Elms College vs. Suffolk University

Comparable Facts

Compare College of Our Lady of the Elms in Chicopee, MA with Suffolk University in Boston, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Suffolk University is larger than Elms College based on total student enrollment (6,356 students vs. 1,268 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• College of Our Lady of the Elms is located in Chicopee, MA (Large Suburban setting); Suffolk University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• College of Our Lady of the Elms is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Suffolk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of Our Lady of the Elms 11:1; Suffolk University 15:1.

Elms College vs. Suffolk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elms College or Suffolk University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at College of Our Lady of the Elms than Suffolk University ($19,870 vs. $33,832).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of Our Lady of the Elms are 26.8% lower than at Suffolk University ($15,605 vs. $21,326).
• Suffolk University is 9.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Elms College (about $4,225 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $43,325.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.8% higher at Suffolk University than at College of Our Lady of the Elms (about $4,225 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $43,325.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at College of Our Lady of the Elms than at Suffolk University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of Our Lady of the Elms students is 7.1% larger than aid received by Suffolk University students ($33,794 vs. $31,558).

Elms College vs. Suffolk University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elms College or Suffolk University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Suffolk University and Elms College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of Our Lady of the Elms (1240) is 40 points higher than at Suffolk University (1200).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of Our Lady of the Elms 1150/1320; Suffolk University 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSuffolk University 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elms College - Test optional; Suffolk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Suffolk University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Elms College students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Suffolk University (3.33).
• Elms College has a higher acceptance rate (85.3%) than Suffolk University (82.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.9% at Elms College vs. 10.9% at Suffolk University.

Elms College vs. Suffolk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elms College and Suffolk University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• College of Our Lady of the Elms's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Suffolk University's (54%).
• Graduates from Suffolk University earn a median of about $12,800 more per year than Elms College graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,100 vs. $46,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, College of Our Lady of the Elms graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Suffolk University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Elms College graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Suffolk University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Suffolk University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Elms College students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 61%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.