Suffolk University was founded in 1906 by attorney Gleason Archer, Sr. A native of rural Maine, Archer received financial aid to complete his law school education and was determined to pass on that kindness—he began offering evening law classes in his living room, marking the beginning of Suffolk University. Between 1934 and 1937, the school expanded to include liberal arts and business programs and was officially renamed Suffolk University. This institution, which began as an evening school in a living room, has now grown into the third-largest university in downtown Boston.
Academic Structure: Three Pillars, Hundreds of Pathways
Suffolk University comprises three core schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the Sawyer School of Business, and the School of Law. The College of Arts and Sciences offers over 30 undergraduate majors and a comprehensive graduate program covering the humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and natural sciences. The Sawyer School of Business is renowned for its practice-oriented undergraduate and graduate programs. The Law School, along with Harvard Law School, is considered one of Boston’s two largest law schools and has produced the largest number of legal professionals for the local community. Together, these three schools offer over 100 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs.
Featured Programs: Real-World Experience from the Classroom to the Workplace
Suffolk University’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation program offers real-world opportunities—students participate in fundraising pitch competitions, consulting projects with startups and nonprofits, and design thinking challenges, among others. The university also operates the PILOT Academic Incubator, which rapidly launches interdisciplinary, market-oriented new projects; the SEED Consulting Clinic, where students provide hands-on consulting services to small businesses. 72% of undergraduates complete an internship during their time at the university.
Alumni Network: Over 80,000 Global Leaders
Suffolk’s alumni network exceeds 80,000 members worldwide, serving as innovators and leaders across a wide range of industries. Notable alumni include Boston’s 49th mayor, John Haynes (Class of 1924); Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Joan Vennochi; World Poker Champion Dan Harrington; and dozens of U.S. federal and state judges and members of Congress. The Solution for Students Who Have Not Received the Suffolk University Diploma
Campus Life: Over 100 Student Clubs and Fraternities/Sororities
Suffolk boasts over 100 student-run clubs and organizations, including multicultural groups such as the African Student Association, the AI Club, and the Arab League. In terms of Greek life, the university supports two sororities—Theta Phi Alpha and Alpha Sigma Alpha—and one fraternity—Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Students serve the Boston community through charitable activities while developing leadership skills.
Internships and Employment: 93% of Undergraduate Graduates Secure Employment or Continue Their Education
Thanks to its prime location in downtown Boston, Suffolk students have easy access to internships in finance, healthcare, biotechnology, and startups. Partner companies include Meta, General Electric, the Boston Red Sox, Honeywell, Reebok, Biogen, and SiriusXM. 93% of the Class of 2024 undergraduates and 96% of graduate students secured employment or continued their education within one year of graduation. Top employers include the Massachusetts State Government, Massachusetts General Hospital, Fidelity Investments, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Ernst & Young, among others.
