Tufts vs Northwestern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northwestern is the more selective of the two (7.7% vs 11.5% acceptance). Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#151-200 vs #33). Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $83K). Northwestern has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,322 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: lower graduate debt.
Choose Northwestern 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
Northwestern is more selective (7.7% vs 11.5% acceptance); Northwestern has a higher median SAT (1533 vs 1513).
Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $83K); Northwestern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.1% vs 93.5%).
Northwestern has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,322 vs $70,704); Northwestern offers a larger average aid package ($68,110 vs $59,574).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Tufts | Northwestern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #151-200 | #33 |
| Rank · THE | #179 | #31 |
| Acceptance rate | 11.5% | 7.7% |
| Yield rate | 45.5% | 55.3% |
| Median SAT | 1513 | 1533 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 34,432 | 49,474 |
| International students | 17% | 20% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $83K | $89K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $103K | $93K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $132K | $139K |
| Graduation rate | 93.5% | 95.1% |
| Retention rate | 95.5% | 98% |
| Median debt | $16,250 | $15,000 |
| Tuition · year | $70,704 | $68,322 |
| Avg. aid package | $59,574 | $68,110 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $25,584 | $32,540 |
| Application fee | — | $75 |
| Enrollment | 13,599 | 23,431 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Tufts or Northwestern?
It's harder to get into Northwestern. Tufts accepts 11.5% of applicants, while Northwestern accepts 7.7%.
Do Tufts or Northwestern graduates earn more?
Northwestern graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $89K vs $83K.
How much is tuition at Tufts vs Northwestern?
Sticker-price tuition is $70,704 per year at Tufts and $68,322 per year at Northwestern.
What SAT score do you need for Tufts or Northwestern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1513 at Tufts and 1533 at Northwestern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Tufts or Northwestern?
Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #151-200 for Tufts vs #33 for Northwestern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Tufts or Northwestern?
The average aid package is $59,574 at Tufts and $68,110 at Northwestern.
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