Tufts vs. Union College

Comparable Facts

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

Tufts University is larger than Union College based on total student enrollment (13,599 students vs. 2,065 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Tufts vs. Union College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Tufts or Union 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 Tufts University than Union College ($32,367 vs. $42,137).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union College are 8.5% lower than at Tufts University ($17,010 vs. $18,588).
• Tufts University is 2.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Union College (about $1,665 more per year; $70,704.00 vs. $69,039.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.4% higher at Tufts than at Union College (about $1,665 more per year; $70,704.00 vs. $69,039.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union College than at Tufts University (96% vs. 39%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tufts University students is 31.5% larger than aid received by Union College students ($55,933 vs. $42,534).

Tufts vs. Union College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tufts University (1520) is 120 points higher than at Union College (1400).
• Incoming Tufts students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 31 at Union College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tufts University 1470/1560; Union College 1310/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tufts University 33/35; Union College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Tufts - Test optional; Union College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Tufts Jan 1, 2027; Union College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tufts students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Union College (3.5).
• Union College has a higher acceptance rate (43.9%) than Tufts (11.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 45.5% at Tufts vs. 13.9% at Union College.

Tufts vs. Union College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Tufts and Union 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 Union College's (86%).
• Graduates from Tufts University earn a median of about $8,900 more per year than Union College graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $74,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tufts University graduates have a $9,000 lower median loan debt than Union College graduates ($18,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Tufts graduates have an estimated $93 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union College graduates ($186 vs. $279).
• More Tufts graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union College 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.