
419 Boston Ave, Medford, MA 02155, USA


Tufts University holds accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education, ensuring that it meets rigorous standards for quality and institutional effectiveness. This accreditation confirms that the university maintains a commitment to exceptional academic programs, faculty qualifications, and student support services. Prospective students can be assured that the degrees earned from Tufts University are recognized and respected by other institutions and employers.
Additionally, some of the specialized schools and programs within Tufts University have their own professional accreditations, which further endorse the quality and relevance of their curricula. This dual layer of accreditation helps secure the institution's standing within diverse fields of study, supporting students in achieving professional licensure and advanced academic opportunities after graduation.
Tufts University maintains selective admission standards, requiring applicants to provide a comprehensive secondary school record alongside a completed college program. A General Educational Development (GED) certificate is accepted in lieu of a traditional high school diploma. Letters of recommendation are a mandatory part of the application, and proof of English proficiency through TOEFL scores is required for non-native speakers, with additional testing recommended but not compulsory.
The university does not impose a strict computer ownership prerequisite; however, computer leasing options are available, indicating some level of technological expectation.
Standardized test submission is nuanced: while specific admission test score requirements are not detailed, Tufts University's admitted student body demonstrates very high average standardized test results. The mean SAT score is 1495, with exceptional scores in both the math (760) and writing (735) components, positioning admitted students within the top 5% nationally. The average ACT score stands at 34, also indicating high academic achievement. Despite this, approximately 38% of students submitted SAT scores and 18% submitted ACT scores, reflecting some flexibility in test submission policies.
The university does not offer open admission and does not accept dual or college credit for admission purposes, although it does award credit for Advanced Placement (AP) exams. The acceptance rate remains highly competitive at around 10%, placing it among the most selective institutions nationally.
Tufts University requires an application fee from prospective students as part of the admissions process. This fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with reviewing applications. For applicants who may face financial hardship, the university offers fee waivers to ensure that the application fee does not serve as a barrier.
To qualify for a fee waiver, students typically must demonstrate financial need or meet specific eligibility criteria set by Tufts University. These waivers are designed to support applicants from low-income backgrounds or those experiencing economic challenges. The university encourages prospective students facing such obstacles to reach out for information on how to apply for a fee waiver.
Tufts University does not host its own ROTC programs on campus but allows students to participate in ROTC through cooperative branch units at nearby host institutions. This means that students enrolled at Tufts can join Army, Navy, or Air Force ROTC programs by attending the associated programs at these cooperating universities. Such arrangements enable Tufts students to receive military training and education while completing their academic studies at Tufts, without the university operating its own dedicated ROTC unit.
Tufts University admits transfer students primarily for the fall semester, providing an opportunity for those seeking to continue their education there. The institution accepts transfer credits, which allows students to apply previously earned college credits toward their degree programs. Admissions to Tufts University are highly competitive, reflecting its classification as one of the most difficult universities to enter.
Tufts University offers a diverse array of study abroad opportunities designed to accommodate varying academic interests and schedules. Programs range from semester- and year-long exchanges with partner institutions worldwide to shorter summer sessions and faculty-led travel courses that integrate classroom learning with immersive international experiences. Students can select from over 40 countries where Tufts maintains direct partnerships, allowing them to enroll in courses that count toward their degree requirements while experiencing new cultural environments.
Additionally, Tufts supports individualized study abroad paths, enabling students to design personalized programs that align with their specific academic goals and language proficiency. The university also provides resources to assist with credit transfer and financial planning, making it easier for students to incorporate global study into their academic trajectory. These programs often emphasize interdisciplinary learning and foster cross-cultural competencies crucial for students' future careers.
Overall, the variety of formats and destinations at Tufts University ensures that prospective students can find study abroad experiences tailored to their academic needs and personal interests, enhancing their global awareness and educational enrichment.
Median composite SAT score
1495Median composite ACT score
34Percent of students submitting ACT scores
18%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
38%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
Data not availableSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Very hardGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall