Tufts University
Medford, Massachusetts · Private Nonprofit · 11.5% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 86/100 · Strong Value
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
Tufts University scores 86 (Strong Value) on the CampusROI scale, a highly selective research university in Medford, Massachusetts. The completion rate is 93.5% and the repayment rate at year 3 is 94.7%. Average 6-year earnings of $56,600 and a 6.2-year payback period reflect a broad program mix that includes many pre-professional and pre-graduate school students with depressed near-term earnings. Median debt of $16,250 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.287 are low. Computer Science leads: 211 graduates at $105,659 year-one and $156,343 year-four, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.147 (A grade). Mathematics earns $110,512 year-one (A grade). Economics has the largest cohort at 217 graduates, $75,125 year-one and $123,809 year-four (A grade). Cognitive Science posts $75,672 year-one and $130,801 year-four. Fine and Studio Arts earns an F grade with $17,154 year-one and debt-to-earnings of 1.472, reflecting the pattern of arts students underemployed near graduation or in early-career positions.
The median graduate earns $83,214 ten years after entry - well above the roughly $53,600 median across the schools we score.
Tufts University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $70,704/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $70,704/yr |
| Average net price | $39,998/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $159,992 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $83,214 |
| Average earnings (6yr post-entry) | $56,600 |
| Median debt at graduation | $16,250 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $172 |
| Estimated payback period | 6.2 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 93.5% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 7,061 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The first number you'll see is the sticker price: $70,704/year, which covers tuition and fees only. After grants, scholarships, and aid, the average student here pays a net price of $39,998/year, or roughly $159,992 over four years. That's the number to plan around.
What you actually pay depends a lot on what your family earns. Families making under $30,000/year pay an average of $11,284/year here, while families earning over $110,000 pay $58,570/year.
Among graduates who borrowed, the median federal loan debt from this school is $16,250, which works out to about $172 a month on the standard 10-year repayment plan. Our debt-to-earnings ratio divides that debt by average earnings six years after entry ($56,600) and comes to 0.29, which in our view is comfortably manageable.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,284 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,811 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,923 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,311 |
| $110,001+ | $58,570 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Students in the 0-30000 bracket pay $11,284 per year - $45,136 over four years. At $56,600 average 6-year earnings and a 6.2-year payback period, the return is strong in aggregate and exceptional for CS and economics graduates. Tufts' aid program makes the institution effectively affordable for low-income students who gain admission.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 30001-48000 bracket pays $9,811 - the lowest net price in the income schedule, reflecting Tufts' strong commitment to middle-income access. The 48001-75000 bracket pays $14,923. The financial case at these price points is compelling across nearly all programs.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning $110,001+ pay $58,570 per year - approximately $234,280 over four years. At this cost, CS, economics, and engineering graduates return their investment within 3-4 years. Fine and Studio Arts, biology (pre-professional), and some humanities programs present less favorable math for full-pay families. Program selection matters significantly at the high-income bracket.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Tufts University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Economics | $123,809 | A |
| Computer Science | $156,343 | A |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $77,998 | B+ |
| Biology | $76,782 | B |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | $79,571 | B+ |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $41,365 | F |
| International Relations | $78,180 | B+ |
| Mechanical Engineering | $101,196 | A |
| Public Health | $75,448 | B+ |
| Biopsychology | $43,343 | B |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Computer Science
Computer Science is Tufts' strongest program: 211 graduates, $105,659 year-one and $156,343 year-four. Debt-to-earnings of 0.147 (ROI grade A). Median debt of $15,500 against $105,659 year-one earnings is exceptional. The four-year trajectory reaches $156k.
Economics
Economics is the largest program at 217 graduates, $75,125 year-one and $123,809 year-four. Debt-to-earnings of 0.238 (ROI grade A). The four-year figure of $123,809 reflects Tufts economics graduates entering finance, consulting, and policy roles that compound well. Median debt of $17,850 is low at these earnings.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering had 79 graduates at $78,441 year-one and $101,196 year-four. Debt-to-earnings of 0.210 (ROI grade A). Median debt of $16,500 is well below the engineering average. The Tufts School of Engineering serves Boston's biomedical and defense industries with direct placement access. Year-four earnings above $100k reflect career progression in a premium engineering labor market.
Cognitive Science
Cognitive Science had 33 graduates at $75,672 year-one and $130,801 year-four. Debt-to-earnings of 0.238 (ROI grade A). This interdisciplinary program, combining neuroscience, CS, and linguistics, feeds into tech, AI research, and clinical neuroscience graduate programs. The $130,801 four-year figure reflects graduates who have advanced into specialized tech or research roles where cognitive science training creates premium value.
International Relations
International Relations had 81 graduates at $67,713 year-one and $78,180 year-four. Debt-to-earnings of 0.262 (ROI grade B+).
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Median of schools we score |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 93.7% | 68.8% |
| 3-year repayment | 94.7% | 73.6% |
| 5-year repayment | 91.7% | 67.7% |
| 7-year repayment | 94.1% | 72.8% |
Completion Rate
Trends Over Time
How Tufts University’s cost and outcomes have moved across College Scorecard releases (2009-2024).
Average Net Price
Completion Rate
Median Earnings, 10 Years After Entry (as reported)
Earnings reflect borrowers measured 10 years after entry and publish on an irregular cadence with a multi-year reporting lag, so this series shows only the years the Department of Education reported - the data is never interpolated.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, release years shown. Net price and completion are reported annually.
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 11.5% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 750-790 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 720-770 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 33-35 |
| Enrollment | 7,061 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 12.0% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $14,205 |
Tufts admits 11.49% of applicants, with SAT mid-ranges of 750-790 Math and 720-770 Reading and an ACT range of 33-35. The institution is notably selective for international affairs and public policy; students targeting those fields face stiff competition even within the admitted pool. Financial aid policy meets full demonstrated need for all admitted students.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tufts University (this school) | 86 | $39,998 | $83,214 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 97 | $31,944 | $114,862 |
| Georgetown University | 93 | $40,815 | $103,494 |
| Emory University | 92 | $22,585 | $80,137 |
| Amherst College | 90 | $23,367 | $77,644 |
| American International College | 38 | $23,274 | $53,124 |
Who Thrives Here
Tufts admits 11.49% of applicants. SAT Math 750-790 and Reading 720-770; ACT 33-35. At 7,061 undergraduates, Tufts is mid-sized for a research university. The Pell grant rate of 12.0% is low, reflecting the income distribution of a highly selective private institution. Tufts' particular draw is international relations, policy, pre-med, and STEM programs with Boston proximity. Students interested in the Fletcher School pipeline, global health, or biomedical research will find institutional strengths here that complement strong program ROI.
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
For most students, Tufts University pays off. You'd pay about $39,998 a year after aid ($159,992 over four years), and the typical graduate earns $83,214 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback - the time it takes for the earnings bump to cover what you spent - at roughly 6.2 years, a solid return.
What it has going for it: its 93.5% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings, high loan repayment success.
On debt, you can breathe a little easier here. Median debt of $16,250 among graduates who borrowed, against average earnings of $56,600 six years after entry, gives a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29: well under 1.0, the point at which debt would equal a full year of those earnings.
Tufts University: Common Questions
Is Tufts University worth it?
In our view, yes - for most students Tufts University pays off. It scores 86/100 on our ROI scale. You'd pay about $39,998 a year after aid ($159,992 over four years), and the typical graduate earns $83,214 ten years after enrollment, so the cost takes roughly 6.2 years to earn back.
How much does Tufts University cost after financial aid?
The average net price - the cost of attendance (tuition, fees, books, supplies and average living costs) minus grants and scholarships, for full-time, first-time students receiving federal aid - is about $39,998 a year, or roughly $159,992 over four years. Because it counts living costs, it can run above tuition alone. That is the number to plan around. Actual cost varies by family income, per the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard.
What do Tufts University graduates earn?
The typical graduate earns about $83,214 ten years after enrolling, roughly $41,414 a year more than the median high-school graduate ($41,800, per NCES, 2022). That earnings gap is what has to cover the cost of the degree.
How long does it take to pay off Tufts University?
We estimate the payback period - the time it takes for the earnings bump over a high-school graduate to cover what you spent - at about 6.2 years for Tufts University. The median across the schools we track is about 12 years.
How much debt do Tufts University graduates take on?
Among graduates who borrowed, median federal loan debt from this school is about $16,250, against average earnings of $56,600 six years after entry - a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29. In our view that is very manageable: well under 1.0, the point at which debt would equal a full year of those earnings.
What is the graduation rate at Tufts University?
The six-year graduation rate is 93.5%, at or above the 64% national average for four-year schools (NCES, 2022). Completion is 15% of our ROI score, since a degree you don't finish rarely pays back.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.