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