Suffolk University vs. William Paterson University of New Jersey

Comparable Facts

Compare Suffolk University in Boston, MA with William Paterson University of New Jersey in Wayne, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

William Paterson University of New Jersey is larger than Suffolk University based on total student enrollment (9,942 students vs. 6,356 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Suffolk University is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); William Paterson University of New Jersey is in Wayne, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Suffolk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. William Paterson University of New Jersey is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Suffolk University 15:1; William Paterson University of New Jersey 18:1.

Suffolk University vs. William Paterson University of New Jersey Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Suffolk University or William Paterson University of New Jersey? 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 William Paterson University of New Jersey than Suffolk University ($13,509 vs. $33,832).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at William Paterson University of New Jersey are 23.8% lower than at Suffolk University ($16,240 vs. $21,326).
• Suffolk University is 202.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than William Paterson University of New Jersey (about $31,846 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $15,704.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 87.6% higher at Suffolk University than at William Paterson University of New Jersey (about $22,206 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $25,344.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Suffolk University than at William Paterson University of New Jersey (98% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Suffolk University students is 109.8% larger than aid received by William Paterson University of New Jersey students ($31,558 vs. $15,040).

Suffolk University vs. William Paterson University of New Jersey Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Suffolk University or William Paterson University of New Jersey? 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 William Paterson University of New Jersey and Suffolk University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Suffolk University (1200) is 30 points higher than at William Paterson University of New Jersey (1170).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Suffolk University 1090/1300; William Paterson University of New Jersey 990/1345.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Suffolk University 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Suffolk University - Test optional; William Paterson University of New Jersey - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Suffolk University Feb 15, 2027; William Paterson University of New Jersey Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Suffolk University students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at William Paterson University of New Jersey (2.97).
• William Paterson University of New Jersey has a higher acceptance rate (90.1%) than Suffolk University (82.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.9% at Suffolk University vs. 12.6% at William Paterson University of New Jersey.

Suffolk University vs. William Paterson University of New Jersey Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Suffolk University and William Paterson University of New Jersey? 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).

• Suffolk University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than William Paterson University of New Jersey's (46%).
• Graduates from Suffolk University earn a median of about $12,600 more per year than William Paterson University of New Jersey graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,100 vs. $46,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, William Paterson University of New Jersey graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Suffolk University graduates ($24,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, William Paterson University of New Jersey graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Suffolk University graduates ($253 vs. $279).
• More Suffolk University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former William Paterson University of New Jersey students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 59%)

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.