Tufts vs Kansas state — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Tufts is the more selective of the two (11.5% vs 81.7% 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 $57K). Kansas state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,568 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 Kansas state for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Tufts is more selective (11.5% vs 81.7% acceptance); Tufts has a higher median SAT (1513 vs 1151).
Tufts graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $57K); Tufts has a higher 6-year graduation rate (93.5% vs 71.1%).
Kansas state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,568 vs $70,704); Tufts offers a larger average aid package ($59,574 vs $15,968).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Tufts | Kansas state |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #151-200 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #179 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 11.5% | 81.7% |
| Yield rate | 45.5% | 27.5% |
| Median SAT | 1513 | 1151 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 34,432 | 15,432 |
| International students | 17% | 5% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $83K | $57K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $103K | $52K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $132K | $83K |
| Graduation rate | 93.5% | 71.1% |
| Retention rate | 95.5% | 85.6% |
| Median debt | $16,250 | $21,250 |
| Tuition · year | $70,704 | $28,568 |
| Avg. aid package | $59,574 | $15,968 |
| % of need met | 100% | 77% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $25,584 | $25,179 |
| Application fee | — | $40 |
| Enrollment | 13,599 | 20,295 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Tufts or Kansas state?
It's harder to get into Tufts. Tufts accepts 11.5% of applicants, while Kansas state accepts 81.7%.
Do Tufts or Kansas state graduates earn more?
Tufts graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $83K vs $57K.
How much is tuition at Tufts vs Kansas state?
Sticker-price tuition is $70,704 per year at Tufts and $28,568 per year at Kansas state.
What SAT score do you need for Tufts or Kansas state?
The median admitted SAT score is 1513 at Tufts and 1151 at Kansas state; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Tufts or Kansas state?
Tufts ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #151-200 for Tufts vs #501-600 for Kansas state.
Which university offers more financial aid — Tufts or Kansas state?
The average aid package is $59,574 at Tufts and $15,968 at Kansas state.
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