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University of Massachusetts-Boston vs Tufts University

University of Massachusetts-Boston is a public university in Boston, MA, and Tufts University is a private university in Medford, MA. Tufts University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 11% of applicants against 84% at University of Massachusetts-Boston. University of Massachusetts-Boston is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,707 a year against $39,998 at Tufts University. About 93% of students graduate at Tufts University, compared with 50% at University of Massachusetts-Boston. Ten years after enrolling, Tufts University alumni earn a median of about $83,214, against $65,865 for University of Massachusetts-Boston.

University of Massachusetts-Boston

Boston, MA · Public

Tufts University

Medford, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Boston, MA
Medford, MA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
11,512
7,061
Acceptance rate
84%
11%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.38–3.88
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1070–1290
1470–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
22–29
33–35
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,707
$39,998
Full cost / yr
$30,544
$88,300
In-state tuition
$15,908
$70,704
Out-of-state tuition
$38,125
$70,704
Application fee
$60
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,070
$11,284
$30k - $48k
$13,558
$9,811
$48k - $75k
$15,663
$14,923
$75k - $110k
$20,885
$23,311
Over $110k
$25,571
$58,570
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
93%
Freshman retention
70%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,521
$68,337
Median earnings (10 yr)
$65,865
$83,214
Median debt at graduation
$21,974
$16,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
42%
12%
First-generation students
43%
15%
International students
7%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 2
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 15
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 University of Massachusetts-Boston or Tufts University harder to get into?
Tufts University is harder to get into. It admits about 11% of applicants, compared with 84% at University of Massachusetts-Boston. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Massachusetts-Boston or Tufts University?
University of Massachusetts-Boston is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,707 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 University of Massachusetts-Boston and Tufts University?
Before aid, University of Massachusetts-Boston costs about $30,544 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, University of Massachusetts-Boston or Tufts University?
Tufts University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,284 there, against about $14,070 at University of Massachusetts-Boston. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Massachusetts-Boston or Tufts University?
University of Massachusetts-Boston is the larger of the two, with about 11,512 undergraduates against 7,061 at Tufts University.
Does University of Massachusetts-Boston or Tufts University have a better graduation rate?
Tufts University has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 50% at University of Massachusetts-Boston.
Do graduates of University of Massachusetts-Boston or Tufts University earn more?
Tufts University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $83,214 ten years after enrolling, against about $65,865 for University of Massachusetts-Boston. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Massachusetts-Boston and Tufts University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Massachusetts-Boston considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Tufts University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Massachusetts-Boston and Tufts University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1070–1290 at University of Massachusetts-Boston 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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