Tufts vs. Vanderbilt

Comparable Facts

Compare Tufts University in Medford, MA with Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Tufts University is larger than Vanderbilt based on total student enrollment (13,599 students vs. 13,575 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Tufts University is located in Medford, MA (Large Suburban setting); Vanderbilt University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Tufts University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Vanderbilt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Tufts University 10:1; Vanderbilt University 8:1.

Tufts vs. Vanderbilt Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Tufts or Vanderbilt? 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 Vanderbilt University than Tufts ($25,186 vs. $32,367).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tufts University are 15.7% lower than at Vanderbilt University ($18,588 vs. $22,054).
• Tufts University is 4.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Vanderbilt (about $3,206 more per year; $70,704.00 vs. $67,498.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.7% higher at Tufts than at Vanderbilt University (about $3,206 more per year; $70,704.00 vs. $67,498.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Vanderbilt University than at Tufts University (67% vs. 39%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanderbilt University students is 15.1% larger than aid received by Tufts University students ($64,404 vs. $55,933).

Tufts vs. Vanderbilt Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vanderbilt University (1540) is 20 points higher than at Tufts (1520).
• Incoming Tufts students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at Vanderbilt (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tufts University 1470/1560; Vanderbilt University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tufts University 33/35; Vanderbilt University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Tufts - Test optional; Vanderbilt - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Tufts Jan 1, 2027; Vanderbilt Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tufts students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Vanderbilt (3.89).
• Tufts has a higher acceptance rate (11.5%) than Vanderbilt (5.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 45.5% at Tufts vs. 61.2% at Vanderbilt.

Tufts vs. Vanderbilt Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Tufts and Vanderbilt? 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).

• Vanderbilt University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Tufts University's (90%).
• Graduates of Tufts University and Vanderbilt have equivalent median earnings about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $83,100), per the federal College Scorecard cohort (typically among students working and not enrolled).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vanderbilt University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Tufts graduates ($14,000 vs. $18,000).
• Among borrowers, Vanderbilt graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tufts graduates ($144 vs. $186).
• More Tufts graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Vanderbilt students, three years after graduation. (91% vs. 83%)

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.