Tufts University vs MIT: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Tufts University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Tufts University vs MIT at a glance
Tufts University admits 11.5% of applicants and MIT 4.6% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $38,797 at Tufts University and $14,815 at MIT. Six-year graduation rates are 93.6% and 95.7%, 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 MIT 4.6%, so MIT is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $38,797 a year at Tufts University and $14,815 at MIT; MIT costs $23,982 less a year.
- 93.6% of students graduate within six years at Tufts University, against 95.7% at MIT.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $89,187 for Tufts University and $152,553 for MIT; MIT is $63,366 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $16,250 at Tufts University and $14,000 at MIT.
- Tufts University enrolls 7,061 students (large suburb) and MIT 4,535 (midsize city).
Side by side
Tufts University and MIT 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 | MIT |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 11.5% | 4.6% |
| Applicants | 31,198 | 33,240 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1470–1560 | 1520–1580 |
| ACT middle 50% | 33–35 | 34–36 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $38,797 | $14,815 |
| Tuition, in state | $73,616 | $64,730 |
| Tuition, out of state | $73,616 | $64,730 |
| Cost of attendance | $92,054 | $85,960 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $4,195 | Not reported |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $10,240 | Not reported |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $16,897 | $4,283 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $29,497 | $8,020 |
| Over $110,000 | $57,862 | $50,747 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 93.6% | 95.7% |
| First-year retention | 95.5% | 99.1% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $89,187 | $152,553 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $16,250 | $14,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $185 | $159 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 7,061 | 4,535 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | Suburb: Large | City: Midsize |
| Location | Medford, MA | Cambridge, 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 MIT 39; 24 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Tufts University vs MIT
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Tufts University or MIT?
MIT is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Tufts University admits 11.5% of applicants and MIT admits 4.6%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Tufts University 1470–1560; MIT 1520–1580.
Which is cheaper, Tufts University or MIT?
MIT has the lower average net price after grants: $38,797 a year at Tufts University against $14,815 at MIT. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Tufts University or MIT graduates earn more?
MIT graduates earn more at the median: $89,187 ten years after entry for Tufts University and $152,553 for MIT. Median federal debt at graduation is $16,250 and $14,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Tufts University or MIT?
MIT does: 93.6% of Tufts University students graduate within six years, against 95.7% at MIT.
How big are Tufts University and MIT?
Tufts University has 7,061 students in Medford, MA and MIT has 4,535 students in Cambridge, MA.