Est. Earnings (1yr)
$39,141
Est. from MA median (12 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,750
Est. from MA median (10 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable liberal arts programs in Massachusetts, Suffolk's estimated first-year earnings of $39,100 align almost exactly with the state median—placing graduates right in the middle of the pack for this degree. The estimated $26,750 in debt produces a manageable 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly eight months of their first-year salary. This mirrors typical outcomes across Massachusetts programs offering this credential.

What's harder to assess is Suffolk's position within Boston's competitive higher education landscape. The estimated figures suggest performance on par with the Massachusetts average, but without program-specific data, it's unclear whether Suffolk's urban location and network provide advantages that distinguish it from state schools like Worcester State (where reported earnings are $44,000) or whether the premium tuition delivers demonstrably different outcomes. The 85% admission rate and moderate SAT scores suggest a less selective environment than some peers, though selectivity doesn't always correlate with career outcomes in liberal arts.

For a parent considering this investment, the critical question is whether Suffolk's specific strengths—its downtown Boston setting, internship connections, or particular academic focus—justify choosing it over alternatives when the earnings picture appears typical for the state. The estimation here means you're working with approximations based on peer institutions rather than hard evidence of where Suffolk graduates actually land.

Where Suffolk University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (45 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Suffolk UniversityBoston$45,380$39,141*—$26,750*—
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge$60,156$103,135*—$11,935*0.12
Bentley UniversityWaltham$58,150$72,333*$87,110$26,000*0.36
Regis CollegeWeston$47,770$52,559*—$27,000*0.51
Endicott CollegeBeverly$39,212$45,277*$44,540$15,456*0.34
Worcester State UniversityWorcester$11,286$43,996*—$23,907*0.54
National Median—$36,340*—$27,000*0.74
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities graduates

Postsecondary Teachers, All Other

All postsecondary teachers not listed separately.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Suffolk University, approximately 27% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 12 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.