North Central College vs. Suffolk University

Comparable Facts

Compare North Central College in Naperville, IL with Suffolk University in Boston, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Suffolk University is larger than North Central College based on total student enrollment (6,356 students vs. 3,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Central College is located in Naperville, IL (Midsize City setting); Suffolk University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• North Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Suffolk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Central College 12:1; Suffolk University 15:1.

North Central College vs. Suffolk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Central College 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 North Central College than Suffolk University ($23,276 vs. $33,832).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Central College are 31.1% lower than at Suffolk University ($14,688 vs. $21,326).
• Suffolk University is 4% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Central College (about $1,824 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $45,726.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4% higher at Suffolk University than at North Central College (about $1,824 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $45,726.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Central College than at Suffolk University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Central College students is 7.9% larger than aid received by Suffolk University students ($34,056 vs. $31,558).

North Central College vs. Suffolk University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Central College or Suffolk 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 Suffolk University and North Central College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Suffolk University (1200) is 20 points higher than at North Central College (1180).
• Incoming North Central College students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 26) as students at Suffolk University (26).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central College 1055/1310; Suffolk University 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central College 24/29; Suffolk University 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Central College - Test optional; Suffolk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Central College Apr 15, 2027; Suffolk University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman North Central College students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Suffolk University (3.33).
• Suffolk University has a higher acceptance rate (82.3%) than North Central College (77.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.6% at North Central College vs. 10.9% at Suffolk University.

North Central College vs. Suffolk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Central College and Suffolk 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).

• North Central College's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Suffolk University's (54%).
• Graduates from Suffolk University earn a median of about $10,200 more per year than North Central College graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,100 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Central College graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Suffolk University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, North Central College graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Suffolk University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More North Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Suffolk University students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.