Connecticut vs Tufts — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Tufts is the more selective of the two (11.5% vs 52.4% acceptance). Tufts ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #151-200). Tufts graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $74K). Connecticut has lower sticker-price tuition ($43,712 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 Connecticut for: lower tuition.
Choose Tufts for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Tufts is more selective (11.5% vs 52.4% acceptance); Tufts has a higher median SAT (1513 vs 1348).
Tufts graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $74K); Tufts has a higher 6-year graduation rate (93.5% vs 83.3%).
Connecticut has lower sticker-price tuition ($43,712 vs $70,704); Tufts offers a larger average aid package ($59,574 vs $21,535).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Connecticut | Tufts |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #151-200 |
| Rank · THE | — | #179 |
| Acceptance rate | 52.4% | 11.5% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 45.5% |
| Median SAT | 1348 | 1513 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 55,479 | 34,432 |
| International students | 11% | 17% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $83K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $66K | $103K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $109K | $132K |
| Graduation rate | 83.3% | 93.5% |
| Retention rate | 92% | 95.5% |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $16,250 |
| Tuition · year | $43,712 | $70,704 |
| Avg. aid package | $21,535 | $59,574 |
| % of need met | 61.6% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,506 | $25,584 |
| Application fee | $80 | — |
| Enrollment | 28,306 | 13,599 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Connecticut or Tufts?
It's harder to get into Tufts. Connecticut accepts 52.4% of applicants, while Tufts accepts 11.5%.
Do Connecticut or Tufts graduates earn more?
Tufts graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $83K vs $74K.
How much is tuition at Connecticut vs Tufts?
Sticker-price tuition is $43,712 per year at Connecticut and $70,704 per year at Tufts.
What SAT score do you need for Connecticut or Tufts?
The median admitted SAT score is 1348 at Connecticut and 1513 at Tufts; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Connecticut or Tufts?
Tufts ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Connecticut vs #151-200 for Tufts.
Which university offers more financial aid — Connecticut or Tufts?
The average aid package is $21,535 at Connecticut and $59,574 at Tufts.
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