Suffolk University
86% goes to programs $27 to raise $100 Strong reserves
Suffolk University is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Boston, Massachusetts, registered in 1937, with $352,261,784 in FY2023 revenue. CharityIndex grades it B+, and it directs about 86% of spending to programs.
8 Ashburton Pl, Boston, MA, 02108 EIN 04-2133255 Since 1937
Revenue (FY2023)
$352.3M
▲ 3.9% vs prior year
Education median: $200K
Expenses (FY2023)
$388.4M
Net assets
$295.6M
Employees
3,342
CharityIndex rating
One independent A+ to F grade from four published criteria, each scored separately from IRS filings and combined by weight.
B+
★★★★
Rated on 4 of 4 criteria.
Held down by its weakest criterion — a strong score on one criterion can't hide a weak one.
How the rating works →AProgram efficiency40% of the rating86% to programs · $27 to raise $100
Measures how much of every dollar spent actually reaches programs, plus what it costs to raise $100 of donations. The worse of the two measures sets the letter (85%+ to programs is an A; under $15 to raise $100 is an A), averaged over the three most recent filings. For Suffolk University: 86% to programs · $27 to raise $100 earns a A on this criterion. See the exact thresholds →
C+Financial health25% of the rating9 mo reserves · -10% margin
Measures whether the organization is built to last: how many months its reserves would cover expenses (3+ months earns an A-range score, but hoarding 5+ years of budget is capped) and whether it runs a surplus or a deficit. For Suffolk University: 9 mo reserves · -10% margin earns a C+ on this criterion. See the exact thresholds →
A+Governance25% of the rating6 of 6 checks met
Checks how the organization is run, from its own Form 990: an independent board majority, a board of five or more, conflict-of-interest, whistleblower and document-retention policies, and independently audited financials. The share of disclosed checks that pass sets the letter. For Suffolk University: 6 of 6 checks met earns a A+ on this criterion. See the exact thresholds →
A+Transparency10% of the rating5 of 5 disclosure signals
Counts five disclosure signals: a recent filing, a mission statement, program descriptions, a listed website, and the full expense breakdown. More disclosure, better letter. For Suffolk University: 5 of 5 disclosure signals earns a A+ on this criterion. See the exact thresholds →
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Mission
See schedule o.
What they do
The sawyer business school (sbs) creates a learning environment that enables students to emerge as successful leaders in the practice of global business and public services. the sbs values excellence in education and research, and works with its students, alumni, and business partners to achieve their goals. the programs are built on the core values of promoting opportunity, excellence, quality teaching, inclusion and collaboration, and exceptional service. see schedule o for additional information.
The law school is dedicated to welcoming students from all backgrounds and circumstances and educating them to become highly skilled and ethical lawyers who are well-prepared to serve in their local communities, across the nation, and around the world. the law school seeks to develop in its students the skills necessary to serve the profession's changing needs in an increasingly diverse, global, and technologically-dependent society. the law school's goal is to provide its students with access to an excellent legal education, inspire a commitment to justice, and provide its graduates the opportunity to achieve their career aspirations.
Contact & location
- Address
- 8 Ashburton Pl, Boston, MA, 02108
- City
- Boston
- State
- Massachusetts
- Category
- Education
- Subcategory
- Colleges & Universities
- Phone
- …
- Website
- …
Financial trends
Revenue grew from $322.3M (FY2013) to $352.3M (FY2023) across 11 reported years.
Financial snapshot
Financial health & position (FY2023)
Liabilities $537.8MNet assets $295.6M
Operating margin
-10.3%
Spent more than it raised in the latest fiscal year.
Total assets
$833.4M
Total liabilities
$537.8M
Net assets
$295.6M
Salaries & benefits
$142.8M
37% of expenses
Board members
27
26 independent
Financials by year
| Fiscal year | Revenue | Expenses | Net assets | Total assets | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $352,261,784▲3.9% | $388,413,222▲4.8% | $295,602,261▼5.2% | $833,435,577▲5.5% | 990 |
| 2022 | $338,957,398▼11.2% | $370,498,553▲9.0% | $311,700,986▼2.9% | $789,643,941▼1.0% | 990 |
| 2021 | $381,571,833▲16.2% | $340,041,813▲1.5% | $321,103,051▼13.9% | $797,236,174▼8.9% | 990 |
| 2020 | $328,281,555▼0.7% | $335,040,526▼1.2% | $372,908,012▲18.4% | $875,177,190▲14.9% | 990 |
| 2019 | $330,486,660▲0.1% | $339,198,652▲2.9% | $315,009,988▼5.9% | $761,945,804▲7.3% | 990 |
| 2018 | $330,144,580▲4.4% | $329,680,423▲9.3% | $334,862,960▼0.8% | $710,224,267▼1.3% | 990 |
| 2017 | $316,114,604▲5.9% | $301,497,986▲2.2% | $337,443,106▲6.4% | $719,297,237▲2.3% | 990 |
| 2016 | $298,564,878▼4.9% | $294,949,186▲0.4% | $317,216,669 | $703,062,164▲0.3% | 990 |
| 2015 | $314,034,200▼0.5% | $293,799,199▲0.7% | $317,305,435▲4.9% | $701,266,547▲0.1% | 990 |
| 2014 | $315,643,732▼2.1% | $291,686,719▼1.5% | $302,344,003▲3.4% | $700,363,978▲1.5% | 990 |
| 2013 | $322,344,691 | $296,260,836▼1.2% | $292,348,702▲13.8% | $689,843,308▲5.6% | 990 |
| 2012 | — | $299,873,130▼0.2% | $256,985,422▲12.5% | $653,032,294▲4.6% | 990 |
| 2011 | — | $300,352,749▲2.6% | $228,345,953▲5.3% | $624,270,970▲1.4% | 990 |
| 2010 | — | $292,880,969▲5.4% | $216,784,985▲18.5% | $615,932,121▲18.4% | 990 |
| 2009 | — | $277,986,559 | $182,959,095 | $520,196,691 | 990 |
Original Form 990 PDFs (the Form column) are served by ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, as filed with the IRS. Create a free account to download the CSV report.
Leadership & compensation (FY2023)
Highest-paid: Marisa Kelly — $915,374 (0.24% of total expenses)
| Name | Title | Hours/week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marisa Kelly | President, Ex-officio Trustee | 50 | $915,374 |
| Julie Sandell | Provost (until 6/30/2024) | 50 | $489,123 |
| Andrew Perlman | Dean, Law School | 50 | $416,123 |
| Amy Zeng | Dean, Sawyer Business School | 50 | $383,216 |
| Edie Sparks | Dean, College Arts and Sciences | 50 | $320,745 |
| Thomas Dorer | General Counsel | 50 | $311,984 |
| Boris Lazic | Vp of Administration | 50 | $295,290 |
| Michelle Quinlan | Cfo/treasurer | 50 | $273,438 |
| Donna Grand Pre | Svp/enrollment | 50 | $272,631 |
| John Nucci | Svp/gov't & Community Affairs | 50 | $268,348 |
| Gregor Gatlin | Vp/marketing & Communication | 50 | $260,242 |
| Christopher Gibson | Professor | 50 | $255,340 |
| Laura Ferrari | Vp of Student Affairs | 50 | $253,852 |
| Patrick Shin | Vice Dean, Law School | 50 | $233,183 |
| Janice Griffith | Professor | 50 | $230,615 |
| Michael Rustad | Professor | 50 | $218,251 |
| Abu Jalal | Professor | 50 | $213,195 |
| Laura Sander | Former Senior Vp/treasurer | 50 | $206,763 |
| Bevilton Morris | Trustee (until 4/8/24) | 1 | — |
| Carol Sawyer Parks | Life Trustee | 1 | — |
Top vendors & contractors (FY2023)
| Contractor | Services | Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Abm Industry Groups LLC | Facilities Maintenance & Cleaning | $11,203,740 |
| Omnia Global Partners | Erp System Implementation | $1,637,395 |
| Collaborative Solutions LLC | Implementation Consulting | $1,499,239 |
| One Sixty Over Ninety LLC | Marketing Campaign Development | $1,418,087 |
| Keypath Education LLC | On-line Education | $1,042,000 |
Grants received · $6.9M total
120 grants to Suffolk University totaling $6.9M, reported by foundations on their Schedule I filings — showing the 15 most recent.
| Grantmaker | Purpose | Year | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greater Horizons | Education | 2024 | $250,000 |
| New Hampshire Charitable Foundation | For the president's discretionary fund, general support | 2024 | $70,000 |
| Hispanic Scholarship Fund | To provide scholarships for students | 2024 | $69,661 |
| American Online Giving Foundation Inc | General support | 2024 | $46,653 |
| The Blackbaud Giving Fund | General support | 2024 | $40,000 |
| Ayco Charitable Foundation | Education | 2024 | $15,000 |
| Bny Mellon Charitable Gift Fund | To further the organization's exempt purpose | 2024 | $10,000 |
| Community Foundation of New Jersey | Universities, graduate schools or law schools | 2024 | $10,000 |
| Network For Good Inc | Unrestricted | 2024 | $6,000 |
| Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust Inc | Unrestricted general support | 2024 | $5,000 |
| Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund | For grant recipient's exempt purposes | 2023 | $376,318 |
| Hispanic Scholarship Fund | To provide scholarships for students | 2023 | $63,672 |
| American Online Giving Foundation Inc | General support | 2023 | $63,327 |
| New Hampshire Charitable Foundation | For the president's discretionary fund | 2023 | $50,000 |
| National Collegiate Athletic Association | Grants | 2023 | $38,167 |
Grants made · $145K in FY2023
3 grants totaling $145K in FY2023. All grants made by Suffolk University →
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Boston Parks & Recreation Department | General support | $100,000 |
| Boston Planning and Development Agency | General support | $30,000 |
| East Boston High School | General support | $15,000 |
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Frequently asked questions
- Is Suffolk University a legitimate nonprofit?
- Yes. Suffolk University is a 501(c)(3) organization registered with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service under EIN 04-2133255, based in Boston, Massachusetts. Donations are tax-deductible.
- What is Suffolk University's EIN?
- Suffolk University's Employer Identification Number (EIN) is 04-2133255.
- How much revenue does Suffolk University report?
- Suffolk University reported $352,261,784 in total revenue on its fiscal year 2023 IRS Form 990 filing.
- How much of Suffolk University's spending goes to programs?
- Suffolk University spends about 86% of its total expenses on programs, based on its latest IRS Form 990.
- What financial grade does Suffolk University have?
- CharityIndex grades Suffolk University B+, based on program efficiency and fundraising cost.
- How much does Suffolk University's highest-paid employee make?
- The highest reported compensation on Suffolk University's latest Form 990 is $915,374, paid to Marisa Kelly (President, Ex-officio Trustee).
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Data for Suffolk University (EIN 04-2133255) comes from the IRS Business Master File and e-filed Form 990 returns, via CharityIndex. Figures reflect what the organization reported to the IRS for each fiscal year.