Bryant University vs Suffolk

Bryant University and Suffolk University, both located in bustling metropolitan areas, offer distinct educational experiences. Bryant, situated in Smithfield, Rhode Island, boasts a higher acceptance rate (73%) compared to Suffolk's 68% in Boston, Massachusetts. While Bryant's student body is predominantly undergraduate (88%), Suffolk caters to a more balanced mix of undergraduate and graduate students. In terms of popular majors, Bryant emphasizes business, accounting, and finance, while Suffolk offers a wider range of programs including psychology, criminal justice, and communications. With a slightly higher graduation rate (78% vs. 75%), Bryant may hold an edge in ensuring students successfully complete their degrees. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more distinctions between these two institutions and make an informed decision about which university aligns best with your academic aspirations.
Bryant University logo

Bryant University

Suffolk University logo

Suffolk University

Overview

Location Smithfield, Rhode Island Boston, Massachusetts
Campus setting Suburb: Large City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 90.0% 78.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 73.6% 88.0%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $80
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $50
SAT range 1120 - 1300 1080 - 1280
ACT range 26 - 30 23 - 29
Students submitting SAT score 30.0% 19.0%
Students submitting ACT score 4.0% 3.0%
Total number of applicants 6,985 7,501
Total number of admissions given out 5,142 6,603
Admitted students who chose to enroll 671 982
Yield rate 13.0% 14.9%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Not required
Recommendation letters Required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Not required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $62,682 $66,127
Average net price $40,310 $32,393
Tuition $46,885 $41,242
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $9,781

Meal plan: $6,747
Room/dormitory: $14,850

Meal plan: $3,646
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

97.0%
Average amount $24,147
97.0%
Average amount $25,670
Students receiving federal student loan 55.0%
Average amount $5,328
62.0%
Average amount $5,337
Students taking out private loans 22.0%
Average amount $24,608
18.0%
Average amount $16,757

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 3,063
Men 63.1% Women 36.9%
4,227
Men 41.0% Women 59.0%
Graduate students 378
Men 51.3% Women 48.7%
2,420
Men 37.1% Women 62.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Very Low
Low
Out-of-state students N/A N/A
International students 4.5% 13.5%
Campus local/setting Suburb: Large City: Large
Dormitory capacity 2,974 1,570
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A New Hampshire Connecticut Rhode Island New York California

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Social Sciences
  • Business
  • Legal Profession
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio 13:1 13:1
Institutional accreditation New England Commission on Higher Education New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome

Graduation rate 83.6% 60.3%
Dropout rate 4.0% 11.5%
Transferred out 12.4% 27.7%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $68,751
  • Year 2: $66,287
  • Year 3: $75,520
Applied Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $57,692
  • Year 2: $63,005
  • Year 3: $73,361
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $53,930
  • Year 2: $60,821
  • Year 3: $71,096
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $53,136
  • Year 2: $57,995
  • Year 3: $69,756
International Business (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,854
  • Year 2: $57,995
  • Year 3: $69,753
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,076
  • Year 2: $61,516
  • Year 3: $67,276
Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $49,963
  • Year 2: $53,358
  • Year 3: $63,032
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $54,004
  • Year 2: $54,470
  • Year 3: $61,154
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $44,312
  • Year 2: $49,019
  • Year 3: $55,488
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $39,369
  • Year 3: $47,471
Business/Managerial Economics (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $116,870
  • Year 2: $97,071
  • Year 3: $98,105
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $77,557
  • Year 2: $83,388
  • Year 3: $91,689
Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $90,460
  • Year 2: $87,973
  • Year 3: $90,316
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,669
  • Year 2: $69,338
  • Year 3: $85,861
Taxation (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,980
  • Year 2: $74,576
  • Year 3: $82,759
Marketing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,895
  • Year 2: $76,460
  • Year 3: $81,268
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,555
  • Year 2: $67,273
  • Year 3: $77,798
Law (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,355
  • Year 2: $59,253
  • Year 3: $72,153
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $49,040
  • Year 2: $52,941
  • Year 3: $67,609
Public Administration (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,995
  • Year 2: $62,260
  • Year 3: $65,266

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary academic differences between Bryant University and Suffolk University?

    Bryant University is known for its strong focus on business, finance, and related fields, offering a curriculum that emphasizes practical application and career preparation. Suffolk University, while also offering business programs, has a broader range of academic offerings, including a well-regarded College of Arts & Sciences and a law school. Suffolk provides more flexibility in terms of academic exploration, while Bryant tends to be more specialized.

  • How does the campus environment differ between Bryant and Suffolk?

    Bryant University boasts a traditional suburban campus in Smithfield, Rhode Island, providing a more contained and residential college experience. Suffolk University is located in the heart of downtown Boston, offering an urban campus environment with easy access to internships, cultural events, and a vibrant city life. The choice depends on your preferred lifestyle and campus setting.

  • Which university is better for business programs?

    Both universities have strong business programs. Bryant University is often considered a top choice for business, particularly in finance and accounting, due to its specialized focus and strong industry connections. Suffolk University's Sawyer Business School is also well-regarded, especially for its location in Boston, which provides excellent networking opportunities. The 'better' choice depends on your specific interests and career goals.

  • What are the typical class sizes at Bryant and Suffolk?

    Bryant University generally has smaller class sizes, fostering a more personalized learning environment and closer interaction with professors. Suffolk University's class sizes can vary depending on the department and course level, but they tend to be larger than Bryant's, especially in introductory courses. However, Suffolk still offers opportunities for smaller, more intimate classes.

  • How do the career services compare at Bryant and Suffolk?

    Both universities offer robust career services. Bryant University is known for its exceptional career services, with a strong emphasis on internships, career counseling, and job placement, particularly in business-related fields. Suffolk University also provides comprehensive career services, leveraging its location in Boston to connect students with internships and job opportunities. The specific strengths of each service may vary, so it's wise to explore their websites for details.

  • What is the cost of attendance at Bryant and Suffolk?

    The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, varies between the two universities. Generally, both are considered private institutions, and the costs are comparable. However, it's essential to check the most up-to-date tuition and fee information on each university's website, as costs can change annually. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available at both institutions to help offset the costs.

  • How does the student life and extracurricular activities differ?

    Bryant University offers a more traditional campus life with a strong emphasis on residential life, Greek life, and a wide range of clubs and organizations. Suffolk University, due to its urban location, has a different student life experience, with students often taking advantage of the city's cultural attractions, internships, and social opportunities. Both universities offer a variety of extracurricular activities, but the focus and style differ based on the campus environment.

  • Which university is better for students interested in law?

    Suffolk University is the clear choice for students interested in law. Suffolk University has a highly-regarded law school, providing excellent opportunities for aspiring lawyers. While Bryant University does not have a law school, it offers pre-law advising and related programs to prepare students for law school applications.

  • What are the admission requirements for Bryant and Suffolk?

    Admission requirements for both universities typically include a high school transcript, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT - though test-optional policies may be in place, so check the latest requirements), letters of recommendation, and an application essay. The specific requirements and the competitiveness of admission can vary, so it's crucial to review the most current information on each university's admissions website.

  • How do the alumni networks compare?

    Both Bryant and Suffolk have active alumni networks. Bryant's alumni network is particularly strong in the business and finance sectors, providing valuable connections for career advancement. Suffolk's alumni network is also robust, especially in the Boston area and in fields related to its academic strengths, such as law and the arts. The strength of the network can depend on your specific field of study and career goals.

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