Suffolk University vs. St. Mary's University

Comparable Facts

Compare Suffolk University in Boston, MA with St. Mary's University in San Antonio, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Suffolk University is larger than St. Mary's University based on total student enrollment (6,356 students vs. 3,456 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Suffolk University is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); St. Mary's University is in San Antonio, TX (Large City setting).
• Suffolk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. St. Mary's University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Suffolk University 15:1; St. Mary's University 11:1.

Suffolk University vs. St. Mary's University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Suffolk University or St. Mary's 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 St. Mary's University than Suffolk University ($20,412 vs. $33,832).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at St. Mary's University are 39.5% lower than at Suffolk University ($12,894 vs. $21,326).
• Suffolk University is 27% more expensive for in-state tuition than St. Mary's University (about $10,116 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $37,434.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27% higher at Suffolk University than at St. Mary's University (about $10,116 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $37,434.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at St. Mary's University than at Suffolk University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Suffolk University students is 14.9% larger than aid received by St. Mary's University students ($31,558 vs. $27,464).

Suffolk University vs. St. Mary's University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Suffolk University or St. Mary's 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 St. Mary's University and Suffolk University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Suffolk University (1200) is 90 points higher than at St. Mary's University (1110).
• Incoming Suffolk University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 21 at St. Mary's University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Suffolk University 1090/1300; St. Mary's University 900/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Suffolk University 24/28; St. Mary's University 15/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Suffolk University - Test optional; St. Mary's University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Suffolk University Feb 15, 2027; St. Mary's University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman St. Mary's University students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Suffolk University (3.33).
• St. Mary's University has a higher acceptance rate (97.8%) than Suffolk University (82.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.9% at Suffolk University vs. 12.6% at St. Mary's University.

Suffolk University vs. St. Mary's University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Suffolk University and St. Mary's 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).

• St. Mary's University's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Suffolk University's (54%).
• Graduates from Suffolk University earn a median of about $9,100 more per year than St. Mary's University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,100 vs. $50,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, St. Mary's University and Suffolk University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, St. Mary's 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 St. Mary's University students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 59%)

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.