Tufts vs. Hamilton College

Comparable Facts

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

Tufts University is larger than Hamilton College based on total student enrollment (13,599 students vs. 2,031 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Tufts vs. Hamilton College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Tufts or Hamilton College? 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 Hamilton College than Tufts ($28,719 vs. $32,367).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hamilton College are 5.8% lower than at Tufts University ($17,510 vs. $18,588).
• Tufts University is 2.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hamilton College (about $1,744 more per year; $70,704.00 vs. $68,960.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.5% higher at Tufts than at Hamilton College (about $1,744 more per year; $70,704.00 vs. $68,960.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hamilton College than at Tufts University (56% vs. 39%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tufts University students is 0.8% larger than aid received by Hamilton College students ($55,933 vs. $55,511).

Tufts vs. Hamilton College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Tufts or Hamilton College? 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 Hamilton College and Tufts.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tufts University (1520) is 20 points higher than at Hamilton College (1500).
• Incoming Tufts students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at Hamilton College (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tufts University 1470/1560; Hamilton College 1450/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tufts University 33/35; Hamilton College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Tufts - Test optional; Hamilton College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Tufts Jan 1, 2027; Hamilton College Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tufts students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Hamilton College (3.87).
• Hamilton College has a higher acceptance rate (13.6%) than Tufts (11.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 45.5% at Tufts vs. 39% at Hamilton College.

Tufts vs. Hamilton College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Tufts and Hamilton College? 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).

• Tufts University's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than Hamilton College's (89%).
• Graduates from Tufts University earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than Hamilton College graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $79,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have a $2,240 lower median loan debt than Tufts graduates ($15,760 vs. $18,000).
• Among borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tufts graduates ($162 vs. $186).
• More Tufts graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Hamilton College students, three years after graduation. (91% vs. 90%)

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.