Fitchburg State vs. Suffolk University

Comparable Facts

Compare Fitchburg State University in Fitchburg, 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 Fitchburg State based on total student enrollment (6,356 students vs. 5,892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fitchburg State University is located in Fitchburg, MA (Midsize Suburban setting); Suffolk University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• Fitchburg State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Suffolk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fitchburg State University 11:1; Suffolk University 15:1.

Fitchburg State vs. Suffolk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fitchburg State 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 Fitchburg State University than Suffolk University ($15,340 vs. $33,832).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fitchburg State University are 27.5% lower than at Suffolk University ($15,452 vs. $21,326).
• Suffolk University is 319.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fitchburg State (about $36,204 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $11,346.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 172.9% higher at Suffolk University than at Fitchburg State University (about $30,124 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $17,426.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Suffolk University than at Fitchburg State University (98% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Suffolk University students is 173.5% larger than aid received by Fitchburg State University students ($31,558 vs. $11,539).

Fitchburg State vs. Suffolk University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fitchburg State 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 Fitchburg State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Suffolk University (1200) is 50 points higher than at Fitchburg State (1150).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fitchburg State University 1060/1230; Suffolk University 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSuffolk University 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fitchburg State - Test optional; Suffolk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Suffolk University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Suffolk University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at Fitchburg State (3.29).
• Fitchburg State has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Suffolk University (82.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.5% at Fitchburg State vs. 10.9% at Suffolk University.

Fitchburg State vs. Suffolk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fitchburg State 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).

• Suffolk University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Fitchburg State University's (47%).
• Graduates from Suffolk University earn a median of about $15,100 more per year than Fitchburg State graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,100 vs. $44,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fitchburg State University graduates have a $4,315 lower median loan debt than Suffolk University graduates ($22,685 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Fitchburg State graduates have an estimated $45 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Suffolk University graduates ($234 vs. $279).
• More Suffolk University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fitchburg State students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 65%)

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.