Boston college vs Tufts — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Tufts is the more selective of the two (11.5% vs 16.4% acceptance). Tufts ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #151-200). Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $83K). Boston college has lower sticker-price tuition ($70,702 vs $70,704 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Boston college for: higher graduate earnings, higher retention, lower tuition.
Choose Tufts for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Tufts is more selective (11.5% vs 16.4% acceptance); Tufts has a higher median SAT (1513 vs 1507).
Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $83K); Tufts has a higher 6-year graduation rate (93.5% vs 90.8%).
Boston college has lower sticker-price tuition ($70,702 vs $70,704); Boston college offers a larger average aid package ($61,753 vs $59,574).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Boston college | Tufts |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #151-200 |
| Rank · THE | — | #179 |
| Acceptance rate | 16.4% | 11.5% |
| Yield rate | 42.5% | 45.5% |
| Median SAT | 1507 | 1513 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 34,779 | 34,432 |
| International students | 12% | 17% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $83K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $103K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $162K | $132K |
| Graduation rate | 90.8% | 93.5% |
| Retention rate | 96% | 95.5% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $16,250 |
| Tuition · year | $70,702 | $70,704 |
| Avg. aid package | $61,753 | $59,574 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,892 | $25,584 |
| Application fee | — | — |
| Enrollment | 14,726 | 13,599 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Boston college or Tufts?
It's harder to get into Tufts. Boston college accepts 16.4% of applicants, while Tufts accepts 11.5%.
Do Boston college or Tufts graduates earn more?
Boston college graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $83K.
How much is tuition at Boston college vs Tufts?
Sticker-price tuition is $70,702 per year at Boston college and $70,704 per year at Tufts.
What SAT score do you need for Boston college or Tufts?
The median admitted SAT score is 1507 at Boston college and 1513 at Tufts; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Boston college or Tufts?
Tufts ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Boston college vs #151-200 for Tufts.
Which university offers more financial aid — Boston college or Tufts?
The average aid package is $61,753 at Boston college and $59,574 at Tufts.
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