Tufts vs. F&M

Comparable Facts

Compare Tufts University in Medford, MA with Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Tufts University is larger than F&M based on total student enrollment (13,599 students vs. 1,808 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Tufts University is located in Medford, MA (Large Suburban setting); Franklin and Marshall College is in Lancaster, PA (Small City setting).
• Tufts University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Franklin and Marshall College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Tufts University 10:1; Franklin and Marshall College 9:1.

Tufts vs. F&M Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Tufts or F&M? 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 F&M ($32,367 vs. $43,987).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Franklin and Marshall College are 12.9% lower than at Tufts University ($16,188 vs. $18,588).
• Franklin and Marshall College is 0.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tufts (about $90 more per year; $70,794.00 vs. $70,704.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.1% higher at F&M than at Tufts University (about $90 more per year; $70,794.00 vs. $70,704.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Franklin and Marshall College than at Tufts University (80% vs. 39%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tufts University students is 33.5% larger than aid received by Franklin and Marshall College students ($55,933 vs. $41,901).

Tufts vs. F&M Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Tufts or F&M? 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 F&M and Tufts.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tufts University (1520) is 130 points higher than at F&M (1390).
• Incoming Tufts students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 31 at F&M).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tufts University 1470/1560; Franklin and Marshall College 1310/1463.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tufts University 33/35; Franklin and Marshall College 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Tufts - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); F&M - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Tufts Jan 1, 2027; F&M Jan 15, 2027.
• F&M has a higher acceptance rate (28.2%) than Tufts (11.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 45.5% at Tufts vs. 17.1% at F&M.

Tufts vs. F&M Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Tufts and F&M? 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 Franklin and Marshall College's (85%).
• Graduates from Tufts University earn a median of about $21,200 more per year than F&M graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $61,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tufts University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than F&M graduates ($18,000 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, Tufts graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than F&M graduates ($186 vs. $227).
• More Tufts graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former F&M students, three years after graduation. (91% vs. 88%)

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.