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Suffolk University

Boston, MA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Honestas et Diligentia(Honesty and Diligence)

Private university
Type
6,403
Total Students
4,319
Undergrad
2,078
Graduate
$261M
Endowment
(2025)
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Classification
President: Marisa Kelly

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Suffolk University

Suffolk University: Boston's urban hub for professions-focused education, rooted in law.

Suffolk University stands as a dynamic, professions-focused institution nestled in the vibrant heart of downtown Boston, Massachusetts, at the historic edge of Beacon Hill. As the tenth-largest university in metropolitan Boston with over 6,400 students, Suffolk is renowned for its urban environment and a commitment to practical, career-oriented education. It proudly hosts the influential Suffolk University Political Research Center, a go-to source for public opinion polls, reflecting the university's engagement with real-world issues.

The university's rich history dates back to 1906 when attorney Gleason Archer Sr. founded "Archer's Evening Law School." His vision was to provide ambitious young men, who worked during the day, with an accessible pathway to a law degree. This foundational commitment to serving working professionals evolved, and by the 1930s, Archer had expanded his vision into a comprehensive "great evening university" for individuals seeking quality education while managing their careers.

Today, Suffolk University is structured into three key academic units: the Suffolk College of Arts and Sciences, the esteemed Sawyer Business School, and the foundational Suffolk University Law School. Embodying its motto, "Honestas et Diligentia" (Honesty and Diligence), Suffolk cultivates a student experience that balances rigorous academics with a lively campus life. Its athletic teams, the Suffolk Rams, compete fiercely in 19 varsity sports as part of NCAA Division III, further enriching the student journey in this bustling urban setting.

Key Highlights

  • Located in the vibrant heart of downtown Boston, on the edge of the historic Beacon Hill neighborhood.
  • A "Professions-focused" private university with 6,403 students, making it the tenth-largest in metropolitan Boston.
  • Founded in 1906 as a law school, it boasts a century-long legacy of providing accessible education for ambitious, working students.
  • Home to the influential Suffolk University Political Research Center, a recognized leader in public opinion polling.
  • Comprises three core academic units: the Suffolk College of Arts and Sciences, the Sawyer Business School, and the Suffolk University Law School.
  • Operates under the inspiring motto, "Honestas et Diligentia" (Honesty and Diligence).

Timeline

1906
Founded as Archer's Evening Law School by Gleason Archer Sr.
1907
Renamed Suffolk School of Law.
1934
Suffolk College of Arts and Sciences founded.
1937
College of Business Administration (later Sawyer Business School) founded; all three academic units incorporated as Suffolk University.
1990s
Constructed first residence halls, launched satellite programs, and opened international campuses.

Schools & Colleges

3 notable schools within Suffolk University

🎭

Suffolk College of Arts and Sciences

Established in 1934, contributing to the university's expansion beyond law.

💼

Sawyer Business School

Founded in 1937 as the College of Business Administration, integral to the university's business education.

⚖️

Suffolk University Law School

The original foundation of the university, established in 1906, initially serving working professionals.

Leadership

President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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