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Suffolk University vs Emmanuel College: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Boston MA · vs · Private nonprofit, Boston MA

The verdict

Emmanuel College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $106,824 in 5.4 years versus 6.2 years at Suffolk University, on median earnings of $68,245 vs $67,506 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSuffolk UniversityEmmanuel College
Net price / yr$29,618$26,706
Total net cost$118,472$106,824
Median earnings, 10 yrs$67,506$68,245
Median debt$26,889$27,000
Payback6.2 yrs5.4 yrs
20-year net return$264,448$290,876

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Suffolk University or Emmanuel College?

Emmanuel College, at $26,706 a year after aid versus $29,618 — a gap of $2,912 a year, or $11,648 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Suffolk University or Emmanuel College graduates earn more?

Emmanuel College graduates report a median $68,245 ten years after entry, $739 more than the $67,506 at Suffolk University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Suffolk University or Emmanuel College?

Suffolk University: its completers carry a median $26,889 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Emmanuel College, a difference of $111. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

68% of students finish at Emmanuel College, against 61% at Suffolk University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Suffolk University vs Emmanuel College: frequently asked questions

Is Suffolk University or Emmanuel College a better value?
Emmanuel College. It clears its $106,824 net cost in about 5.4 years versus 6.2 years at Suffolk University, on median earnings of $68,245 vs $67,506 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Suffolk University or Emmanuel College?
Emmanuel College: $26,706/yr net price after aid versus $29,618/yr at Suffolk University — a difference of $2,912 a year, or about $11,648 over four years.
Do Suffolk University or Emmanuel College graduates earn more?
Emmanuel College graduates earn a median $68,245 ten years after entry, versus $67,506 at Suffolk University — a $739 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.