UNIVERSITY · CDS 2024-2025
Tufts University
Medford, MA 7,126 undergrad Updated 2026-04-22
Top 30NESCACIR
Accept
10.9%
Yield
47.8%
Test
Optional
Academic Profile · CDS C9 / C11
The numbers a parent will ask about first.
SAT Total (mid 50%, computed)
1470–1560
SAT EBRW (mid 50%)
720–770
SAT Math (mid 50%)
750–790
ACT Composite (mid 50%)
33–35
GPA
Not reported
GPA NOTE85% in top 10% of high school graduating class
METHODTotal SAT range is computed by summing the reported EBRW and Math mid-50% ranges from the school’s CDS (Section C9). Use as an approximation — a student’s actual total places them within, not at, the summed endpoints.
Decision Plans · CDS C1 / C21
When and how the school reads applicants.
| Plan | Deadline | Accept rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan details not yet recorded. | |||
Cost & Aid · CDS H Series
What it costs and what families actually pay.
Tuition
$71,982
Total COA
$93,182
Avg need-based aid
$58,196
Avg merit award
$45,237
Net price after avg need aid
$34,986
Tufts meets 1% of demonstrated need on average.
AP Impact Calculator
What the student's APs are actually worth here.
Tufts's AP Policy
Tufts awards credit for AP exams with scores of 4 or 5, with some exceptions. Students can apply up to five credit-bearing pre-matriculation course equivalents towards their degree. In the School of Engineering, students may use up to 27 pre-matriculation credits towards their degree.
Min score
4
Credit cap
27 credits
Mode
Credit + placement
Per-score grid
Exam-level
Add the student's APs
No APs selected. Click Add AP exam to start, or use the sample profile to see what a strong student might recover.
What They Value · CDS C7
Every CDS factor, weighted exactly as the admissions office files it.
- Rigor of secondary school recordVery Important
- Class rankConsidered
- Academic GPAVery Important
- Standardized test scoresConsidered
- Application EssayVery Important
- Recommendation(s)Very Important
Mission & Narrative
What this school says it is — in their own words.
Tufts is a student-centered research university dedicated to the creation and application of knowledge. We are committed to providing transformative experiences for students and faculty in an inclusive and collaborative environment where creative scholars generate bold ideas, innovate in the face of complex challenges, and distinguish themselves as active citizens of the world.
Distilled Themes
Student-centered researchTransformative experiencesInclusivity and collaborationInnovation and bold ideasActive citizenship
The Coach's Read
What 'what they value' actually means at the table.
- 01Tufts wants to see a deep commitment to intellectual curiosity and a genuine desire to learn, not just achieve high grades.
- 02They value students who are actively engaged in their communities and have a demonstrated interest in making a positive impact.
- 03A passion for interdisciplinary studies and a willingness to explore different fields of knowledge is a significant plus.
Application Targets
What a strong application here should signal.
- 01Showcase a rigorous academic record that demonstrates a love of learning and intellectual vitality.
- 02Highlight meaningful extracurricular activities and volunteer work that reflect a commitment to community engagement.
- 03Craft a compelling personal essay that reveals your character, passions, and unique perspective.
Quiet Disqualifiers
Things that hurt applicants here, even when they look fine on paper.
- A lack of demonstrated interest in Tufts or a generic application that could be sent to any top university
- An overemphasis on personal ambition without a corresponding commitment to community and collaboration
- A purely academic focus without any evidence of extracurricular or personal growth
Signature Programs
Where this school is genuinely best-in-class.
International Relations; Fine Arts (SMFA); Biomedical Engineering; Nutrition Science and Policy; Computer Science; Economics
Application calendar
Every date the family needs to know.
Deadlines & Decision Dates · 2025-2026
Family deadline matrix
Plan
Deadline
Decision release
Early Decision I
Binding
Nov 3, 2025
→ Mid-December
Early Decision II
Binding
Jan 5, 2026
→ Early February
Regular Decision
Non-binding
Jan 5, 2026
→ By April 1
Early Action
Not offered
—
Restrictive Early Action
Not offered
—
Rolling Admission
Not offered
—
See every school side-by-side on the Deadline Tracker →
CDS C7 · Level of applicant's interest
Does effort toward this school move the needle?
Demonstrated Interest·CDS C7 (2024-2025)
TrackedWeight: Considered
Tufts explicitly tracks interest via visits, interviews, and a 'Why Tufts' essay.
What they watch
- Campus visit
- Virtual info session
- “Why us” essay specificity
- Optional interview
Coach action
Attend one virtual session, open every email, and write a 'Why Tufts' essay naming three specific programs.
Provenance