Tufts University vs Amherst College: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Tufts University and Amherst College, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Tufts University vs Amherst College at a glance
Tufts University admits 11.5% of applicants and Amherst College 9% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $38,797 at Tufts University and $19,536 at Amherst College. Six-year graduation rates are 93.6% and 92.6%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Tufts University admits 11.5% of applicants and Amherst College 9%, so Amherst College is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $38,797 a year at Tufts University and $19,536 at Amherst College; Amherst College costs $19,261 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $4,195 at Tufts University and $2,424 at Amherst College.
- 93.6% of students graduate within six years at Tufts University, against 92.6% at Amherst College.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $89,187 for Tufts University and $95,161 for Amherst College; Amherst College is $5,974 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $16,250 at Tufts University and $13,250 at Amherst College.
- Tufts University enrolls 7,061 students (large suburb) and Amherst College 1,911 (large suburb).
Side by side
Tufts University and Amherst College 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 | Tufts University | Amherst College |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 11.5% | 9% |
| Applicants | 31,198 | 13,999 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1470–1560 | 1490–1580 |
| ACT middle 50% | 33–35 | 33–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $38,797 | $19,536 |
| Tuition, in state | $73,616 | $73,830 |
| Tuition, out of state | $73,616 | $73,830 |
| Cost of attendance | $92,054 | $90,670 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $4,195 | $2,424 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $10,240 | $3,063 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $16,897 | $13,814 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $29,497 | $17,999 |
| Over $110,000 | $57,862 | $49,700 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 93.6% | 92.6% |
| First-year retention | 95.5% | 97.3% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $89,187 | $95,161 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $16,250 | $13,250 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $185 | $151 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 7,061 | 1,911 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | Suburb: Large | Suburb: Large |
| Location | Medford, MA | Amherst, 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
Tufts University reports 60 bachelor's programs and Amherst College 34; 29 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Tufts University vs Amherst College
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Tufts University or Amherst College?
Amherst College is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Tufts University admits 11.5% of applicants and Amherst College admits 9%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Tufts University 1470–1560; Amherst College 1490–1580.
Which is cheaper, Tufts University or Amherst College?
Amherst College has the lower average net price after grants: $38,797 a year at Tufts University against $19,536 at Amherst College. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $4,195 and $2,424. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Tufts University or Amherst College graduates earn more?
Amherst College graduates earn more at the median: $89,187 ten years after entry for Tufts University and $95,161 for Amherst College. Median federal debt at graduation is $16,250 and $13,250.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Tufts University or Amherst College?
Tufts University does: 93.6% of Tufts University students graduate within six years, against 92.6% at Amherst College.
How big are Tufts University and Amherst College?
Tufts University has 7,061 students in Medford, MA and Amherst College has 1,911 students in Amherst, MA.