Tufts vs. Colgate

Comparable Facts

Compare Tufts University in Medford, MA with Colgate University in Hamilton, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Tufts University is larger than Colgate based on total student enrollment (13,599 students vs. 3,211 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Tufts University is located in Medford, MA (Large Suburban setting); Colgate University is in Hamilton, NY (Distant Town setting).
• Tufts University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Colgate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Tufts University 10:1; Colgate University 9:1.

Tufts vs. Colgate Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Tufts or Colgate? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Colgate University than Tufts ($28,736 vs. $32,367).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colgate University are 5.3% lower than at Tufts University ($17,610 vs. $18,588).
• Tufts University is 0.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Colgate (about $398 more per year; $70,704.00 vs. $70,306.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.6% higher at Tufts than at Colgate University (about $398 more per year; $70,704.00 vs. $70,306.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Colgate University than at Tufts University (43% vs. 39%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colgate University students is 4.3% larger than aid received by Tufts University students ($58,334 vs. $55,933).

Tufts vs. Colgate Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Tufts or Colgate? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Colgate and Tufts.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tufts University (1520) is 30 points higher than at Colgate (1490).
• Incoming Tufts students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 33 at Colgate).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tufts University 1470/1560; Colgate University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tufts University 33/35; Colgate University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Tufts - Test optional; Colgate - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Tufts Jan 1, 2027; Colgate Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tufts students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Colgate (3.77).
• Colgate has a higher acceptance rate (13.9%) than Tufts (11.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 45.5% at Tufts vs. 28.7% at Colgate.

Tufts vs. Colgate Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Tufts and Colgate? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Colgate University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Tufts University's (90%).
• Graduates from Tufts University earn a median of about $7,800 more per year than Colgate graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $75,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colgate University graduates have a $1,875 lower median loan debt than Tufts graduates ($16,125 vs. $18,000).
• Among borrowers, Colgate graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tufts graduates ($166 vs. $186).
• More Tufts graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Colgate students, three years after graduation. (91% vs. 86%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.