Academic Comparison between Salem State and Suffolk

Salem State University and Suffolk University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Salem State is a four-year, public school located in Salem, MA and Suffolk is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Boston, MA.

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Salem State Universityvs.Suffolk University
Salem, MassachusettsLocationBoston, Massachusetts
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
In-State$12,338
Out-Of-State$19,531
2025 Tuition & Fees$47,550
72%% Receiving Financial Aid94%
$10,493Average Amount of Financial Aid$28,742
95.88 %Acceptance Rates82.33 %
11.25 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)10.88 %
-SAT Score1,210
-ACT Score26
50 %Graduation Rate61 %
-Transfer-out Rate25 %
75 %Retention Rate75 %
6,230Student Population6,356
296Number of Faculties317
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio15 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services