Northeastern University vs Tufts University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Northeastern University and Tufts University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Northeastern University vs Tufts University at a glance
Northeastern University admits 5.2% of applicants and Tufts University 11.5% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $17,850 at Northeastern University and $38,797 at Tufts University. Six-year graduation rates are 90.7% and 93.6%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Northeastern University admits 5.2% of applicants and Tufts University 11.5%, so Northeastern University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $17,850 a year at Northeastern University and $38,797 at Tufts University; Northeastern University costs $20,947 less a year.
- 90.7% of students graduate within six years at Northeastern University, against 93.6% at Tufts University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $99,371 for Northeastern University and $89,187 for Tufts University; Northeastern University is $10,184 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $20,000 at Northeastern University and $16,250 at Tufts University.
- Northeastern University enrolls 17,326 students (large city) and Tufts University 7,061 (large suburb).
Side by side
Northeastern University and Tufts University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Northeastern University | Tufts University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 5.2% | 11.5% |
| Applicants | 75,244 | 31,198 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1440–1540 | 1470–1560 |
| ACT middle 50% | 33–35 | 33–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $17,850 | $38,797 |
| Tuition, in state | $69,289 | $73,616 |
| Tuition, out of state | $69,289 | $73,616 |
| Cost of attendance | $88,412 | $92,054 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | Not reported | $4,195 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | Not reported | $10,240 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $2,038 | $16,897 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $11,758 | $29,497 |
| Over $110,000 | $35,152 | $57,862 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 90.7% | 93.6% |
| First-year retention | 96.9% | 95.5% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $99,371 | $89,187 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $20,000 | $16,250 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $227 | $185 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 17,326 | 7,061 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | Suburb: Large |
| Location | Boston, MA | Medford, MA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Northeastern University reports 77 bachelor's programs and Tufts University 60; 33 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Northeastern University vs Tufts University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Northeastern University or Tufts University?
Northeastern University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Northeastern University admits 5.2% of applicants and Tufts University admits 11.5%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Northeastern University 1440–1540; Tufts University 1470–1560.
Which is cheaper, Northeastern University or Tufts University?
Northeastern University has the lower average net price after grants: $17,850 a year at Northeastern University against $38,797 at Tufts University. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Northeastern University or Tufts University graduates earn more?
Northeastern University graduates earn more at the median: $99,371 ten years after entry for Northeastern University and $89,187 for Tufts University. Median federal debt at graduation is $20,000 and $16,250.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Northeastern University or Tufts University?
Tufts University does: 90.7% of Northeastern University students graduate within six years, against 93.6% at Tufts University.
How big are Northeastern University and Tufts University?
Northeastern University has 17,326 students in Boston, MA and Tufts University has 7,061 students in Medford, MA.