Maryland (umbc) vs Tufts — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Tufts is the more selective of the two (11.5% vs 72.4% acceptance). Tufts ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#601-700 vs #151-200). Tufts graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $70K). Maryland (umbc) has lower sticker-price tuition ($31,275 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 Maryland (umbc) for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
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 72.4% acceptance); Tufts has a higher median SAT (1513 vs 1323).
Tufts graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $70K); Tufts has a higher 6-year graduation rate (93.5% vs 70%).
Maryland (umbc) has lower sticker-price tuition ($31,275 vs $70,704); Tufts offers a larger average aid package ($59,574 vs $14,712).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Maryland (umbc) | Tufts |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #601-700 | #151-200 |
| Rank · THE | — | #179 |
| Acceptance rate | 72.4% | 11.5% |
| Yield rate | 21.6% | 45.5% |
| Median SAT | 1323 | 1513 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.10 | — |
| Number of applications | 14,325 | 34,432 |
| International students | 17% | 17% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $70K | $83K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $60K | $103K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $132K |
| Graduation rate | 70% | 93.5% |
| Retention rate | 85% | 95.5% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $16,250 |
| Tuition · year | $31,275 | $70,704 |
| Avg. aid package | $14,712 | $59,574 |
| % of need met | 47% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,450 | $25,584 |
| Application fee | $75 | — |
| Enrollment | 13,906 | 13,599 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Maryland (umbc) or Tufts?
It's harder to get into Tufts. Maryland (umbc) accepts 72.4% of applicants, while Tufts accepts 11.5%.
Do Maryland (umbc) or Tufts graduates earn more?
Tufts graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $83K vs $70K.
How much is tuition at Maryland (umbc) vs Tufts?
Sticker-price tuition is $31,275 per year at Maryland (umbc) and $70,704 per year at Tufts.
What SAT score do you need for Maryland (umbc) or Tufts?
The median admitted SAT score is 1323 at Maryland (umbc) and 1513 at Tufts; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Maryland (umbc) or Tufts?
Tufts ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #601-700 for Maryland (umbc) vs #151-200 for Tufts.
Which university offers more financial aid — Maryland (umbc) or Tufts?
The average aid package is $14,712 at Maryland (umbc) and $59,574 at Tufts.
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