Tufts vs Temple — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Tufts is the more selective of the two (11.5% vs 80.4% acceptance). Tufts ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#151-200 vs #401-500). Tufts graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $64K). Temple has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,958 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 Temple 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 80.4% acceptance); Tufts has a higher median SAT (1513 vs 1250).
Tufts graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($83K vs $64K); Tufts has a higher 6-year graduation rate (93.5% vs 75%).
Temple has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,958 vs $70,704); Tufts offers a larger average aid package ($59,574 vs $17,833).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Tufts | Temple |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #151-200 | #401-500 |
| Rank · THE | #179 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 11.5% | 80.4% |
| Yield rate | 45.5% | 15% |
| Median SAT | 1513 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.40 |
| Number of applications | 34,432 | 40,817 |
| International students | 17% | 6% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $83K | $64K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $103K | $59K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $132K | $92K |
| Graduation rate | 93.5% | 75% |
| Retention rate | 95.5% | 83% |
| Median debt | $16,250 | $24,395 |
| Tuition · year | $70,704 | $38,958 |
| Avg. aid package | $59,574 | $17,833 |
| % of need met | 100% | 60.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $25,584 | $41,808 |
| Application fee | — | $55 |
| Enrollment | 13,599 | 29,637 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Tufts or Temple?
It's harder to get into Tufts. Tufts accepts 11.5% of applicants, while Temple accepts 80.4%.
Do Tufts or Temple graduates earn more?
Tufts graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $83K vs $64K.
How much is tuition at Tufts vs Temple?
Sticker-price tuition is $70,704 per year at Tufts and $38,958 per year at Temple.
What SAT score do you need for Tufts or Temple?
The median admitted SAT score is 1513 at Tufts and 1250 at Temple; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Tufts or Temple?
Tufts ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #151-200 for Tufts vs #401-500 for Temple.
Which university offers more financial aid — Tufts or Temple?
The average aid package is $59,574 at Tufts and $17,833 at Temple.
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