Tufts University vs Brown University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Tufts University and Brown University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Tufts University vs Brown University at a glance
Tufts University admits 11.5% of applicants and Brown University 5.4% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $38,797 at Tufts University and $26,976 at Brown University. Six-year graduation rates are 93.6% and 95.6%, 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 Brown University 5.4%, so Brown University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $38,797 a year at Tufts University and $26,976 at Brown University; Brown University costs $11,821 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $4,195 at Tufts University and $39 at Brown University.
- 93.6% of students graduate within six years at Tufts University, against 95.6% at Brown University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $89,187 for Tufts University and $99,974 for Brown University; Brown University is $10,787 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $16,250 at Tufts University and $14,567 at Brown University.
- Tufts University enrolls 7,061 students (large suburb) and Brown University 7,226 (midsize city).
Side by side
Tufts University and Brown 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 | Brown University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 11.5% | 5.4% |
| Applicants | 31,198 | 46,568 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1470–1560 | 1510–1580 |
| ACT middle 50% | 33–35 | 34–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $38,797 | $26,976 |
| Tuition, in state | $73,616 | $74,650 |
| Tuition, out of state | $73,616 | $74,650 |
| Cost of attendance | $92,054 | $91,676 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $4,195 | $39 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $10,240 | $228 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $16,897 | $10,079 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $29,497 | $24,827 |
| Over $110,000 | $57,862 | $48,459 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 93.6% | 95.6% |
| First-year retention | 95.5% | 98.8% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $89,187 | $99,974 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $16,250 | $14,567 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $185 | $166 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 7,061 | 7,226 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | Suburb: Large | City: Midsize |
| Location | Medford, MA | Providence, RI |
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 Brown University 59; 37 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Tufts University vs Brown University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Tufts University or Brown University?
Brown University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Tufts University admits 11.5% of applicants and Brown University admits 5.4%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Tufts University 1470–1560; Brown University 1510–1580.
Which is cheaper, Tufts University or Brown University?
Brown University has the lower average net price after grants: $38,797 a year at Tufts University against $26,976 at Brown University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $4,195 and $39. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Tufts University or Brown University graduates earn more?
Brown University graduates earn more at the median: $89,187 ten years after entry for Tufts University and $99,974 for Brown University. Median federal debt at graduation is $16,250 and $14,567.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Tufts University or Brown University?
Brown University does: 93.6% of Tufts University students graduate within six years, against 95.6% at Brown University.
How big are Tufts University and Brown University?
Tufts University has 7,061 students in Medford, MA and Brown University has 7,226 students in Providence, RI.