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Northeastern University vs Tufts University

Northeastern University is a private university in Boston, MA, and Tufts University is a private university in Medford, MA. Northeastern University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 5% of applicants against 11% at Tufts University. Northeastern University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $30,915 a year against $39,998 at Tufts University. About 93% of students graduate at Tufts University, compared with 90% at Northeastern University. Ten years after enrolling, Northeastern University alumni earn a median of about $92,538, against $83,214 for Tufts University.

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Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private

Tufts University

Medford, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Boston, MA
Medford, MA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
17,326
7,061
Acceptance rate
5%
11%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.52–4
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1440–1540
1470–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$30,915
$39,998
Full cost / yr
$84,641
$88,300
In-state tuition
$66,162
$70,704
Out-of-state tuition
$66,162
$70,704
Application fee
$75
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$2,264
$11,284
$30k - $48k
$2,436
$9,811
$48k - $75k
$5,301
$14,923
$75k - $110k
$16,241
$23,311
Over $110k
$47,696
$58,570
Outcomes
Graduation rate
90%
93%
Freshman retention
97%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$78,413
$68,337
Median earnings (10 yr)
$92,538
$83,214
Median debt at graduation
$24,250
$16,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
12%
12%
First-generation students
19%
15%
International students
14%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
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 Northeastern University or Tufts University harder to get into?
Northeastern University is harder to get into. It admits about 5% 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, Northeastern University or Tufts University?
Northeastern University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $30,915 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 Northeastern University and Tufts University?
Before aid, Northeastern University costs about $84,641 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, Northeastern University or Tufts University?
Northeastern University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,264 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, Northeastern University or Tufts University?
Northeastern University is the larger of the two, with about 17,326 undergraduates against 7,061 at Tufts University.
Does Northeastern University or Tufts University have a better graduation rate?
Tufts University has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 90% at Northeastern University.
Do graduates of Northeastern University or Tufts University earn more?
Northeastern University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $92,538 ten years after enrolling, against about $83,214 for Tufts University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Northeastern University and Tufts University require SAT or ACT scores?
Northeastern 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 Northeastern University and Tufts University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1440–1540 at Northeastern 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