Tufts vs Iowa state — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Tufts is the more selective of the two (11.5% vs 88.7% acceptance). Tufts ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#151-200 vs #501-600). Tufts graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 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 world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Iowa state for: lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Tufts is more selective (11.5% vs 88.7% acceptance); Tufts has a higher median SAT (1513 vs 1204).
Tufts graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $63K); Tufts has a higher 6-year graduation rate (93.5% vs 75.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $70,704); Tufts offers a larger average aid package ($59,574 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Tufts | Iowa state |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #151-200 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #179 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 11.5% | 88.7% |
| Yield rate | 45.5% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1513 | 1204 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 34,432 | 23,095 |
| International students | 17% | 8% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $83K | $63K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $103K | $56K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $132K | $90K |
| Graduation rate | 93.5% | 75.3% |
| Retention rate | 95.5% | 87.6% |
| Median debt | $16,250 | $22,869 |
| Tuition · year | $70,704 | $28,881 |
| Avg. aid package | $59,574 | $15,665 |
| % of need met | 100% | 78% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $25,584 | $29,475 |
| Application fee | — | $40 |
| Enrollment | 13,599 | 30,432 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Tufts or Iowa state?
It's harder to get into Tufts. Tufts accepts 11.5% of applicants, while Iowa state accepts 88.7%.
Do Tufts or Iowa state graduates earn more?
Tufts graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $83K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Tufts vs Iowa state?
Sticker-price tuition is $70,704 per year at Tufts and $28,881 per year at Iowa state.
What SAT score do you need for Tufts or Iowa state?
The median admitted SAT score is 1513 at Tufts and 1204 at Iowa state; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Tufts or Iowa state?
Tufts ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #151-200 for Tufts vs #501-600 for Iowa state.
Which university offers more financial aid — Tufts or Iowa state?
The average aid package is $59,574 at Tufts and $15,665 at Iowa state.
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