University of Southern Maine vs. Suffolk University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Southern Maine in Portland, ME with Suffolk University in Boston, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Southern Maine is larger than Suffolk University based on total student enrollment (7,604 students vs. 6,356 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Southern Maine is located in Portland, ME (Small City setting); Suffolk University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• University of Southern Maine is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Suffolk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Southern Maine 14:1; Suffolk University 15:1.

University of Southern Maine vs. Suffolk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Southern Maine 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 University of Southern Maine than Suffolk University ($14,028 vs. $33,832).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Southern Maine are 42.4% lower than at Suffolk University ($12,280 vs. $21,326).
• Suffolk University is 321.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Southern Maine (about $36,266 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $11,284.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 70.2% higher at Suffolk University than at University of Southern Maine (about $19,606 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $27,944.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Suffolk University than at University of Southern Maine (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Suffolk University students is 182.1% larger than aid received by University of Southern Maine students ($31,558 vs. $11,188).

University of Southern Maine vs. Suffolk University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Southern Maine 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 University of Southern Maine.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Suffolk University (1200) is 80 points higher than at University of Southern Maine (1120).
• Incoming University of Southern Maine 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: University of Southern Maine 990/1250; Suffolk University 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Southern Maine 24/28; Suffolk University 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Southern Maine - Required; Suffolk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Suffolk University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Southern Maine students have the same average high school GPA (3.33) as students at Suffolk University (3.33).
• Suffolk University has a higher acceptance rate (82.3%) than University of Southern Maine (79.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at University of Southern Maine vs. 10.9% at Suffolk University.

University of Southern Maine vs. Suffolk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Southern Maine 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).

• Suffolk University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than University of Southern Maine's (33%).
• Graduates from Suffolk University earn a median of about $16,500 more per year than University of Southern Maine graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,100 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Southern Maine graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Suffolk University graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Southern Maine graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Suffolk University graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More Suffolk University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Southern Maine students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 64%)

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.