Suffolk University vs. Providence

Comparable Facts

Compare Suffolk University in Boston, MA with Providence College in Providence, RI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Suffolk University is larger than Providence based on total student enrollment (6,356 students vs. 4,666 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Suffolk University is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Providence College is in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting).
• Suffolk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Providence College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Suffolk University 15:1; Providence College 11:1.

Suffolk University vs. Providence Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Suffolk University or Providence? 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 Suffolk University than Providence ($33,832 vs. $48,618).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Providence College are 16.3% lower than at Suffolk University ($17,840 vs. $21,326).
• Providence College is 33.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Suffolk University (about $16,000 more per year; $63,550.00 vs. $47,550.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.6% higher at Providence than at Suffolk University (about $16,000 more per year; $63,550.00 vs. $47,550.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Suffolk University than at Providence College (98% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Providence College students is 1% larger than aid received by Suffolk University students ($31,873 vs. $31,558).

Suffolk University vs. Providence Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Suffolk University or Providence? 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 Providence and Suffolk University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Providence College (1320) is 120 points higher than at Suffolk University (1200).
• Incoming Providence students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 26 at Suffolk University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Suffolk University 1090/1300; Providence College 1250/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Suffolk University 24/28; Providence College 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Suffolk University - Test optional; Providence - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Suffolk University Feb 15, 2027; Providence Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Providence students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at Suffolk University (3.33).
• Suffolk University has a higher acceptance rate (82.3%) than Providence (50.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.9% at Suffolk University vs. 19.2% at Providence.

Suffolk University vs. Providence Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Suffolk University and Providence? 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).

• Providence College's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than Suffolk University's (54%).
• Graduates from Providence College earn a median of about $8,900 more per year than Suffolk University graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,000 vs. $59,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Providence College and Suffolk University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Providence College and Suffolk University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Providence graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Suffolk University students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.