Northeastern vs Tufts — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 11.5% acceptance). Tufts ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #151-200). Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $83K). Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 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 Northeastern for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, higher retention.
Choose Tufts for: a higher world ranking, a higher graduation rate, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northeastern is more selective (5.2% vs 11.5% acceptance); Tufts has a higher median SAT (1513 vs 1497).
Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $83K); Tufts has a higher 6-year graduation rate (93.5% vs 90.5%).
Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 vs $70,704); Tufts offers a larger average aid package ($59,574 vs $46,555).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northeastern | Tufts |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #151-200 |
| Rank · THE | — | #179 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.2% | 11.5% |
| Yield rate | 53.8% | 45.5% |
| Median SAT | 1497 | 1513 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 98,425 | 34,432 |
| International students | 37% | 17% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $83K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $103K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $135K | $132K |
| Graduation rate | 90.5% | 93.5% |
| Retention rate | 96.9% | 95.5% |
| Median debt | $24,250 | $16,250 |
| Tuition · year | $66,162 | $70,704 |
| Avg. aid package | $46,555 | $59,574 |
| % of need met | 86.7% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,461 | $25,584 |
| Application fee | $75 | — |
| Enrollment | 39,774 | 13,599 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northeastern or Tufts?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Northeastern accepts 5.2% of applicants, while Tufts accepts 11.5%.
Do Northeastern or Tufts graduates earn more?
Northeastern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $93K vs $83K.
How much is tuition at Northeastern vs Tufts?
Sticker-price tuition is $66,162 per year at Northeastern and $70,704 per year at Tufts.
What SAT score do you need for Northeastern or Tufts?
The median admitted SAT score is 1497 at Northeastern and 1513 at Tufts; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northeastern or Tufts?
Tufts ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Northeastern vs #151-200 for Tufts.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northeastern or Tufts?
The average aid package is $46,555 at Northeastern and $59,574 at Tufts.
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