Tufts vs Virginia — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Tufts is the more selective of the two (11.5% vs 16.8% acceptance). Tufts ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#151-200 vs #201-300). Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $83K). Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 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, a larger aid package.
Choose Virginia for: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Tufts is more selective (11.5% vs 16.8% acceptance); Tufts has a higher median SAT (1513 vs 1480).
Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $83K); Virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.6% vs 93.5%).
Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 vs $70,704); Tufts offers a larger average aid package ($59,574 vs $37,123).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Tufts | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #151-200 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | #179 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 11.5% | 16.8% |
| Yield rate | 45.5% | 40% |
| Median SAT | 1513 | 1480 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 34,432 | 58,951 |
| International students | 17% | 12% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $83K | $87K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $103K | $79K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $132K | $130K |
| Graduation rate | 93.5% | 95.6% |
| Retention rate | 95.5% | 97.9% |
| Median debt | $16,250 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $70,704 | $59,512 |
| Avg. aid package | $59,574 | $37,123 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $25,584 | $25,137 |
| Application fee | — | $75 |
| Enrollment | 13,599 | 26,470 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Tufts or Virginia?
It's harder to get into Tufts. Tufts accepts 11.5% of applicants, while Virginia accepts 16.8%.
Do Tufts or Virginia graduates earn more?
Virginia graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $87K vs $83K.
How much is tuition at Tufts vs Virginia?
Sticker-price tuition is $70,704 per year at Tufts and $59,512 per year at Virginia.
What SAT score do you need for Tufts or Virginia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1513 at Tufts and 1480 at Virginia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Tufts or Virginia?
Tufts ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #151-200 for Tufts vs #201-300 for Virginia.
Which university offers more financial aid — Tufts or Virginia?
The average aid package is $59,574 at Tufts and $37,123 at Virginia.
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