Howard vs. Suffolk University

Comparable Facts

Compare Howard University in Washington, DC with Suffolk University in Boston, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Howard University is larger than Suffolk University based on total student enrollment (14,890 students vs. 6,356 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Howard University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Suffolk University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• Howard University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Suffolk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Howard University 13:1; Suffolk University 15:1.

Howard vs. Suffolk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Howard 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 Howard University than Suffolk University ($33,368 vs. $33,832).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Howard University are 18.8% lower than at Suffolk University ($17,322 vs. $21,326).
• Suffolk University is 32.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Howard (about $11,740 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $35,810.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.8% higher at Suffolk University than at Howard University (about $11,740 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $35,810.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Howard University than at Suffolk University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Suffolk University students is 48.4% larger than aid received by Howard University students ($31,558 vs. $21,262).

Howard vs. Suffolk University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Howard 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 Howard.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Howard University (1210) is 10 points higher than at Suffolk University (1200).
• Incoming Suffolk University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Howard).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Howard University 1090/1320; Suffolk University 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Howard University 22/28; Suffolk University 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Howard - Test optional; Suffolk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Howard Feb 15, 2027; Suffolk University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Howard students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Suffolk University (3.33).
• Suffolk University has a higher acceptance rate (82.3%) than Howard (41.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.4% at Howard vs. 10.9% at Suffolk University.

Howard vs. Suffolk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Howard 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).

• Howard University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Suffolk University's (54%).
• Graduates from Suffolk University earn a median of about $7,300 more per year than Howard graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,100 vs. $51,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Suffolk University and Howard graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Suffolk University and Howard graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Suffolk University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Howard students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 33%)

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.