Old dominion vs Tufts — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Tufts is the more selective of the two (11.5% vs 90.4% acceptance). Tufts ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#801-900 vs #151-200). Tufts graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $55K). Old dominion has lower sticker-price tuition ($33,780 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 Old dominion 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 90.4% acceptance); Tufts has a higher median SAT (1513 vs 1197).
Tufts graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $55K); Tufts has a higher 6-year graduation rate (93.5% vs 46.3%).
Old dominion has lower sticker-price tuition ($33,780 vs $70,704); Tufts offers a larger average aid package ($59,574 vs $30,437).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Old dominion | Tufts |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #801-900 | #151-200 |
| Rank · THE | — | #179 |
| Acceptance rate | 90.4% | 11.5% |
| Yield rate | 19.9% | 45.5% |
| Median SAT | 1197 | 1513 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.50 | — |
| Number of applications | 15,100 | 34,432 |
| International students | 3% | 17% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $55K | $83K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $49K | $103K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $80K | $132K |
| Graduation rate | 46.3% | 93.5% |
| Retention rate | 77% | 95.5% |
| Median debt | $24,000 | $16,250 |
| Tuition · year | $33,780 | $70,704 |
| Avg. aid package | $30,437 | $59,574 |
| % of need met | 53% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,043 | $25,584 |
| Application fee | $50 | — |
| Enrollment | 23,743 | 13,599 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Old dominion or Tufts?
It's harder to get into Tufts. Old dominion accepts 90.4% of applicants, while Tufts accepts 11.5%.
Do Old dominion or Tufts graduates earn more?
Tufts graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $83K vs $55K.
How much is tuition at Old dominion vs Tufts?
Sticker-price tuition is $33,780 per year at Old dominion and $70,704 per year at Tufts.
What SAT score do you need for Old dominion or Tufts?
The median admitted SAT score is 1197 at Old dominion and 1513 at Tufts; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Old dominion or Tufts?
Tufts ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #801-900 for Old dominion vs #151-200 for Tufts.
Which university offers more financial aid — Old dominion or Tufts?
The average aid package is $30,437 at Old dominion and $59,574 at Tufts.
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