Tufts University
About Tufts University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Tufts University is a private research university in Medford, Massachusetts, near Boston. It is known for its strong programs in international relations, biomedical engineering, veterinary medicine, and the liberal arts. Tufts' Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy is one of the oldest graduate schools of international affairs.
Founded
1852
Location
Medford, Massachusetts
Students
13,534
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
11.5%
Highly selective
Graduation Rate
93.5%
Above national average
Tuition
$70,704
Per year
Avg Net Price
$39,998
After financial aid
SAT Average
1513
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$83,214
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Highly Selective
About 9 students apply for every seat
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$75
Early
Nov 3
Regular
Jan 5
Tufts University admits about 11.5% of applicants, with an average SAT around 1513. Strong academics are a must, and your essays and activities will make the difference.
SAT Scores
1513/ 1600
ACT Scores
34/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Excellent
93.5% complete their degree within six years
Retention
95.5%
4-Year Grad
89%
6-Year Grad
94%
Teaching Quality
10:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
64.2%
$/Student
$28.0K
Class Size
Small
89% of students graduate on time, and with a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, it's clear students get the personal attention they need to succeed.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$70,704
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$18,588
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$88,300
After Financial Aid
$39,998
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$11,284
Receive Grants
12%
Take Loans
18.9%
The total cost of attendance runs about $88,300/yr, including $18,588 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $39,998.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Tufts University fund their education.
While in School
12%
Get Grants
Free money
18.9%
Take Loans
Must repay
$85,929
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$16,250
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$172/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 18.9% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $16,250. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Tufts University.
Gender
56.5%
Female
44%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
7,061
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
6,473
Graduates
15.3%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
1.2%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 57% of the student body. 15.3% are first-generation college students. 12.6% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
7,061
Students
private
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Close to Boston with easy T access
- +Medford/Somerville is a great neighborhood
- +Strong international relations and civic engagement focus
- +Collaborative, non-cutthroat academic culture
Cons
- -Hilly campus can be tiring to navigate
- -Small size limits course offerings in niche areas
- -Medford is quieter than being in Boston proper
- -Financial aid not as generous as wealthier peers
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Tufts University fields 17 varsity teams with 1,020 student athletes, about 14% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
NESCAC
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
17
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
1,020
14% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
55% / 45%
565
Men
455
Women
12
Men's Teams
13
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Tufts Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$83,214
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Economics
$75K
217 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Science
$106K
211 grads
1yr Earnings
International Relations and National Security Studies
$54K
153 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$39K
147 grads
1yr Earnings
Research and Experimental Psychology
$57K
97 grads
1yr Earnings
Fine and Studio Arts
$17K
88 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $68K six years out, climb to $85K by year eight, and reach $83K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Tufts University
What is the acceptance rate at Tufts University?▾
How much does Tufts University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Tufts University?▾
How much do Tufts University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.