Tufts University vs Boston University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Tufts University and Boston University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Tufts University vs Boston University at a glance
Tufts University admits 11.5% of applicants and Boston University 11.1% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $38,797 at Tufts University and $36,503 at Boston University. Six-year graduation rates are 93.6% and 89.5%, 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 Boston University 11.1%, so both are about equally selective.
- The average net price after grants is $38,797 a year at Tufts University and $36,503 at Boston University; Boston University costs $2,294 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $4,195 at Tufts University and $16,336 at Boston University.
- 93.6% of students graduate within six years at Tufts University, against 89.5% at Boston University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $89,187 for Tufts University and $89,087 for Boston University; Tufts University is $100 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $16,250 at Tufts University and $17,500 at Boston University.
- Tufts University enrolls 7,061 students (large suburb) and Boston University 18,248 (large city).
Side by side
Tufts University and Boston 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 | Tufts University | Boston University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 11.5% | 11.1% |
| Applicants | 31,198 | 75,778 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1470–1560 | 1420–1530 |
| ACT middle 50% | 33–35 | 32–34 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $38,797 | $36,503 |
| Tuition, in state | $73,616 | $71,372 |
| Tuition, out of state | $73,616 | $71,372 |
| Cost of attendance | $92,054 | $90,106 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $4,195 | $16,336 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $10,240 | $39,763 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $16,897 | $52,880 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $29,497 | $70,352 |
| Over $110,000 | $57,862 | $83,101 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 93.6% | 89.5% |
| First-year retention | 95.5% | 94.7% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $89,187 | $89,087 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $16,250 | $17,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $185 | $199 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 7,061 | 18,248 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | Suburb: Large | City: Large |
| Location | Medford, MA | Boston, 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 Boston University 80; 41 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Tufts University vs Boston University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Tufts University or Boston University?
Boston University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Tufts University admits 11.5% of applicants and Boston University admits 11.1%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Tufts University 1470–1560; Boston University 1420–1530.
Which is cheaper, Tufts University or Boston University?
Boston University has the lower average net price after grants: $38,797 a year at Tufts University against $36,503 at Boston University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $4,195 and $16,336. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Tufts University or Boston University graduates earn more?
Tufts University graduates earn more at the median: $89,187 ten years after entry for Tufts University and $89,087 for Boston University. Median federal debt at graduation is $16,250 and $17,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Tufts University or Boston University?
Tufts University does: 93.6% of Tufts University students graduate within six years, against 89.5% at Boston University.
How big are Tufts University and Boston University?
Tufts University has 7,061 students in Medford, MA and Boston University has 18,248 students in Boston, MA.