Tufts vs Boston university — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Boston university is the more selective of the two (11.1% vs 11.5% acceptance). Boston university ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#151-200 vs #101-150). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($83K vs $83K). Boston university has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,102 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 Tufts for: a higher graduation rate, higher retention, lower graduate debt.
Choose Boston university 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
Boston university is more selective (11.1% vs 11.5% acceptance); Tufts has a higher median SAT (1513 vs 1480).
Boston university graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $83K); Tufts has a higher 6-year graduation rate (93.5% vs 88.7%).
Boston university has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,102 vs $70,704); Boston university offers a larger average aid package ($69,396 vs $59,574).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Tufts | Boston university |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #151-200 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | #179 | #75 |
| Acceptance rate | 11.5% | 11.1% |
| Yield rate | 45.5% | 35% |
| Median SAT | 1513 | 1480 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 34,432 | 76,776 |
| International students | 17% | 32% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $83K | $83K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $103K | $76K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $132K | $122K |
| Graduation rate | 93.5% | 88.7% |
| Retention rate | 95.5% | 94.2% |
| Median debt | $16,250 | $23,250 |
| Tuition · year | $70,704 | $68,102 |
| Avg. aid package | $59,574 | $69,396 |
| % of need met | 100% | 92% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $25,584 | $36,774 |
| Application fee | — | $80 |
| Enrollment | 13,599 | 36,977 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Tufts or Boston university?
It's harder to get into Boston university. Tufts accepts 11.5% of applicants, while Boston university accepts 11.1%.
Do Tufts or Boston university graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $83K at Tufts and $83K at Boston university.
How much is tuition at Tufts vs Boston university?
Sticker-price tuition is $70,704 per year at Tufts and $68,102 per year at Boston university.
What SAT score do you need for Tufts or Boston university?
The median admitted SAT score is 1513 at Tufts and 1480 at Boston university; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Tufts or Boston university?
Boston university ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #151-200 for Tufts vs #101-150 for Boston university.
Which university offers more financial aid — Tufts or Boston university?
The average aid package is $59,574 at Tufts and $69,396 at Boston university.
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