UMass vs. Suffolk University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Massachusetts Amherst is larger than Suffolk University based on total student enrollment (31,726 students vs. 6,356 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Massachusetts Amherst is located in Amherst, MA (Town Fringe setting); Suffolk University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• University of Massachusetts Amherst is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Suffolk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Massachusetts Amherst 17:1; Suffolk University 15:1.

UMass vs. Suffolk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UMass or Suffolk 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 University of Massachusetts Amherst than Suffolk University ($22,948 vs. $33,832).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Massachusetts Amherst are 21.6% lower than at Suffolk University ($16,710 vs. $21,326).
• Suffolk University is 167.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than UMass (about $29,778 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $17,772.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.6% higher at Suffolk University than at University of Massachusetts Amherst (about $7,101 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $40,449.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Suffolk University than at University of Massachusetts Amherst (98% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Suffolk University students is 140.7% larger than aid received by University of Massachusetts Amherst students ($31,558 vs. $13,110).

UMass vs. Suffolk University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UMass or Suffolk University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Suffolk University and UMass.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at University of Massachusetts Amherst (1410) is 210 points higher than at Suffolk University (1200).
• Incoming UMass students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (31 vs. 26 at Suffolk University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of Massachusetts Amherst 1310/1500; Suffolk University 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of Massachusetts Amherst 30/33; Suffolk University 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UMass - Test optional; Suffolk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UMass Jan 15, 2027; Suffolk University Feb 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman UMass students have a 0.66 point higher average high school GPA (3.99) than students at Suffolk University (3.33).
• Suffolk University has a higher acceptance rate (82.3%) than UMass (59.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.9% at UMass vs. 10.9% at Suffolk University.

UMass vs. Suffolk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UMass and Suffolk University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• University of Massachusetts Amherst's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Suffolk University's (54%).
• Graduates from Suffolk University earn a median of about $3,900 more per year than UMass graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,100 vs. $55,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Massachusetts Amherst graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Suffolk University graduates ($24,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, UMass graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Suffolk University graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More UMass graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Suffolk University students, three years after graduation. (76% vs. 70%)

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.