Samford University vs. Suffolk University

Should I go to Samford University or Suffolk University? Compare 50+ facts and figures about the colleges to help you determine if Samford 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.

Add a college to compare up to four schools
Samford University vs. Suffolk University comparison
Samford University Suffolk University College 3 College 4
Samford University Suffolk University
Remove Remove +Add +Add

Overview

Samford University Suffolk University
Location Birmingham, AL Boston, MA
Setting Large Suburban Large City
Enrollment 5,791 6,697
Type Private 4 Year Private 4 Year
National Ranking #213 #445
Religious Affiliation Baptist - - -
Status Non-profit Non-profit
Website samford.edu suffolk.edu
Team Colors                    

Costs

Samford University Suffolk University
Tuition (In State) $37,144 $44,812
Tuition (Out of State) $37,144 $44,812
Room & Board $12,160 $19,562
Avg Net Price $32,176 $33,089
Avg Grant Aid $21,758 $29,627
% Receiving Grant Aid 100% 98%

Admission

Samford University Suffolk University
Admission Chances Calculate Calculate
Applied 4,541 10,101
Admitted 3,734 8,560
Acceptance Rate 82.2% 84.7%
Enrolled % 28.9% 14.2%
Avg High School GPA 3.84 3.33
Typical High School Grades A- B+
Admissions Standards Challenging Difficult
Applicant Competition
ACT Range 23/29 24/32
SAT Range 1070/1260 1090/1280
Submit Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional) Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
Application Deadline May 1, 2026 Feb 15, 2026

Academics

Samford University Suffolk University
Student to Faculty Ratio 14:1 15:1
Popular Majors
  • Business (20%)
  • Health Professions (14%)
  • Education (11%)
  • Work and Family Studies (8%)
  • Communication (6%)
  • Business (39%)
  • Social Sciences (16%)
  • Communication (14%)
  • Psychology (7%)
  • Visual and Performing Arts (5%)

Outcomes

Samford University Suffolk University
Graduation Rate 70% 54%
Median Earnings (After 10 years) $57,400 $59,100
Making Student Loan Payments 77% 70%
Median Student Loan Debt $22,500 $27,000
Median Loan Payment $232 $279

Diversity

Samford University Suffolk University
% Men 11% 12%
% Women 23% 21%
Racial Diversity Very Low Very High
HBCU No No
% White 81% 40%
% Black 7% 6%
% Hispanic 5% 11%
% Native American 0% 0%
% Pacific Islander 0% 0%
% Two or More Races 2% 2%
% International 3% 23%
% Unknown Race 1% 9%

Students

Samford University Suffolk University
% In-State 23% 54%
% Out-of-State 77% 36%

Campus

Samford 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 Samford University based on total student enrollment (6,697 students vs. 5,791 students)

Samford University vs. Suffolk University Cost Comparison

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

  • Suffolk University is 20.6% more expensive to attend than Samford University for in-state tuition ($44,812.00 vs. $37,144.00)
  • Out of state tuition is 20.6% higher at Suffolk University than Samford University ($44,812.00 vs. $37,144.00)
  • The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Samford University than Suffolk University ($32,176 vs. $33,089)
  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Samford University are 60.9% lower than costs at Suffolk University ($12,160 vs. $19,562)
  • More students receive financial grant aid at Samford University than Suffolk University (100% vs. 98%)
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Suffolk University students is 36.2% larger than aid received Samford University ($29,627 vs. $21,758)

Samford University vs. Suffolk University Admissions Difficulty Comparison

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

  • The average SAT score at Samford University (1162) is 138 points higher than at Suffolk University (1024)
  • Incoming Samford University students have a 3 point higher average ACT score (26) than students at Suffolk University (23)
  • Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.51 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Suffolk University (3.33)
  • Suffolk University has a higher acceptance rate (84.7%) than Samford University (82.2%)

Samford University vs. Suffolk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

Which is better, Samford 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 Samford University.

  • The graduation rate at Samford University is higher than Suffolk University (70% vs. 54%)
  • Graduates from Suffolk University earn on average $1,700 more per year than Samford University graduates after ten years. ($59,100 vs. $57,400)
  • Samford University students graduate with a $4,500 lower median federal student loan debt than Suffolk University graduates. ($22,500 vs. $27,000)
  • Samford University graduates are paying $47 less per month on federal student loans than Suffolk University graduates. ($232 vs. $279)
  • More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Suffolk University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 70%)

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