Stony brook vs Tufts — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Tufts is the more selective of the two (11.5% vs 49% 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 $75K). Stony brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 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 Stony brook 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 49% acceptance); Tufts has a higher median SAT (1513 vs 1419).
Tufts graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $75K); Tufts has a higher 6-year graduation rate (93.5% vs 75.6%).
Stony brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 vs $70,704); Tufts offers a larger average aid package ($59,574 vs $15,261).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Stony brook | Tufts |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #151-200 |
| Rank · THE | — | #179 |
| Acceptance rate | 49% | 11.5% |
| Yield rate | 14.7% | 45.5% |
| Median SAT | 1419 | 1513 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 55,880 | 34,432 |
| International students | 18% | 17% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $75K | $83K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $103K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $107K | $132K |
| Graduation rate | 75.6% | 93.5% |
| Retention rate | 89.7% | 95.5% |
| Median debt | $18,228 | $16,250 |
| Tuition · year | $32,741 | $70,704 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,261 | $59,574 |
| % of need met | 0.6% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $23,558 | $25,584 |
| Application fee | $0 | — |
| Enrollment | 26,689 | 13,599 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Stony brook or Tufts?
It's harder to get into Tufts. Stony brook accepts 49% of applicants, while Tufts accepts 11.5%.
Do Stony brook or Tufts graduates earn more?
Tufts graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $83K vs $75K.
How much is tuition at Stony brook vs Tufts?
Sticker-price tuition is $32,741 per year at Stony brook and $70,704 per year at Tufts.
What SAT score do you need for Stony brook or Tufts?
The median admitted SAT score is 1419 at Stony brook and 1513 at Tufts; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Stony brook or Tufts?
Tufts ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Stony brook vs #151-200 for Tufts.
Which university offers more financial aid — Stony brook or Tufts?
The average aid package is $15,261 at Stony brook and $59,574 at Tufts.
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