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#27 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts

Suffolk University Admission Requirements

Boston, Massachusetts

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Your chances of getting into Suffolk University

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Percent Admitted 

86.8%
Admission Difficulty for Suffolk University
Measure Difficulty
Admission Standards Difficult 
Applicant Competition Very Low 

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Suffolk University is 86.8%.  Its admission rate is the 53rd lowest in Massachusetts.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into Suffolk University and can you get accepted?

Suffolk University is an easy school to get into and you have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 8,418 out of the 9,699 who applied were admitted.

Suffolk University typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.33. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 15% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into Suffolk University?

87% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Calculate your admission chances
Calculate your admission chances

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to Suffolk University you should:

  • Have a high school GPA of 3.33 or better
  • Earn B+ grades in high school
  • Score 1190 on the SAT
  • Score 27 on the ACT
  • Graduate in the top half of your high school class

Suffolk University GPA

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

Avg. High School GPA 

3.33

Typical High School Grades 

B+

What GPA do you need to get into Suffolk University?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into Suffolk University are to have around a 3.33 high school GPA. You are required to have above average high school grades.

If your high school grades are above the average 3.33 GPA, you have a very good chance of being admitted as Suffolk University accepts 87% of applicants.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at Suffolk University is 3.33 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #40 in Massachusetts for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since Suffolk University is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.3 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.

High School GPA's for admitted Suffolk University students
High School GPA Freshmen Within Range Competitiveness 
4.0 15.0% Good
3.75 to 3.99 11.0% Avg +
3.50 to 3.74 16.0% Avg +
3.25 to 3.49 14.0% Avg -
3.00 to 3.24 16.0% Avg -
2.50 to 2.99 21.0% Reach
2.00 to 2.49 7.0% Low
1.00 to 1.99 0% Low
less than 1.00 0% Low

 What do these chances mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

Calculate My Chances 

Suffolk University SAT Scores

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Suffolk University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 18% of students submitted SAT scores and 3% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Range 

1080-1300

Applicants Submitting SAT 

18%
SAT Scores for Suffolk University
SAT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 550
Math 25th Percentile 530
Composite 25th Percentile 1080
SAT Scores for Suffolk University
SAT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 670
Math 75th Percentile 630
Composite 75th Percentile 1300
Average SAT Score 1190

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Suffolk University?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at Suffolk University is 1190 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1080-1300. Students who get into Suffolk University score in the top 45 percent of all SAT test takers..  Suffolk University ranks #30 in the state of Massachusetts for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1190 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Suffolk University regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1080 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1080, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 970, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

Suffolk University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

View other colleges which accept students in the 1190 SAT score range.

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1190, you have around a 87% chance of being admitted. A 1300 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 93% chance of getting in.

Suffolk University admission chances by SAT score
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
1300 and Above Good >93%
1190 to 1300 Avg + 87%-93%
1080 to 1190 Avg - 78%-87%
970 to 1080 Reach 65%-78%
Less than 970 Low <65%
Calculate My Chances 

Suffolk University ACT Scores

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Range 

24-30 

Applicants Submitting ACT 

3%
ACT Scores for Suffolk University
ACT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile N/A
Math 25th Percentile N/A
Composite 25th Percentile 24
ACT Scores for Suffolk University
ACT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile N/A
Math 75th Percentile N/A
Composite 75th Percentile 30
Average ACT Score 27

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into Suffolk University?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to Suffolk University is 27, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 24 and 30.  The school ranks #27 in Massachusetts for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 27. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 24 and score in the score in the top 27 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 21.

3 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Suffolk University.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Suffolk University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into Suffolk University for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 27 score has around 87% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 93% with a 30 ACT score.

Suffolk University admission chances by ACT score
ACT Score Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
30 and Above Good >93%
27 to 30 Avg + 87%-93%
24 to 27 Avg - 78%-87%
21 to 24 Reach 65%-78%
Less than 21 Low <65%
Calculate My Chances 

High School Class Rank

72% of Suffolk University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 36% are in the top quarter.

High School Class Rank for admitted Suffolk University students
High School Class Rank Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class 13%
Top 25% of class 36%
Top 50% of class 72%
Data Source, Peterson's Data

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Suffolk University admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 6,400 3,299 9,699
Accepted 5,674 2,744 8,418
Acceptance Rate 89% 83% 87%
Enrolled 856 404 1,260
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 15% 15% 15%
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Fall 2025 Application Deadline

Applications Due

Feb 15, 2025

Days left to Apply

52

Applicants have 52 days left until the Fall 2025 term applications are due on Feb 15, 2025.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Suffolk University is $50.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Suffolk University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Suffolk University Application Requirements
Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
High School GPA Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
High School Class Rank Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Completion of College Preparatory Program Required to be considered for admission
Recommendations Required to be considered for admission
Demonstration of Competencies Not considered for admission, even if submitted

Credits Accepted

High School Credits Accepted at Suffolk University
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences No

Admission Requirements Summary

Because Suffolk University is lightly competitive to get into, you have a very good chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.33 GPA, you are almost certain to getting in. Combining this with an SAT score of 1190 and ACT of 27 will almost guarantee your admission.

Other Colleges to Apply To 

Students applying to Suffolk University often consider these colleges

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=168005 IPEDS survey data for Suffolk University.

Last updated February 24, 2024