About Tufts University
Tufts has earned its reputation as a powerhouse in international relations and pre-med preparation, attracting 6,804 students to its suburban campus outside Boston. The university's research focus spans multiple disciplines, producing graduates like JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon and eBay founder Pierre Omidyar. Only 9.69% of applicants gain admission, with successful students typically scoring around 1500 on the SAT. The school's global perspective and rigorous academics create an intellectually intense environment.
The sticker price of $86,504 looks steep, but financial aid brings the average net cost down to $35,435. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,526 after aid. Graduates typically earn $83,214 ten years after graduation, making the median debt load of $16,250 quite manageable. The 91.37% loan repayment rate suggests most alumni handle their obligations successfully.
With 93.3% of students graduating within six years and a 95.92% retention rate, Tufts keeps students engaged and on track. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio enables close mentoring relationships crucial for competitive fields like medicine and diplomacy. As Division III Jumbos, students balance academics with 26 varsity sports, though athletic scholarships aren't available.
The sticker price of $86,504 looks steep, but financial aid brings the average net cost down to $35,435. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,526 after aid. Graduates typically earn $83,214 ten years after graduation, making the median debt load of $16,250 quite manageable. The 91.37% loan repayment rate suggests most alumni handle their obligations successfully.
With 93.3% of students graduating within six years and a 95.92% retention rate, Tufts keeps students engaged and on track. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio enables close mentoring relationships crucial for competitive fields like medicine and diplomacy. As Division III Jumbos, students balance academics with 26 varsity sports, though athletic scholarships aren't available.
Academics & Faculty
Tufts operates as a research university where undergraduates work alongside faculty conducting modern studies. The school earned its reputation through strong programs in international relations, biomedical engineering, and pre-medical studies. Students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentorship and research collaboration. The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy has produced numerous ambassadors and foreign policy leaders. Tufts' medical and dental schools create unique undergraduate research opportunities in health sciences. The university's 93.3% six-year graduation rate reflects strong academic support systems. Engineering students often pursue the school's well-known human factors program, while liberal arts majors frequently double-major across disciplines.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 63.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 93.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 93.3%
- Retention Rate
- 95.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $83,214
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. | Certificate | $207,590 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $113,135 |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $112,802 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $107,163 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $97,959 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering. | Master | $84,653 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $84,653 |
| Veterinary Medicine. | Doctoral | $75,880 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $73,635 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $71,778 |
Campus Life
Tufts sits just five miles from Boston, giving you easy access to the city while maintaining a distinct campus feel in suburban Medford. You'll need a heavy winter coat here, as Massachusetts winters are long and snowy. About 62% of students live on campus, creating a tight-knit residential community where dorm life centers around academic discussion and late-night study sessions.
The campus culture revolves around intellectual curiosity and international awareness. Students are known for being politically engaged and globally minded, reflecting the strength of Tufts' international relations programs. With 26 varsity sports and a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll find small classes and plenty of extracurricular options. Weekends often involve trips into Boston for internships, cultural events, or simply exploring the city. The school's quirky tradition includes painting a cannon on campus and the beloved Jumbo mascot. With a 96% retention rate, most students quickly feel at home in this academically rigorous but collaborative environment.
The campus culture revolves around intellectual curiosity and international awareness. Students are known for being politically engaged and globally minded, reflecting the strength of Tufts' international relations programs. With 26 varsity sports and a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll find small classes and plenty of extracurricular options. Weekends often involve trips into Boston for internships, cultural events, or simply exploring the city. The school's quirky tradition includes painting a cannon on campus and the beloved Jumbo mascot. With a 96% retention rate, most students quickly feel at home in this academically rigorous but collaborative environment.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 4,210 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1852
Campus Safety (2023)
79 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 17 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 9 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 7 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Fondling | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Stalking | 3 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 23°–36°F
- July Avg
- 66°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 43.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 49.2"
Student Demographics
Tufts draws ambitious students from across the country, with nearly 80% coming from out-of-state. The student body reflects the university's global outlook and rigorous academics, attracting high achievers who scored around 1500 on the SAT. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, partly due to strong programs in international relations and liberal arts that traditionally draw more female students. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment despite the research university setting. Only 12% receive Pell Grants, indicating Tufts primarily serves affluent families seeking strong education and global connections.
- Men
- 43.7%
- Women
- 56.3%
- White
- 42.0%
- Black
- 6.6%
- Hispanic
- 10.1%
- Asian
- 16.6%
- In-State Students
- 21.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 11.6%
Location
Tufts sits in Medford, Massachusetts, just five miles northwest of downtown Boston. The university occupies a hilltop campus in this residential suburb of 57,000 people. Students can reach Boston's cultural attractions, internship opportunities, and job market via the subway system that connects directly to campus. The greater Boston area hosts over 50 colleges and universities, creating an unmatched academic environment. Medford itself blends quiet suburban streets with easy urban access. The campus overlooks the Boston skyline and sits near the Mystic River. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Tufts with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Medford, Massachusetts 02155-5555
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $83,214
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $86,650
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $56,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 91.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $172/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $16,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Tufts University?
Tufts University admits just 9.69% of applicants, making it highly selective. Students need strong credentials, with admitted students averaging 1500 on the SAT and 34 on the ACT.
How much does Tufts University cost after financial aid?
The total cost at Tufts reaches $86,504 annually, but the average net price drops to $35,435 after aid. For families earning under $30,000, the net price falls to just $10,526, though only 11.58% of students receive federal Pell Grants.
What academic programs is Tufts University known for?
Tufts excels in international relations, engineering, and medicine with active research across multiple disciplines. The university maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, providing close mentorship in these competitive programs.
What do Tufts University graduates earn after college?
Tufts graduates earn a median of $83,214 ten years after graduation, reflecting strong career outcomes. The employment rate reaches 94.9%, and graduates typically carry manageable debt with monthly loan payments of $172.
Where do most Tufts University students live during college?
The university houses 4,210 students on its suburban campus in Medford, Massachusetts. With 6,804 total students and a 95.92% retention rate, most undergraduates remain engaged with campus life throughout their studies.
Does Tufts University offer athletic scholarships?
Tufts competes in NCAA Division III and awards $0 in athletic scholarships, following league rules that prohibit athletic aid. However, 876 students participate in 26 varsity sports as the Jumbos, balancing academics with competitive athletics.
