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Harvard University vs Tufts University

Harvard University is a private university in Cambridge, MA. Tufts University is a private university in Medford, MA. Harvard University admits about 4% of applicants and Tufts University about 11%, making Harvard University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $19,066 a year at Harvard University after aid, and about $39,998 at Tufts University. About 97% of students graduate at Harvard University, compared with 93% at Tufts University. Ten years after enrolling, Harvard University alumni earn a median of about $101,817, against $83,214 for Tufts University.

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Harvard University

Cambridge, MA · Private

Tufts University

Medford, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Cambridge, MA
Medford, MA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,601
7,061
Acceptance rate
4%
11%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1580
1470–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
34–36
33–35
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,066
$39,998
Full cost / yr
$85,540
$88,300
In-state tuition
$61,676
$70,704
Out-of-state tuition
$61,676
$70,704
Application fee
$85
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$8,697
$11,284
$30k - $48k
$2,991
$9,811
$48k - $75k
$2,091
$14,923
$75k - $110k
$9,941
$23,311
Over $110k
$53,337
$58,570
Outcomes
Graduation rate
97%
93%
Freshman retention
98%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$99,572
$68,337
Median earnings (10 yr)
$101,817
$83,214
Median debt at graduation
$14,000
$16,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
12%
First-generation students
26%
15%
International students
15%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 2
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 1
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 Harvard University or Tufts University harder to get into?
Harvard University is harder to get into. It admits about 4% of applicants, compared with 11% at Tufts University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Harvard University or Tufts University?
Harvard University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,066 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 Harvard University and Tufts University?
Before aid, Harvard University costs about $85,540 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, Harvard University or Tufts University?
Harvard University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,697 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, Harvard University or Tufts University?
Harvard University is the larger of the two, with about 7,601 undergraduates against 7,061 at Tufts University.
Does Harvard University or Tufts University have a better graduation rate?
Harvard University has the higher graduation rate, at about 97% against 93% at Tufts University.
Do graduates of Harvard University or Tufts University earn more?
Harvard University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $101,817 ten years after enrolling, against about $83,214 for Tufts University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Harvard University and Tufts University require SAT or ACT scores?
Harvard University requires SAT or ACT scores. Tufts University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Harvard University and Tufts University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at Harvard 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?

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