Northeastern vs. Tufts

Comparable Facts

Compare Northeastern University in Boston, MA with Tufts University in Medford, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northeastern University is larger than Tufts based on total student enrollment (32,553 students vs. 13,599 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern University is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Tufts University is in Medford, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Northeastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Tufts University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern University 16:1; Tufts University 10:1.

Northeastern vs. Tufts Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern 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 Tufts University than Northeastern ($32,367 vs. $34,207).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tufts University are 5.1% lower than at Northeastern University ($18,588 vs. $19,580).
• Tufts University is 6.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northeastern (about $4,542 more per year; $70,704.00 vs. $66,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.9% higher at Tufts than at Northeastern University (about $4,542 more per year; $70,704.00 vs. $66,162.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northeastern University than at Tufts University (66% vs. 39%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tufts University students is 10.9% larger than aid received by Northeastern University students ($55,933 vs. $50,421).

Northeastern vs. Tufts Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northeastern 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 Northeastern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tufts University (1520) is 30 points higher than at Northeastern (1490).
• Incoming Northeastern students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at Tufts (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University 1440/1540; Tufts University 1470/1560.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University 33/35; Tufts University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Tufts - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Jan 1, 2027; Tufts Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northeastern students have the same average high school GPA (3.91) as students at Tufts (3.91).
• Tufts has a higher acceptance rate (11.5%) than Northeastern (5.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 53.8% at Northeastern vs. 45.5% at Tufts.

Northeastern vs. Tufts Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern 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).

• Tufts University's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than Northeastern University's (77%).
• Graduates from Tufts University earn a median of about $13,600 more per year than Northeastern graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $69,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tufts University graduates have a $9,875 lower median loan debt than Northeastern graduates ($18,000 vs. $27,875).
• Among borrowers, Tufts graduates have an estimated $102 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern graduates ($186 vs. $288).
• More Tufts graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern students, three years after graduation. (91% vs. 79%)

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.