, that cost comes with direct access to internships, networking, and career opportunities in downtown Boston.
Support at Suffolk is strongest in direct professor contact. The professors are kind, personal, and helpful. In practice, that shows up as instructors who are always available for extra help or a question, not just during class time.
Small classes reinforce that access and make guidance feel personal. With about 16-22 students to one teacher in some classes, it is easier to get noticed, get answers, and keep moving when work gets tough. The support tone is consistent: professors who really care and stay engaged with student progress.
Online learners get a clear academic pace at Suffolk. Classes are challenging but manageable. The work feels meaningful, not busy. Small classes keep the structure easy to follow.
Instructor access is a key online fit point. Professors are personal and easy to reach for help. That can make online classes feel less distant. Suffolk also connects learning to real opportunities in Boston, especially internships and networking tied to city access.
Suffolk’s classroom experience is the strongest part of the school. Teaching feels personal because classes stay small. A common range is about 16-22 students to one teacher. Professors are approachable and engaged, so students get direct help during tougher weeks.
The pace is serious but workable. You get challeng... academics, with assignments that feel useful. Instructors give intuitive work but never seem to drown you in it. The school’s downtown Boston setting adds practical career access through internships and networking, while higher housing and dining costs remain part of the overall student experience.
Suffolk University offers a strong, student-focused learning experience. Classes are small, and professors are easy to reach. Coursework is challenging but manageable. Many students find the assignments useful and tied to real learning goals.
Boston is a big part of what Suffolk offers. The downtown location can open doors to internships and career connections while you are in school. At the same time, daily life in Boston can cost more, especially for housing and food.
Suffolk is a good match for students who want close faculty support and clear links to city opportunities. It works best for students who are comfortable planning for Boston costs.
Suffolk University offers a strong, student-focused learning experience. Classes are small, and professors are easy to reach. Coursework is challenging but manageable. Many students find the assignments useful and tied to real learning goals.
Boston is a big part of what Suffolk offers. The downtown location can open doors to internships and career connections while you are in school. At the same time, daily life in Boston can cost more, especially for housing and food.
Suffolk is a good match for students who want close faculty support and clear links to city opportunities. It works best for students who are comfortable planning for Boston costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Suffolk University
Is Suffolk University accredited?
Yes. Suffolk University is institutionally accredited by New England Commission of Higher Education.
How many online programs does Suffolk University offer?
Suffolk University offers 8 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Suffolk University offer?
Suffolk University is focused on master's-level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Suffolk University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Suffolk University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Suffolk University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Suffolk University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Suffolk University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
Is Suffolk University military friendly?
Suffolk University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Suffolk University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Suffolk University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Statement of Purpose/Intent, Resume/CV, Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), and Official College Transcript(s). Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Suffolk University accept life experience credit?
Suffolk University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Suffolk University programs fully online or mixed?
Suffolk University programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Suffolk University offer?
Suffolk University has online program options in areas such as Business and Healthcare; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Suffolk University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include AACSB International (AACSB).
Are any admission tests required for Suffolk University programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Suffolk University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Suffolk University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Suffolk University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Suffolk University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Suffolk University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Suffolk University program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
Suffolk University is featured in 9 of our ranking reports!
GetEducated continually compiles custom ranking reports to give you a complete snapshot of schools, degrees, tuition, and a detailed report on thousands of job categories throughout the entire education industry.
We provide these comprehensive ranking reports to you, for free. Click on any report below to learn more about how we ranked this school.
Geographic and Educational Overview
Suffolk University is located in Massachusetts
Massachusetts at a Glance:
Top Majors in Massachusetts:
Top Incentives in Massachusetts:
- MASSGrant: Up to $3,100 annually
- John and Abigail Adams Scholarship: Full tuition at state institutions
- Gilbert Matching Student Grant: Up to $2,500 annually
Top Career Pathways in Massachusetts:
- Entry Level: Research Associate ($65,000)
- Mid Level: Project Manager ($110,000)
- Senior Level: Research Director ($180,000+)
- Required Education: BS Biotechnology
- Certifications: PMP, Six Sigma, Quality Systems
- Entry Level: Software Engineer ($85,000)
- Mid Level: Senior Developer ($135,000)
- Senior Level: Technical Director ($190,000+)
- Required Education: BS Computer Science
- Certifications: AWS, Azure, Security+
- Entry Level: Clinical Innovation Specialist ($70,000)
- Mid Level: Innovation Manager ($120,000)
- Senior Level: Innovation Director ($175,000+)
- Required Education: BS Healthcare Administration
- Certifications: ACHE, PMP, CPHIMS