[11] The school's original goal was to "serve ambitious young men who are obliged to work for a living while studying law.

"[11] By 1930, Archer developed Suffolk into one of the largest law schools in the country, and decided to create "a great evening university" that working people could afford.

[11] During the 1990s Suffolk constructed its first residence halls, began satellite programs with other colleges in Massachusetts, and opened its international campuses.

Suffolk University occasionally leases additional properties (such as the Hyatt & Holiday Inn Beacon Hill).

[15] On June 26, 2024, Suffolk University announced plans for a sixth residence hall after the purchase of a new property.

President Marisa Kelly said that 101 Tremont Street across from Granary Burial Ground will be converted to an 11-story residence hall following their pending permit and review process of the city of Boston.

[16] Suffolk employs over 900 full-time and adjunct faculty members, who instruct approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students on its Boston Campus.

The Saturday-only Executive MBA Program incorporates four off-site one-week seminars and week-long global trips to Madrid and China.

[19] The Suffolk College of Arts and Sciences has seventeen academic departments which offer more than seventy undergraduate and graduate programs.

[24] The university also has an undergraduate honors program[25] in the College of Arts & Sciences and Sawyer Business School.

[27] Suffolk University teams participate as a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division III.

Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field, golf, ice hockey, soccer and tennis; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field, ice hockey, soccer, softball, golf, tennis and volleyball.