Medford, MA 
View all photos
From Tufts
Tufts University is a medium-sized, student-centered research and liberal arts university, located in the greater Boston area. Our 6,800 undergraduate students are intellectually playful, globally-minded, entrepreneurial, and collaborative. We offer 150+ majors, minors, and programs across our three undergraduate schools: the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. We are an institution committed to the ideals of active citizenship, social justice, and innovation. Tufts proudly meets 100% of the demonstrated financial need of all admitted students, regardless of citizenship status.
At Tufts, you will be mentored by accomplished and engaged faculty, explore varied career options, and encounter endless opportunities for student organizations, courses, funded research, abroad programs, and internships.
Events & Resources
Fall for Tufts
Fall for Tufts is our virtual open house, dedicated to illustrating the Tufts community and helping you imagine your future as a Jumbo. Students have the opportunity to virtually attend workshops, panels, and mock classes in a choose-your-own-adventure style!
Voices of Tufts
Voices of Tufts is a fall visit program sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, designed to introduce high school seniors to diversity and community at Tufts University. Through conversations with current students, panel discussions with Tufts staff and faculty, opportunities to meaningfully connect with our identity-based resource centers, and social programming, Voices aims to inform and empower students as they navigate the college search process. The Voices application is typically available in the spring.
University
Suburb
SupplementalEssay
100% Need
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
6,747
Pell Grant 12%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 2%
Undergrad Students Over 25 1%
Percent Male / Female 44% / 56%
Ethnic Diversity at Tufts
45% White
16% Asian / Pacific Islander
13% International / Non-Citizen
10% Hispanic
7% Multiracial
6% Black
4% Unknown
Academics Snapshot
Student/Faculty Ratio
10:1
Graduation Rate
94%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Social Sciences
25%
25% of graduates
Engineering
14%
14% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
11%
11% of graduates
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
11%
11% of graduates
Computer & Information Sciences
10%
10% of graduates
Psychology
7%
7% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
6%
6% of graduates
Health Professions & Related Programs
4%
4% of graduates
Family & Consumer Sciences
2%
2% of graduates
Physical Sciences
2%
2% of graduates
Languages & Literatures
1%
1% of graduates
English Language & Literature
1%
1% of graduates
Mathematics
1%
1% of graduates
History
1%
1% of graduates
Natural Resources & Conservation
1%
1% of graduates
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, & Gender Studies
1%
1% of graduates
Philosophy & Religious Studies
1%
1% of graduates
Architecture
1%
1% of graduates
Affordability Overview
From Tufts
Key to enrolling a diverse community of students is our financial aid policy. Tufts proudly meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, regardless of citizenship status. And Tufts replaces loans with institutional grants for students from the lowest income backgrounds – which means many of our students can graduate from Tufts with little to no loan debt.
There are only a few dozen US universities with both the financial resources and the institutional dedication to make this type of financial commitment to our students. Tufts is proud to be one of these institutions.
Attending a powerhouse R1 research university can be affordable for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
Scholarships & Financial Aid Snapshot
$92,088
$56,965
$35,123
Cost Breakdown
Estimated Cost:
$92,088for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
The sticker price at Tufts is $92,088. This sticker price includes costs for tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses.
It’s also important to note that the cost of attendance can vary from year to year and typically it will rise over your four years in college. With that said, your financial aid will also be recalculated every year to take any price increases, as well as any changes in your financial situation, into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at Tufts would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
Using State Grants at Tufts
Massachusetts residents who are considering Tufts should be sure to look into state grants to help fund your education. Massachusetts has a wide variety of programs, including the need-based tuition waiver program, the MASSGrant, the Massachusetts Gilbert Matching Student Grant Program, and MCAS Scholarships. The John and Abigail Adams Scholarship, which is for students who performed well on the MCAS, offers a tuition waiver for up to eight semesters of public school.
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more Massachusetts scholarships
Tufts University Financial Aid
Students who are applying for financial aid at Tufts need to submit both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA), as well as the CSS Profile.
The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.
The FAFSA code for Tufts is 002219 and the CSS Profile Code is 3901.
It should be noted that while the FAFSA is free, the CSS Profile does require an application fee. However, students can qualify for a CSS Profile application fee waiver if the cost will present a financial hardship for the students’ family.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA or the CSS Profile, check out these resources:
Tufts University’s 100% Need-Met Guarantee
Tufts has committed to meeting 100% of applicants’ financial needs. They determine your financial need using the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile, and will ensure that your financial aid package covers any costs you cannot pay.
National Merit Scholarships
If you scored exceptionally high on the PSAT/NMSQT, you may have been named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. Did you know that this distinction could earn you a scholarship at Tufts University? Tufts offers scholarship money to National Merit Scholarship Finalists, although terms may vary. Some schools require you to list them as your first choice in order to receive the benefit, and others may impose additional need-based or academic requirements. Be sure to check Tufts's website for more information!
Pell Grants at Tufts University
12% of students at Tufts University receive Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to Tufts University.
You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Tufts students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:
Admissions Overview
From Tufts
At Tufts, individuals from around the world come together to form a community of kind, intellectually curious, and engaged peers who challenge and encourage each other. In fact, Tufts’ undergraduate students arrive on our campus from 52 states and territories and more than 90 countries. Our admissions team is committed to recruiting and enrolling students with the potential and motivation to change the world.
We review applications contextually and individually through two lenses: 1.) academic potential and intellectual curiosity and 2.) experiences and perspectives. Through our application process, we seek to understand your lived experiences, your academic background and preparation, and your potential to contribute to an active, residential university community.
Admissions Snapshot
10%
34
1485 is the median SAT score and 34 is the median ACT score for admitted students at Tufts. A score that is close to this median value indicates that you have a good chance of admission to the institution. However, it’s important to remember that colleges judge applications holistically. If the rest of your application is strong, it’s possible to make up for lower test scores.
Coalition Colleges
Tufts is a Coalition Member College, which means they have completed a vigorous vetting process from the Coalition for College to ensure that they “provide substantial support to lower-income, under-resourced and/or first-generation students; offer responsible student financial aid; and demonstrate a commitment to student graduation.” That also means you can apply to Tufts via the Coalition Application. The Coalition Application makes it easy to obtain application fee waivers if you qualify. It’s also a great way to discover other colleges that have demonstrated a strong commitment to affordability and strong student outcomes.
Does Tufts have a supplemental essay?
Yes, applicants to Tufts University will have to write a supplemental essay in order to complete their application. Luckily, we have a guide to help you through that essay prompt and stand out in the application process.
Tufts Supplemental Essay Guide
Is Tufts test-optional?
Tufts University is test-optional, which means that it does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that some students will submit their test scores and others will not. If you choose not to submit your ACT or SAT score, the admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you are not sure whether you should submit your standardized test scores, our guide on submitting scores to test-optional schools can help.
What SAT/ACT score do you need to get into Tufts University?
Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT and ACT as one of many factors to determine their admissions decisions. A high score on one of these tests does not guarantee admission to a college, and a low score does not guarantee rejection. However, the majority of accepted applicants to Tufts University receive between a 33 and a 35 on their ACT, or a 1435 and a 1545 on their SAT.
Can students submit their SAT or ACT Superscore to Tufts?
Yes, applicants can submit their SAT or ACT Superscore when they apply to Tufts University. You should be able to find your superscore for either test on your student portal. Keep in mind that some colleges only allow Superscores for one of the two tests, so be sure to check their website for exact details on the Superscore policy.
Early Decision I
Early Decision II
Regular Decision
What is the application deadline at Tufts?
Students must apply by January 6 to enroll at Tufts during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.
At Tufts students also have the opportunity to apply Early Decision. In order to take advantage of this option, you’ll have to have your application in by November 4.
You can also choose to apply Early Decision II, with a later deadline of January 6.
Should I apply Regular or Early Decision to Tufts?
Applying to Tufts with Early Decision can be a great decision if you are 100% sure you want to go there. You’ll find out your admissions decision earlier than other students, and some data shows that you may help your admissions chances. However, you should keep in mind that Early Decision is binding. If you do get into the school, you won’t be able to change your mind later. If there is any doubt in your mind, you should apply Early Action or Regular Decision instead.
Read more: All you need to know about Early Action vs Early Decision
Student Outcomes Overview
Tufts graduates are in demand in the workforce. Our students develop leadership skills in a hands-on setting and learn more about career opportunities in fields that interest them, ranging from engineering and technology to government and public policy.
Our Career Center and academic departments connect Tufts students and alumni with internship opportunities – in the Boston area and around the world. With extensive resources to help you explore internship and career options, Tufts prepares students to reach their professional goals.
86% of recent graduates completed at least one internship while at Tufts, and 97% were employed, enrolled in graduate school, or participating in a service or a fellowship within 6 months of graduation. 82% of recent graduates attended their first choice graduate school, and many alumni will pursue graduate education at Tufts University through accelerated degree programs in the liberal arts, engineering, education, public health, and more.
Student Outcomes Snapshot
Graduate Income
$83,214
Median Debt $16,250
Debt 10 years after graduation $172
Graduation Rate 94%
What is the graduation rate at Tufts University?
94% of students who start at Tufts University end up finishing their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 36% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of Tufts University go on to earn?
10 years after starting school at Tufts University, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $83,214. This is $32,823 more than the national median.
Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at Tufts take out in loans?
Graduates of Tufts have to take out a median of $16,250 in federal student loans. This is $2,750 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
Join for exclusive scholarships, personalized matching, and application tracking. 0% Spam, 100% Free.
Tufts University
