UChicago vs. Tufts

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Chicago in Chicago, IL with Tufts University in Medford, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Chicago is larger than Tufts based on total student enrollment (18,566 students vs. 13,599 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Tufts University is in Medford, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Tufts University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Chicago 5:1; Tufts University 10:1.

UChicago vs. Tufts Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UChicago or Tufts? 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 University of Chicago than Tufts ($28,060 vs. $32,367).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tufts University are 7.6% lower than at University of Chicago ($18,588 vs. $20,109).
• Tufts University is 0.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than UChicago (about $42 more per year; $70,704.00 vs. $70,662.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.1% higher at Tufts than at University of Chicago (about $42 more per year; $70,704.00 vs. $70,662.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Chicago than at Tufts University (47% vs. 39%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Chicago students is 11.4% larger than aid received by Tufts University students ($62,300 vs. $55,933).

UChicago vs. Tufts Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Chicago (1550) is 30 points higher than at Tufts (1520).
• Incoming UChicago students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at Tufts (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 1510/1580; Tufts University 1470/1560.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 34/35; Tufts University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UChicago - Test optional; Tufts - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Tufts Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UChicago students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Tufts (3.91).
• Tufts has a higher acceptance rate (11.5%) than UChicago (4.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 88.3% at UChicago vs. 45.5% at Tufts.

UChicago vs. Tufts Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UChicago and Tufts? 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).

• University of Chicago's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Tufts University's (90%).
• Graduates from University of Chicago earn a median of about $15,400 more per year than Tufts graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,500 vs. $83,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Chicago graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Tufts graduates ($14,500 vs. $18,000).
• Among borrowers, UChicago graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tufts graduates ($149 vs. $186).
• More Tufts graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UChicago 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.