
8 Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108-2770, USA


Suffolk University holds accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which is a recognized regional accrediting body. This accreditation ensures that the university meets established standards for academic quality, institutional integrity, and continuous improvement. For prospective students, attending an institution accredited by NECHE signifies that the education offered adheres to rigorous evaluation processes and that credits earned are generally transferable to other accredited institutions.
Several individual schools and programs within Suffolk University have received specialized accreditation, underscoring their commitment to maintaining high standards in specific disciplines. Notably, the Sawyer Business School is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a prestigious distinction that highlights the school's excellence in business education.
Additionally, the College of Arts & Sciences includes programs that have undergone professional accreditation, ensuring that curricula align with current industry and academic expectations. These accreditations can be critical for students aiming for careers that require licensure or certification.
Admission to Suffolk University requires applicants to have completed a General Educational Development (GED) or an equivalent secondary school credential. Submission of a secondary school record and college program information is obligatory, alongside recommendations from relevant sources. While certain competencies are suggested for applicants, standardized admission test scores are not strictly required, though other test results may be recommended. The university does not operate under an open admission policy and does not grant college credit for dual credit courses, but it does accept Advanced Placement (AP) credits.
The university's acceptance rate is relatively high at 85%, placing it in the top 30% nationally for selectivity. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1180, which is considered typical and ranks around the 56th percentile nationally, with the Mathematics and Writing sections averaging 580 and 600 points respectively. Suffolk University also reports an average ACT score of 26, positioning its students approximately in the 64th percentile.
Applicants generally number around 10,101, with a majority being women (6,551) compared to 3,550 men. Of these, roughly 8,560 are admitted, and about 1,214 enroll. Female admissions are higher in comparison to males, both in numbers and admission percentiles. These statistics illustrate that while admission is competitive, a large proportion of applicants receive offers, reflecting an accessible admissions process by many measures.
Suffolk University requires prospective students to submit an application fee as part of the admissions process. The standard application fee is set to cover administrative costs associated with processing the application.
The university provides fee waiver options to eligible applicants who demonstrate financial need. These waivers aim to reduce barriers for students from lower-income backgrounds, enabling broader access to the admissions process. Applicants interested in a fee waiver must usually provide documentation or meet specific criteria established by the admissions office.
Suffolk University offers Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) opportunities primarily through an on-campus ROTC branch unit. This enables students to participate directly in military training programs without needing to attend a separate institution.
Additionally, students at Suffolk University have access to ROTC programs based at cooperating host institutions. This arrangement allows those who wish to enroll in ROTC but prefer or need different training facilities the option to join a program affiliated with another nearby institution while still being enrolled at Suffolk University.
Suffolk University welcomes transfer students and offers multiple opportunities for them to join throughout the academic calendar, including the fall term. The institution has a moderately difficult admission process for transfer applicants, reflecting a standard level of selectivity. Prospective students should be aware that Suffolk University accepts transfer credits, which can ease the transition by recognizing prior academic work.
Additionally, the university accepts credits earned through College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests, both in general and subject-specific areas, providing further avenues for credit transfer. Recommendations are also considered as part of the application, adding an evaluative element beyond academic records.
Suffolk University offers a range of study abroad programs designed to provide students with international academic and cultural experiences. The university facilitates semester-long, summer, and short-term programs in various global locations, allowing students to fulfill degree requirements while immersing themselves in different cultures.
These programs are typically coordinated through Suffolk's Office of Global Programs, which advises students on selecting destinations and courses that align with their academic goals. Participants can study at partnered institutions abroad, ensuring transfer of credits back to Suffolk University.
Students may choose from experience-based learning opportunities, including internships and service projects integrated into the study abroad curriculum. These options aim to enhance students' professional skills alongside their academic development.
The diverse portfolio of programs covers multiple disciplines, accommodating the interests of students across Suffolk's colleges and schools. Financial aid and scholarships are often available to support participation, reflecting the university's commitment to making international education accessible.
Median composite SAT score
1180Median composite ACT score
26Percent of students submitting ACT scores
2%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
15%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
Data not availableSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
Data not availableOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
NoROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
NoEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall