Suffolk University vs. Arcadia

Comparable Facts

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

Suffolk University is larger than Arcadia based on total student enrollment (6,356 students vs. 3,404 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Suffolk University is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Arcadia University is in Glenside, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Suffolk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Arcadia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Suffolk University 15:1; Arcadia University 10:1.

Suffolk University vs. Arcadia Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Suffolk University or Arcadia? 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 Arcadia University than Suffolk University ($30,037 vs. $33,832).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Arcadia University are 19.4% lower than at Suffolk University ($17,180 vs. $21,326).
• Arcadia University is 4.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Suffolk University (about $2,060 more per year; $49,610.00 vs. $47,550.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.3% higher at Arcadia than at Suffolk University (about $2,060 more per year; $49,610.00 vs. $47,550.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Arcadia University than at Suffolk University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Arcadia University students is 10% larger than aid received by Suffolk University students ($34,705 vs. $31,558).

Suffolk University vs. Arcadia Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Suffolk University (1200) is 30 points higher than at Arcadia (1170).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Suffolk University 1090/1300; Arcadia University 1065/1265.
• 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; Arcadia - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Suffolk University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Arcadia students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Suffolk University (3.33).
• Suffolk University has a higher acceptance rate (82.3%) than Arcadia (80.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.9% at Suffolk University vs. 7.4% at Arcadia.

Suffolk University vs. Arcadia Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Suffolk University and Arcadia? 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).

• Arcadia University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Suffolk University's (54%).
• Graduates from Suffolk University earn a median of about $12,700 more per year than Arcadia graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,100 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Arcadia University and Suffolk University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Arcadia 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 Arcadia students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 69%)

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.