MIT vs. Tufts

Comparable Facts

Compare Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, MA with Tufts University in Medford, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Tufts University is larger than MIT based on total student enrollment (13,599 students vs. 11,886 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology is located in Cambridge, MA (Midsize City setting); Tufts University is in Medford, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Tufts University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Massachusetts Institute of Technology 3:1; Tufts University 10:1.

MIT vs. Tufts Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MIT or Tufts? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Massachusetts Institute of Technology than Tufts ($20,996 vs. $32,367).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tufts University are 8.3% lower than at Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($18,588 vs. $20,280).
• Tufts University is 13.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than MIT (about $8,308 more per year; $70,704.00 vs. $62,396.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.3% higher at Tufts than at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (about $8,308 more per year; $70,704.00 vs. $62,396.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Massachusetts Institute of Technology than at Tufts University (59% vs. 39%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Massachusetts Institute of Technology students is 10.4% larger than aid received by Tufts University students ($61,734 vs. $55,933).

MIT vs. Tufts Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MIT or Tufts? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Tufts and MIT.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1550) is 30 points higher than at Tufts (1520).
• Incoming MIT students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 vs. 34 at Tufts).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Massachusetts Institute of Technology 1520/1580; Tufts University 1470/1560.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Massachusetts Institute of Technology 34/36; Tufts University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MIT - Required to be considered for admission; Tufts - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: MIT Jan 1, 2027; Tufts Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MIT students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at Tufts (3.91).
• Tufts has a higher acceptance rate (11.5%) than MIT (4.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 85.8% at MIT vs. 45.5% at Tufts.

MIT vs. Tufts Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MIT and Tufts? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than Tufts University's (90%).
• Graduates from Massachusetts Institute of Technology earn a median of about $59,000 more per year than Tufts graduates about ten years after starting college ($142,100 vs. $83,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates have a $684 lower median loan debt than Tufts graduates ($17,316 vs. $18,000).
• Among borrowers, MIT graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tufts graduates ($179 vs. $186).
• More MIT graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tufts students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 91%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.