Tufts vs. Worcester State University

Comparable Facts

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

Tufts University is larger than Worcester State University based on total student enrollment (13,599 students vs. 5,745 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Tufts vs. Worcester State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Tufts or Worcester State University? 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 Worcester State University than Tufts ($12,778 vs. $32,367).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Worcester State University are 23% lower than at Tufts University ($14,307 vs. $18,588).
• Tufts University is 499.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Worcester State University (about $58,918 more per year; $70,704.00 vs. $11,786.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 295.7% higher at Tufts than at Worcester State University (about $52,838 more per year; $70,704.00 vs. $17,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Worcester State University than at Tufts University (80% vs. 39%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tufts University students is 491% larger than aid received by Worcester State University students ($55,933 vs. $9,464).

Tufts vs. Worcester State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Tufts or Worcester State University? 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 Worcester State University and Tufts.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tufts University (1520) is 370 points higher than at Worcester State University (1150).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tufts University 1470/1560; Worcester State University 1026/1283.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tufts University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Tufts - Test optional; Worcester State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Tufts Jan 1, 2027; Worcester State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tufts students have a 0.61 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Worcester State University (3.3).
• Worcester State University has a higher acceptance rate (88%) than Tufts (11.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 45.5% at Tufts vs. 16.7% at Worcester State University.

Tufts vs. Worcester State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Tufts and Worcester State University? 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 Worcester State University's (47%).
• Graduates from Tufts University earn a median of about $33,900 more per year than Worcester State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $49,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tufts University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Worcester State University graduates ($18,000 vs. $20,000).
• Among borrowers, Tufts graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Worcester State University graduates ($186 vs. $206).
• More Tufts graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Worcester State University students, three years after graduation. (91% vs. 66%)

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.