Suffolk University vs. AU

Comparable Facts

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

Suffolk University is larger than AU based on total student enrollment (6,356 students vs. 4,710 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Suffolk University vs. AU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Suffolk University or AU? 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 Anderson University than Suffolk University ($24,434 vs. $33,832).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Anderson University are 40.4% lower than at Suffolk University ($12,720 vs. $21,326).
• Suffolk University is 36% more expensive for in-state tuition than AU (about $12,580 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $34,970.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36% higher at Suffolk University than at Anderson University (about $12,580 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $34,970.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Suffolk University as at Anderson University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Suffolk University students is 21.5% larger than aid received by Anderson University students ($31,558 vs. $25,969).

Suffolk University vs. AU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Suffolk University (1200) is 10 points higher than at AU (1190).
• Incoming Suffolk University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at AU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Suffolk University 1090/1300; Anderson University 1100/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Suffolk University 24/28; Anderson University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Suffolk University - Test optional; AU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Suffolk University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman AU students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Suffolk University (3.33).
• Suffolk University has a higher acceptance rate (82.3%) than AU (54.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.9% at Suffolk University vs. 32.5% at AU.

Suffolk University vs. AU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Suffolk University and AU? 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 Anderson University's (48%).
• Graduates from Suffolk University earn a median of about $21,600 more per year than AU graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,100 vs. $37,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Anderson University graduates have a $138 lower median loan debt than Suffolk University graduates ($26,862 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Suffolk University graduates ($277 vs. $279).
• More Suffolk University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AU students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 60%)

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.