Suffolk University vs University of Massachusetts Boston

Suffolk University vs University of Massachusetts Boston

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Suffolk and UMass Boston are both urban Boston universities. UMass Boston performs better in most national and regional measures, particularly in public affairs, nursing, and social sciences, whereas Suffolk fares better in strong business, legal studies, and finance performance. Suffolk's early career salaries (median 10 years after entry) are fairly robust for a small private school, while those at UMass Boston are lower but compensated by reduced prices paid by in-state and public students.

General Information

UMass Boston is considerably larger in terms of undergraduate enrollment (~ 12,200) compared to Suffolk (~ 4,500). UMass Boston is a commuter-oriented public university with a highly diverse student body; Suffolk is private, based downtown, and more focused on undergraduate professional and career programs. UMass Boston has numerous undergraduate majors, such as in business, science, health, education, public policy, etc., as does Suffolk strong business, law, finance, communication, psychology, etc.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Suffolk's acceptance rate is around 85%, UMass Boston's around 83%. UMass Boston's middle 50% SAT score range for accepted students is approximately 1080-1290, ACT 24-30, comparable to Suffolk for most majors. Both institutions look at GPA, rigor of course, and holistic factors; standard test scores are looked at but are not exclusive. UMass Boston has slightly higher yield from state students, and Suffolk sees strong downtown location and professional school track-taking students.

Research Impact & Facilities

UMass Boston, being a public university, has a wide variety of research activities particularly in the field of health, science, environmental science, public policy, social sciences, and others. Suffolk does have applied/relevant equipment in the fields of business, law, finance, etc., but its research volume is smaller. UMass Boston's output of research (peer-reviewed publications, publicly funded, etc.) is greater overall. Suffolk's expertise is more on professional preparation, internships, networks in legal/business fields in Boston.

Cost & Financial Aid

UMass Boston is significantly less expensive for most students, especially in-state, with lower tuition than private counterparts. The net price at UMass Boston is approximately US$17,500 after grants and financial aid. A large percentage of students are awarded aid. Suffolk's sticker price (tuition + fees + other expenses) is significantly greater, and although many students are awarded financial aid, net cost is significantly higher than UMass Boston for most students.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

Suffolk University graduates report median earnings of about US$59,100 ten years after enrolling, which is good for a private institution of its size. UMass Boston graduates have median alumni salary about US$49,875 in some data sources. Suffolk’s graduation rate (~ 64%) is higher than UMass Boston’s (~ 51%). Suffolk’s location in downtown Boston supports strong internship and networking opportunities in business, finance, legal sectors; UMass Boston has strength in public service, health, education, environmental work.