Tufts University campus
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Tufts University

Medford, MA · Private · 7,061 students

Acceptance rate

11.5%

SAT (mid 50%)

1470–1560

Avg net price

$39,998

after aid

Testing

Optional

2027 cycle

Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and the Tufts University admissions site.

Your chances

How hard is it to get in?

Tufts University admitted 11.5% of applicants in its most recent reported class. That’s a low rate. Treat it as a reach unless the rest of your profile is very strong.

Here’s where admitted students landed on tests. The middle 50% score 1470–1560 on the SAT and 33–35 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention. They don’t decide it.

The real question isn’t your odds. It’s your move. That’s where Spike comes in. It reads your profile against what Tufts University actually rewards, then tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

Applying

Here’s what to send, and when.

  • TestingOptional (2027 cycle)

Verified from https://www.tufts.edu.

The essays

Here are the supplemental essay prompts.

The current prompts, straight from the application. They change year to year. Most guides you’ll find are a cycle behind.

  • Please describe how you have learned about and engaged with Tufts during your college search process

    Up to 150 words

  • Tell us about one of your favorite school assignments in the past two years. What was the assignment and why did you enjoy it?

    Up to 200 words

  • Tell us about an engineering or science-related project that you have helped build, design, create, or iterate in the past two years. What was the project and what was your role?

    Up to 200 words

  • Tell us more about a specific piece in your portfolio. What were the ideas you intended to explore, and how did those ideas inform the process of making the piece?

    Up to 200 words

  • Tell us more about a specific piece in your portfolio. How did an academic course, project, or interest inspire the ideas that you explored in this piece? Or, how did making this piece influence your academic interests?

    Up to 200 words

Every prompt, with how to approach each →

Verified from https://www.tufts.edu.

Cost and aid

What will you actually pay?

The sticker price is about $88,300. That isn’t what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $39,998.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $83,214.

Verified from https://www.tufts.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

Academics

These are the most popular majors.

  • Economics10% of degrees
  • Computer Science10% of degrees
  • International Relations and National Security Studies7% of degrees
  • Biology, General7% of degrees
  • Research and Experimental Psychology4% of degrees
  • Fine and Studio Arts4% of degrees

Quick answers

What do people ask about Tufts University?

Is Tufts University test-optional?
For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at Tufts University is optional.
How hard is it to get into Tufts University?
Very hard. Tufts University admits 11.5% of applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students score 1470 to 1560 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
How much does Tufts University cost?
The list price is about $88,300. After aid, families pay $39,998 on average.
Is Tufts University worth it?
Graduates earn a median of $83,214 ten years after enrolling. 93% of students graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals. That’s what Spike helps you weigh.

Launching soon

Ask Spike anything about Tufts University.

Spike answers from Tufts University’s own site, then helps you figure out your move.