Suffolk University : Admissions, Programs & Rankings
Table of Content
The tenth-largest university in Metropolitan Boston, Suffolk University is a center of student-focused excellence. With its industry-linked campus and multicultural global community, it is perfect for students who want to pursue promising careers in law, accounting, and the arts. Suffolk University is often listed among the best universities in Boston for its great location and programs.
Suffolk University is where ambitious students seek a fresh, experience-based education in the midst of one of America's most vibrant cities. It blends scholarship with real-world opportunity, preparing students to start meaningful careers from day one.
Are you ready to begin your path? Here's all you need to know to secure your future at Suffolk, where innovation and academics come together.
About Suffolk University
Suffolk University Boston Campus in Massachusetts is a private, urban university founded in 1906 as Archer’s Evening Law School by Gleason L. Archer Sr. It has since evolved into a well-rounded university located in the heart of downtown Boston, one of the oldest cities in the United States. Over the decades, Suffolk has expanded to include the College of Arts & Sciences (est. 1934), the Sawyer Business School (est. 1937), and the School of Law.
Today, Suffolk is home to more than 6,473 students, including approximately 4,414 undergraduates and 821 graduate students. On-campus housing ranges from traditional dormitories to apartment-style living integrated into the city. The campus offers a dynamic urban setting that promotes holistic learning in the liberal arts, business, and law.
Suffolk University's mission, reflected in its Latin motto, "Honestas et Diligentia" (“Honesty and Diligence”), emphasizes civic engagement, career preparedness, and experiential learning. Graduates are equipped not only academically but also with practical experience in Boston’s thriving industries.
Courses Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
Suffolk University offers a wide array of programs spanning law, business, arts, sciences, and public service, designed to meet the demands of today’s dynamic global workforce. Whether you're pursuing a JD, MBA, or a creative arts degree, Suffolk blends academic excellence with real-world experience right in the heart of downtown Boston.
Suffolk University Undergraduate Programs
Suffolk offers more than 100 undergraduate programs leading to B.A., B.S., and B.F.A. degrees in fields such as psychology, biology, political science, theater, fine arts, communications, and business.
The Sawyer Business School offers majors in accounting, finance, marketing, and management.
Suffolk University Law School offers a combined bachelor’s/J.D. Pathways, along with nationally recognized programs in legal writing and trial advocacy.
The College of Arts & Sciences at Suffolk University fosters interdisciplinary learning, offering robust majors and minors from humanities and natural sciences to social sciences, designed to cultivate critical thinking and creative problem-solving in Boston’s vibrant urban setting.
Suffolk University Graduate Programs
Suffolk offers a range of master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs:
Master’s degrees include the MBA, M.S. in Public Administration, Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, Business Analytics, and Legal Studies, among others.
Doctoral (Ph.D.) offerings are available in select fields.
Graduate certificates include areas such as Radiation Therapy and Paralegal Studies.
Suffolk Law offers J.D., LL.M., and S.J.D. degrees, as well as dual-degree options such as JD/MBA.
Suffolk Law's programs have earned national recognition in the U.S. News & World Report 2024 rankings:
Legal Writing – #3 nationally
Clinical Law – #8
Trial Advocacy – #29
Dispute Resolution – #18
Suffolk University Admissions
Suffolk University offers rolling admissions for both undergraduate and graduate programs, with priority deadlines for scholarships and financial aid. Applicants must submit academic transcripts, optional test scores, and personal documents, with international students needing to demonstrate English proficiency.
Most applicants, whether applying for undergraduate or graduate study, will need to provide:
Academic transcripts
Undergraduate applicants: High school transcripts showing completion of college-preparatory coursework (English, math, science, and a foreign language).Graduate applicants: Unofficial transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended.Standardized test scores:
Undergraduate: SAT/ACT scores are optional but may strengthen your application or support scholarship consideration.Graduate: GMAT/GRE scores may be required, depending on the program.Personal statement or statement of purpose
Letters of recommendation (typically 1–3; some programs may request more or fewer)
Resume or CV (especially for graduate programs; some may also require writing samples or interviews)
Portfolio (for applicants to arts-related undergraduate majors)
International Applicants
International students applying to any level must demonstrate English Language Proficiency scores are as follows:
Suffolk University Application Deadlines
Suffolk University uses rolling applications throughout the year for undergraduate and graduate programs. Here are the timelines:
Undergraduate Deadlines
Suffolk University has a diverse line of undergraduate programs with an open, rolling admission policy. Foreign students should apply early to secure their highest eligibility for merit awards and process visas in a timely manner.
| Admission Type | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Spring Admission | December 1 |
| Early Action (Fall) | November 15 |
| Fall Priority | February 15 |
Graduate Deadlines
Suffolk's graduate programs are focused on practical, career-relevant learning in areas such as business, law, and public policy. Rolling admissions and priority deadlines for fellowship consideration, as well as course availability, are offered to international applicants.
| Admission Type / Program | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall Admission | June 15 |
| Spring Admission | December 1 |
Applying to Suffolk University
Suffolk University welcomes applications across a variety of programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and law degrees. Whether you're a first-time applicant or pursuing advanced studies, the steps below will guide you through the application process smoothly:
Choose Your Application Platform
Start your application using either the Common Application, Suffolk’s online application portal (for undergraduate and graduate programs), or the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (for law school applicants).
Activate Your Profile
Fill out your basic details, academic history, and extracurricular activities. This is the foundation of your application.
Prepare and Upload Required Documents
Submit all necessary materials, including your essays or personal statement, official or unofficial transcripts, resume/CV, test scores (if applicable), and letters of recommendation. Be sure also to pay the application fee or request a waiver.
Participate in Admissions Events (Optional)
Take advantage of available webinars and online info sessions, such as “Grad School 101” or walk-in counseling, to strengthen your understanding of the programs and process.
Submit Early
Apply well ahead of deadlines to allow time for processing and feedback. Law school applicants should note that rolling admissions begin in October, and Early Decision candidates are eligible for full-tuition scholarships.
Track Your Application Status
Monitor your application progress through the respective portals. Be sure to follow up on any missing documents or updates.
Confirm Your Admission
Once accepted, confirm your seat by submitting the enrollment deposit. If needed, apply for on-campus housing at this stage.
Suffolk University Tuition Fees
The tables below provide a summary of the undergraduate and graduate tuition & cost of attendance (2025–26) estimates at Suffolk University.
Undergraduate Tuition
| Particulars | Cost (USD)/Annum |
|---|---|
| Tuition (12–17 credits/semester) | $48,926 |
Graduate Tuition
| Particulars | Cost (USD)/Annum |
|---|---|
| Law - Day (Full-time: 10-15 credits/semester | $62,610 |
| Law - Evening (Full-time: 7-12 credits/semester) | $46,958 |
| Executive MBA (Full-time: 12-15 credits/semester) | $2,234 (Per credit rate) |
| MBA/MS in Accounting (Full-time: 12-15 credits/semester) | $1,874 (Per credit rate) |
| MS in Crime and Justice Studies (Full-time: 12 credits/semester) | $1,560 (Per credit rate) |
Opportunities for Suffolk University Scholarships
Suffolk University offers students need-based and merit-based scholarships, fellowships, and work-study programs. Undergraduate Scholarships include Merit Scholarship, where no additional application is required; eligible students are considered based on GPA, test scores, and essays. There is a Merit Scholarship Estimator tool. Applying early will get you a better chance at scoring larger scholarship offers. Find out more at.
The table below gives a glimpse of all the scholarships offered:
| Grant Name | Amount | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Pell Grant | Up to $6,895 (2022–23) Up to $7,395 (2023–24) | Undergraduate students with high financial need must not have a bachelor’s or professional degree. Part-time and summer students may also qualify. |
| FSEOG (Federal SEOG) | Up to $4,000 per year | Undergraduate students with high financial need; priority given to Pell Grant recipients. |
| Mass Grant | Up to $2,800 per year | Full-time undergraduates who have lived in Massachusetts for at least 1 year, based on financial need. |
| Gilbert Matching Grant | $200 to $2,500 per year | Full-time undergraduates who are Massachusetts residents, based on financial need; priority to Mass Grant students. |
| Foster Child Grant | Up to $6,000 per year | Foster children with an agreement for services beyond age 18; must be a Massachusetts resident for at least 1 year. |
Suffolk University Housing
Suffolk University's Boston campus provides on-campus residence halls to students, all of which are situated favourably within walking distance to the classrooms and downtown amenities. These accommodations offer amenities like city views, MBTA access, and proximity to food and internship locations. When choosing off-campus housing, it's helpful to look at the safest Boston neighborhoods for peace of mind and comfort.
It is important to choose the right off-campus accommodation plans to get the most out of your academic journey in downtown Boston. We at amber are here to do just that: make sure you have easy access to campus, local eateries, and transportation. We have you covered, so you can have the best time at Suffolk.
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Lightview, Boston: Starting at $1879, just 2.1 miles away from the university
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Bower, Boston: Pet-friendly, starting at $3,893 per month, just 2.2 miles from campus
Frequently Asked Questions
What GPA/test scores do I need for Suffolk University admissions?
Suffolk uses a holistic admissions process, considering more than just grades. Transcripts, course rigor, personal essays, and optional SAT/ACT scores are all reviewed. Competitive undergraduate applicants typically have a minimum GPA of around 3.0, though specific programs may have higher requirements.
Are Suffolk University's tuition costs per credit?
No. Undergraduate students who enroll in 12–17 credits/term are billed a flat rate (~$48,926/year). Credits above 17 or below 12 are billed per credit. Graduate and professional schools use per-credit billing.
What are the housing options on the Suffolk University campus?
Suffolk offers a variety of on-campus housing, including traditional dormitories (singles, doubles, and quads) and apartment-style residences such as 10 West Street and Modern Theatre Residence Hall. All housing is located in central downtown Boston, within walking distance of academic buildings and city attractions.
How do I apply for Suffolk University undergraduate programs?
No special scholarship form is required for undergrads—just apply by priority deadlines; Suffolk auto-evaluates your merit. Separate criteria and deadlines apply for graduate fellowships and law scholarships.
Can international students live on-campus and be eligible for aid?
Yes. Suffolk welcomes international students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. On-campus housing is available, and international students are eligible for merit-based scholarships, assistantships, and internship opportunities. Graduate applicants should submit applications by the deadline for fall admission to be considered for awards.