Suffolk University vs. Penn State Abington

Comparable Facts

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

Suffolk University is larger than Penn State Abington based on total student enrollment (6,356 students vs. 2,885 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Suffolk University vs. Penn State Abington Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Suffolk University or Penn State Abington? 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 Penn State Abington than Suffolk University ($19,232 vs. $33,832).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Penn State Abington are 32.1% lower than at Suffolk University ($14,474 vs. $21,326).
• Suffolk University is 211.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Penn State Abington (about $32,282 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $15,268.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 85.3% higher at Suffolk University than at Penn State Abington (about $21,886 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $25,664.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Suffolk University than at Penn State Abington (98% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Suffolk University students is 219.3% larger than aid received by Penn State Abington students ($31,558 vs. $9,883).

Suffolk University vs. Penn State Abington Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Suffolk University or Penn State Abington? 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 Penn State Abington and Suffolk University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Suffolk University (1200) is 30 points higher than at Penn State Abington (1170).
• Incoming Suffolk University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Penn State Abington).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Suffolk University 1090/1300; Penn State Abington 1070/1265.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Suffolk University 24/28; Penn State Abington 23/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Suffolk University - Test optional; Penn State Abington - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Suffolk University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Penn State Abington students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Suffolk University (3.33).
• Penn State Abington has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Suffolk University (82.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.9% at Suffolk University vs. 11.2% at Penn State Abington.

Suffolk University vs. Penn State Abington Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Suffolk University and Penn State Abington? 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 Penn State Abington's (44%).
• Graduates from Suffolk University earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than Penn State Abington graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,100 vs. $55,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Penn State Abington graduates have a $182 lower median loan debt than Suffolk University graduates ($26,818 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Penn State Abington 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 Penn State Abington 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.