Washington University vs Tufts - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
Real money goes to international students at Tufts ($80,079 on average), while Washington University stops at $68,438.
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Washington University lists $94,289 against $93,182 (Tufts), but after average aid what remains is $18,685 against $33,608.
30 points separate the SAT profiles: 1540 (Washington University) against 1510.
Both universities state that they meet the full assessed financial need, so the gap in list prices need not reach your own bill.
The indicators describe a university as a whole, and your own course can sit a long way from that average.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Tufts is the more selective of the two (11.49% vs 12.1% acceptance). Washington University ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#23 vs #151-200). Washington University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $83K). Washington University has lower sticker-price tuition ($69,594 vs $73,616 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 Washington University for: a higher world ranking, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Tufts for: higher selectivity, higher retention, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Tufts is more selective (11.49% vs 12.1% acceptance); Washington University has a higher median SAT (1540 vs 1510).
Washington University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $83K); Washington University has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.3% vs 93.5%).
Washington University has lower sticker-price tuition ($69,594 vs $73,616); Washington University offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $59,574).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Washington University | Tufts |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #23 | #151-200 |
| Rank · THE | #69 | #179 |
| Acceptance rate | 12.1% | 11.49% |
| Yield rate | 46.7% | 45.5% |
| Median SAT | 1540 | 1510 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.19 | - |
| Number of applications | 32,754 | 34,432 |
| International students | 9.4% | 12.5% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $83K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $61K | $47K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $132K |
| Graduation rate | 94.3% | 93.5% |
| Retention rate | 95% | 95.5% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $16,250 |
| Tuition · year | $69,594 | $73,616 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,604 | $59,574 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $26,666 | $25,584 |
| Application fee | $75 | - |
| Enrollment | 16,357 | 13,599 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Washington University or Tufts?
It's harder to get into Tufts. Washington University accepts 12.1% of applicants, while Tufts accepts 11.49%.
Do Washington University or Tufts graduates earn more?
Washington University graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $86K vs $83K.
How much is tuition at Washington University vs Tufts?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,594 per year at Washington University and $73,616 per year at Tufts.
What SAT score do you need for Washington University or Tufts?
The median admitted SAT score is 1540 at Washington University and 1510 at Tufts; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Washington University or Tufts?
Washington University ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #23 for Washington University vs #151-200 for Tufts.
Which university offers more financial aid - Washington University or Tufts?
The average aid package is $75,604 at Washington University and $59,574 at Tufts.
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