Spelman vs. Suffolk University

Comparable Facts

Compare Spelman College in Atlanta, GA with Suffolk University in Boston, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Suffolk University is larger than Spelman based on total student enrollment (6,356 students vs. 3,417 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Spelman College is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Suffolk University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• Spelman College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Suffolk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Spelman College 11:1; Suffolk University 15:1.

Spelman vs. Suffolk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Spelman 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 Suffolk University than Spelman ($33,832 vs. $40,354).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spelman College are 15.2% lower than at Suffolk University ($18,091 vs. $21,326).
• Suffolk University is 50.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Spelman (about $15,994 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $31,556.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50.7% higher at Suffolk University than at Spelman College (about $15,994 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $31,556.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Suffolk University than at Spelman College (98% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Suffolk University students is 197.3% larger than aid received by Spelman College students ($31,558 vs. $10,614).

Spelman vs. Suffolk University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Spelman 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 Spelman.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Spelman College (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 Spelman).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spelman College 1108/1320; Suffolk University 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spelman College 22/29; Suffolk University 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Spelman - Test optional; Suffolk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Spelman Feb 1, 2027; Suffolk University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Spelman students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Suffolk University (3.33).
• Suffolk University has a higher acceptance rate (82.3%) than Spelman (24.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.6% at Spelman vs. 10.9% at Suffolk University.

Spelman vs. Suffolk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Spelman 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).

• Spelman College's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Suffolk University's (54%).
• Graduates from Suffolk University earn a median of about $7,800 more per year than Spelman graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,100 vs. $51,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Suffolk University and Spelman graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Suffolk University and Spelman 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 Spelman students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 47%)

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.