Boston university vs Tufts — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Boston university is the more selective of the two (11.1% vs 11.5% acceptance). Boston university ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #151-200). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($83K vs $83K). Boston university has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,102 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 university for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Tufts for: a higher graduation rate, higher retention, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Boston university is more selective (11.1% vs 11.5% acceptance); Tufts has a higher median SAT (1513 vs 1480).
Boston university graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $83K); Tufts has a higher 6-year graduation rate (93.5% vs 88.7%).
Boston university has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,102 vs $70,704); Boston university offers a larger average aid package ($69,396 vs $59,574).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Boston university | Tufts |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #151-200 |
| Rank · THE | #75 | #179 |
| Acceptance rate | 11.1% | 11.5% |
| Yield rate | 35% | 45.5% |
| Median SAT | 1480 | 1513 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 76,776 | 34,432 |
| International students | 32% | 17% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $83K | $83K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $76K | $103K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $122K | $132K |
| Graduation rate | 88.7% | 93.5% |
| Retention rate | 94.2% | 95.5% |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $16,250 |
| Tuition · year | $68,102 | $70,704 |
| Avg. aid package | $69,396 | $59,574 |
| % of need met | 92% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $36,774 | $25,584 |
| Application fee | $80 | — |
| Enrollment | 36,977 | 13,599 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Boston university or Tufts?
It's harder to get into Boston university. Boston university accepts 11.1% of applicants, while Tufts accepts 11.5%.
Do Boston university or Tufts graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $83K at Boston university and $83K at Tufts.
How much is tuition at Boston university vs Tufts?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,102 per year at Boston university and $70,704 per year at Tufts.
What SAT score do you need for Boston university or Tufts?
The median admitted SAT score is 1480 at Boston university and 1513 at Tufts; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Boston university or Tufts?
Boston university ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Boston university vs #151-200 for Tufts.
Which university offers more financial aid — Boston university or Tufts?
The average aid package is $69,396 at Boston university and $59,574 at Tufts.
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