Tufts University's published cost of attendance is $84,600 per year, consisting of $67,844 in tuition, $17,660 for room and board, and $1,000 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $35,435 after financial aid, representing savings of $49,165 from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $84,600 |
| Tuition and Fees | $67,844 |
| Room and Board | $17,660 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$49,165 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $35,435 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $10,526 |
| $30–48k | $11,995 |
| $48–75k | $14,963 |
| $75–110k | $26,964 |
| $110k+ | $53,400 |
Tufts University's published cost of attendance is $84,600 per year, consisting of $67,844 in tuition, $17,660 for room and board, and $1,000 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $35,435 after financial aid, representing savings of $49,165 from the sticker price. This net price exceeds the peer median of $27,143 by $8,292, reflecting the premium costs typical of highly selective private universities.
The financial aid system provides substantial support, with average aid covering 58% of total costs. Net prices vary significantly by family income, ranging from $10,526 for families earning under $30,000 to $53,400 for families earning over $110,000. This progressive pricing structure targets aid toward lower-income families while maintaining higher costs for families with greater financial capacity.
Tufts' financial aid system demonstrates substantial investment in making education accessible across income levels, with average aid of $49,165 covering 58% of total costs. The 11.6% Pell share indicates moderate enrollment of lower-income students, typical for highly selective private institutions where competitive admission processes can limit access despite generous aid policies.
Low-income students who gain admission benefit from net prices of $10,526, making Tufts competitive with public institutions for this population. The aid structure concentrates support at lower income levels, with dramatic increases in net price as family income rises above $75,000.
This approach reflects institutional priorities to maintain economic diversity while generating revenue from full-paying families. The combination of high sticker prices and targeted aid creates a two-tiered pricing system where actual costs depend heavily on family financial circumstances and aid eligibility.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Tufts graduates carry a median debt of $16,250, ranking at the 83.0th percentile and falling well below the peer median of $24,181 by $7,931. Debt levels range from $8,000 at the 25th percentile to $22,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating most students graduate with manageable borrowing levels.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20 suggests sustainable repayment capacity, with annual loan payments representing approximately 20% of first-year earnings. Parent PLUS loans average $39,299 with monthly payments of $518, requiring additional family financial planning beyond student borrowing.
The combination of controlled student debt and strong earnings creates favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability. However, families should consider total educational investment including both student and parent borrowing when evaluating affordability.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Tufts delivers a mixed return on educational investment, combining strong absolute earnings with concerning value-added performance. Graduates earn $20,148 more than the peer median, demonstrating clear earnings advantages compared to typical four-year institutions.
However, graduates earn $22,647 less than expectations given their academic credentials, ranking in the 1.4th percentile for earnings beyond expectations and suggesting the institution underperforms relative to student quality. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20 remains manageable, with median debt of $16,250 representing a reasonable investment given $83,214 median earnings.
Net costs of $35,435 exceed peer institutions by $8,292, requiring families to weigh premium pricing against career outcomes. Low-income graduates earning $135,600 demonstrate exceptional returns for this population, ranking in the top 5% nationally.
