Tufts vs. Lehigh

Comparable Facts

Compare Tufts University in Medford, MA with Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Tufts University is larger than Lehigh based on total student enrollment (13,599 students vs. 7,692 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Tufts University is located in Medford, MA (Large Suburban setting); Lehigh University is in Bethlehem, PA (Small City setting).
• Tufts University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lehigh University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Tufts University 10:1; Lehigh University 10:1.

Tufts vs. Lehigh Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Tufts or Lehigh? 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 Tufts University than Lehigh ($32,367 vs. $34,154).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lehigh University are 7.4% lower than at Tufts University ($17,220 vs. $18,588).
• Tufts University is 8.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lehigh (about $5,724 more per year; $70,704.00 vs. $64,980.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.8% higher at Tufts than at Lehigh University (about $5,724 more per year; $70,704.00 vs. $64,980.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lehigh University than at Tufts University (65% vs. 39%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tufts University students is 19.7% larger than aid received by Lehigh University students ($55,933 vs. $46,731).

Tufts vs. Lehigh Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tufts University (1520) is 80 points higher than at Lehigh (1440).
• Incoming Tufts students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 32 at Lehigh).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tufts University 1470/1560; Lehigh University 1370/1500.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tufts University 33/35; Lehigh University 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Tufts - Test optional; Lehigh - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Tufts Jan 1, 2027; Lehigh Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tufts students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Lehigh (3.81).
• Lehigh has a higher acceptance rate (25.9%) than Tufts (11.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 45.5% at Tufts vs. 28.4% at Lehigh.

Tufts vs. Lehigh Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Tufts and Lehigh? 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 Lehigh University's (87%).
• Graduates from Lehigh University earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than Tufts graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,200 vs. $83,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tufts University graduates have a $6,256 lower median loan debt than Lehigh graduates ($18,000 vs. $24,256).
• Among borrowers, Tufts graduates have an estimated $64 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lehigh graduates ($186 vs. $250).
• More Tufts graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lehigh students, three years after graduation. (91% vs. 89%)

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.