Suffolk University vs. Alvernia University

Comparable Facts

Compare Suffolk University in Boston, MA with Alvernia University in Reading, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Suffolk University is larger than Alvernia University based on total student enrollment (6,356 students vs. 2,796 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Suffolk University is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Alvernia University is in Reading, PA (Small City setting).
• Suffolk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Alvernia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Suffolk University 15:1; Alvernia University 14:1.

Suffolk University vs. Alvernia University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Suffolk University or Alvernia 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 Alvernia University than Suffolk University ($28,645 vs. $33,832).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Alvernia University are 27.5% lower than at Suffolk University ($15,460 vs. $21,326).
• Suffolk University is 5.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alvernia University (about $2,550 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $45,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.7% higher at Suffolk University than at Alvernia University (about $2,550 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $45,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alvernia University than at Suffolk University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Suffolk University students is 8.7% larger than aid received by Alvernia University students ($31,558 vs. $29,034).

Suffolk University vs. Alvernia University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Suffolk University or Alvernia 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 Alvernia University and Suffolk University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Suffolk University (1200) is 10 points higher than at Alvernia University (1190).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Suffolk University 1090/1300; Alvernia University 1093/1286.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Suffolk University 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Suffolk University - Test optional; Alvernia University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Suffolk University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Alvernia University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Suffolk University (3.33).
• Suffolk University has a higher acceptance rate (82.3%) than Alvernia University (58.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.9% at Suffolk University vs. 13.3% at Alvernia University.

Suffolk University vs. Alvernia University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Suffolk University and Alvernia 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 Alvernia University's (53%).
• Graduates from Suffolk University earn a median of about $14,300 more per year than Alvernia University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,100 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Alvernia University and Suffolk University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Alvernia University and Suffolk University 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 Alvernia University students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 61%)

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.