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Boston University vs Tufts University

Boston University is a private university in Boston, MA, and Tufts University is a private university in Medford, MA. Both admit about 11% of applicants. Boston University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $24,402 a year against $39,998 at Tufts University. About 93% of students graduate at Tufts University, compared with 89% at Boston University. Ten years after enrolling, Boston University alumni earn a median of about $83,238, against $83,214 for Tufts University.

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Boston University

Boston, MA · Private

Tufts University

Medford, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Boston, MA
Medford, MA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
18,248
7,061
Acceptance rate
11%
11%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1420–1530
1470–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
32–34
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$24,402
$39,998
Full cost / yr
$86,285
$88,300
In-state tuition
$68,102
$70,704
Out-of-state tuition
$68,102
$70,704
Application fee
$80
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,500
$11,284
$30k - $48k
$9,342
$9,811
$48k - $75k
$11,778
$14,923
$75k - $110k
$22,517
$23,311
Over $110k
$47,504
$58,570
Outcomes
Graduation rate
89%
93%
Freshman retention
95%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$65,655
$68,337
Median earnings (10 yr)
$83,238
$83,214
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$16,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
12%
First-generation students
17%
15%
International students
21%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 2
Nov 2
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 5
Jan 4

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Boston University or Tufts University harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 11% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Boston University or Tufts University?
Boston University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $24,402 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $39,998 at Tufts University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Boston University and Tufts University?
Before aid, Boston University costs about $86,285 a year and Tufts University about $88,300. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Boston University or Tufts University?
Boston University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,500 there, against about $11,284 at Tufts University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Boston University or Tufts University?
Boston University is the larger of the two, with about 18,248 undergraduates against 7,061 at Tufts University.
Does Boston University or Tufts University have a better graduation rate?
Tufts University has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 89% at Boston University.
Do graduates of Boston University or Tufts University earn more?
Boston University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $83,238 ten years after enrolling, against about $83,214 for Tufts University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Boston University and Tufts University require SAT or ACT scores?
Boston University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Tufts University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Boston University and Tufts University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1420–1530 at Boston University and 1470–1560 at Tufts University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school