Medford, MA · Admissions

Tufts University

Acceptance Rate & How to Get In

Tufts University has a 10% acceptance rate, making it highly selectivea reach for nearly every applicant. Admitted students score around 1430–1540 on the SAT. Here is what the numbers say it takes to get in.

10%
Acceptance rate
1430–1540
SAT (mid 50%)
33–35
ACT (mid 50%)
Test-optional
Testing

How hard is it to get into Tufts?

With a 10% acceptance rate, Tufts University is highly selectivea reach for nearly every applicant. It enrolls roughly 6,800 undergraduates (suburban setting) in Medford, MA. At this level, strong grades and scores are the baseline, not the differentiator — your essays and what makes you distinctive carry real weight.

What it takes to get in

  • SAT: admitted students land around 1430–1540 (middle 50%). Aim for the upper end to be competitive.
  • ACT: the middle 50% is about 33–35.
  • GPA: admitted students average around 3.91. Rigor (APs/IB/honors) matters as much as the number.
  • Testing policy: Test-optional. Confirm on the school's site, since policies shift each cycle.
  • Essays: at Tufts's selectivity, the application essays are often what separates similar applicants. Make them specific and authentically yours.

Cost

Published tuition is about $66,000 per year before aid. Many students pay less after financial aid — check the school's net price calculator.

Notable programs

International Relations · Engineering · Civic Engagement · Pre-Med

See Tufts’s supplemental essay guide

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Tufts admissions FAQ

What is Tufts University's acceptance rate?
Tufts University's acceptance rate is 10%, which makes it highly selective — a reach for nearly every applicant.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for Tufts?
Admitted students typically score about 1430–1540 on the SAT (middle 50%) and about 33–35 on the ACT. Scores at or above this range strengthen your application, but they are one factor among many.
Is Tufts test-optional?
Tufts University's current testing policy is: Test-optional. Always confirm on the school's admissions site, as policies change by cycle.

Sources & official links

Figures are the most recent available from Common Data Set, IPEDS, and public reports, and are approximate. Always confirm details on Tufts University’s official admissions site.