Lesley University vs. Suffolk University

Should I go to Lesley University or Suffolk University? Compare 50+ facts and figures about the colleges to help you determine if Lesley University or Suffolk University is the better college for you. The CollegeSimply comparison tool allows side-by-side comparison of 50+ statistics and facts for over 2,500 colleges and universities.

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Lesley University vs. Suffolk University comparison
Lesley University Suffolk University College 3 College 4
Lesley University Suffolk University
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Overview

Lesley University Suffolk University
Location Cambridge, MA Boston, MA
Setting Midsize City Large City
Enrollment 3,134 6,697
Type Private 4 Year Private 4 Year
National Ranking #445
Religious Affiliation - - - -
Status Non-profit Non-profit
Website lesley.edu suffolk.edu
Team Colors                    

Costs

Lesley University Suffolk University
Tuition (In State) $31,890 $44,812
Tuition (Out of State) $31,890 $44,812
Room & Board $19,060 $19,562
Avg Net Price $33,111 $33,089
Avg Grant Aid $16,476 $29,627
% Receiving Grant Aid 100% 98%

Admission

Lesley University Suffolk University
Admission Chances Calculate Calculate
Applied 2,509 10,101
Admitted 2,369 8,560
Acceptance Rate 94.4% 84.7%
Enrolled % 8% 14.2%
Avg High School GPA 3.31 3.33
Typical High School Grades B+ B+
Admissions Standards Unavailable Difficult
Applicant Competition
ACT Range 24/32
SAT Range 1090/1280
Submit Test Scores Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind) Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
Application Deadline Feb 15, 2026

Academics

Lesley University Suffolk University
Student to Faculty Ratio 10:1 15:1
Popular Majors
  • Liberal Arts and Humanities (21%)
  • Visual and Performing Arts (20%)
  • Psychology (20%)
  • English and Literature (6%)
  • Work and Family Studies (6%)
  • Business (39%)
  • Social Sciences (16%)
  • Communication (14%)
  • Psychology (7%)
  • Visual and Performing Arts (5%)

Outcomes

Lesley University Suffolk University
Graduation Rate 49% 54%
Median Earnings (After 10 years) $38,600 $59,100
Making Student Loan Payments 63% 70%
Median Student Loan Debt $24,320 $27,000
Median Loan Payment $251 $279

Diversity

Lesley University Suffolk University
% Men 9% 12%
% Women 49% 21%
Racial Diversity Medium Very High
HBCU No No
% White 67% 40%
% Black 7% 6%
% Hispanic 10% 11%
% Native American 0% 0%
% Pacific Islander 0% 0%
% Two or More Races 3% 2%
% International 2% 23%
% Unknown Race 6% 9%

Students

Lesley University Suffolk University
% In-State 57% 54%
% Out-of-State 38% 36%

Campus

Lesley University Suffolk University
Campus Housing Yes Yes
Freshman Dorm Required No No
Meal Plan Yes Yes
Weekend/Evening Classes Yes Yes
Daycare Facility No No
Learn More Details Details

Comparable Facts

  • Suffolk University is larger than than Lesley University based on total student enrollment (6,697 students vs. 3,134 students)

Lesley University vs. Suffolk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lesley University or Suffolk University?

  • Suffolk University is 40.5% more expensive to attend than Lesley University for in-state tuition ($44,812.00 vs. $31,890.00)
  • Out of state tuition is 40.5% higher at Suffolk University than Lesley University ($44,812.00 vs. $31,890.00)
  • The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Suffolk University than Lesley University ($33,089 vs. $33,111)
  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lesley University are 2.6% lower than costs at Suffolk University ($19,060 vs. $19,562)
  • More students receive financial grant aid at Lesley University than Suffolk University (100% vs. 98%)
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Suffolk University students is 79.8% larger than aid received Lesley University ($29,627 vs. $16,476)

Lesley University vs. Suffolk University Admissions Difficulty Comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lesley University or Suffolk University? Average SAT and ACT scores plus acceptance rates offer good insight into the difficulty of admission between Suffolk University or Lesley University .

  • The average SAT score at Lesley University (1066) is 42 points higher than at Suffolk University (1024)
  • Incoming Lesley University students have at the same average ACT score (23) as students at Suffolk University (23)
  • Accepted freshman Suffolk University students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at Lesley University (3.31)
  • Lesley University has a higher acceptance rate (94.4%) than Suffolk University (84.7%)

Lesley University vs. Suffolk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

Which is better, Lesley University or Suffolk University? Graduation rate, salary and amount of student loan debt are indicators of a college which offers better outcomes for its graduates. Compare the following outcomes facts between Suffolk University and Lesley University.

  • The graduation rate at Suffolk University is higher than Lesley University (54% vs. 49%)
  • Graduates from Suffolk University earn on average $20,500 more per year than Lesley University graduates after ten years. ($59,100 vs. $38,600)
  • Lesley University students graduate with a $2,680 lower median federal student loan debt than Suffolk University graduates. ($24,320 vs. $27,000)
  • Lesley University graduates are paying $28 less per month on federal student loans than Suffolk University graduates. ($251 vs. $279)
  • More Suffolk University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lesley University students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 63%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/