Tufts vs Northeastern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northeastern is the more selective of the two (5.2% vs 11.5% acceptance). Tufts ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#151-200 vs #201-300). Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $83K). Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 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, a higher graduation rate, a larger aid package.
Choose Northeastern for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northeastern is more selective (5.2% vs 11.5% acceptance); Tufts has a higher median SAT (1513 vs 1497).
Northeastern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($93K vs $83K); Tufts has a higher 6-year graduation rate (93.5% vs 90.5%).
Northeastern has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,162 vs $70,704); Tufts offers a larger average aid package ($59,574 vs $46,555).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Tufts | Northeastern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #151-200 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | #179 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 11.5% | 5.2% |
| Yield rate | 45.5% | 53.8% |
| Median SAT | 1513 | 1497 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 34,432 | 98,425 |
| International students | 17% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $83K | $93K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $103K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $132K | $135K |
| Graduation rate | 93.5% | 90.5% |
| Retention rate | 95.5% | 96.9% |
| Median debt | $16,250 | $24,250 |
| Tuition · year | $70,704 | $66,162 |
| Avg. aid package | $59,574 | $46,555 |
| % of need met | 100% | 86.7% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $25,584 | $32,461 |
| Application fee | — | $75 |
| Enrollment | 13,599 | 39,774 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Tufts or Northeastern?
It's harder to get into Northeastern. Tufts accepts 11.5% of applicants, while Northeastern accepts 5.2%.
Do Tufts or Northeastern graduates earn more?
Northeastern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $93K vs $83K.
How much is tuition at Tufts vs Northeastern?
Sticker-price tuition is $70,704 per year at Tufts and $66,162 per year at Northeastern.
What SAT score do you need for Tufts or Northeastern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1513 at Tufts and 1497 at Northeastern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Tufts or Northeastern?
Tufts ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #151-200 for Tufts vs #201-300 for Northeastern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Tufts or Northeastern?
The average aid package is $59,574 at Tufts and $46,555 at Northeastern.
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