Suffolk University vs. Penn State Harrisburg

Comparable Facts

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

Suffolk University is larger than Penn State Harrisburg based on total student enrollment (6,356 students vs. 4,478 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Suffolk University vs. Penn State Harrisburg Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Suffolk University or Penn State Harrisburg? 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 Harrisburg than Suffolk University ($23,788 vs. $33,832).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Penn State Harrisburg are 32.1% lower than at Suffolk University ($14,474 vs. $21,326).
• Suffolk University is 197.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Penn State Harrisburg (about $31,578 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $15,972.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 76.4% higher at Suffolk University than at Penn State Harrisburg (about $20,592 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $26,958.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Suffolk University than at Penn State Harrisburg (98% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Suffolk University students is 241.4% larger than aid received by Penn State Harrisburg students ($31,558 vs. $9,245).

Suffolk University vs. Penn State Harrisburg Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Penn State Harrisburg (1220) is 20 points higher than at Suffolk University (1200).
• Incoming Suffolk University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 26) as students at Penn State Harrisburg (26).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Suffolk University 1090/1300; Penn State Harrisburg 1120/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Suffolk University 24/28; Penn State Harrisburg 22/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Suffolk University - Test optional; Penn State Harrisburg - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Suffolk University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Penn State Harrisburg students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at Suffolk University (3.33).
• Penn State Harrisburg has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) 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 Harrisburg.

Suffolk University vs. Penn State Harrisburg Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Suffolk University and Penn State Harrisburg? 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).

• Penn State Harrisburg's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Suffolk University's (54%).
• Graduates from Suffolk University earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than Penn State Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg graduates have a $182 lower median loan debt than Suffolk University graduates ($26,818 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Penn State Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg 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.