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College comparison
Haverford vs Tufts
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Haverford Haverford, PA |  Tufts Medford, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateTufts University is more selective | 12% | 11% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1460–1550 | 1470–1560 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 1,430 | 7,061 |
| Avg net price | $25,314 | $39,998 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Tufts reports higher median earnings | $79,966 | $83,214 |
| Graduation rate | 90% | 94% |
| Median debt | $13,621 | $16,250 |
| Economic mobility | 1.8% | 2.1% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Haverford vs Tufts: how they compare
Haverford and Tufts are both highly selective liberal arts institutions, but they diverge sharply on financial value and campus scale.
By the numbers Quantitatively, Haverford presents a stronger financial value proposition. Its average net price ($25k) is significantly lower than Tufts’ ($40k), and it delivers a higher return per dollar, with a value multiplier of 3.2x versus Tufts’ 2.1x. While Tufts graduates have slightly higher 10-year median earnings ($83k vs. $80k) and a higher economic mobility rate (213% vs. 180%), Haverford demonstrates greater institutional stability with lower admit-rate volatility (43% vs. 58%) and a slightly stronger DOE financial health score (3.0 vs. 2.7). Selectivity is nearly identical (12% vs. 11% acceptance), with similar SAT ranges (Haverford 1460–1550, Tufts 1470–1560). Haverford also has a notably strong future-scholar yield of 11.3.
Where they overlap Both are academically rigorous, suburban campuses with a liberal ethos and excellent graduation rates (90% and 94%). They attract high-achieving, similarly profiled students.
How they differ The core difference is one of scale and culture. Haverford is a quintessential, intimate liberal arts college, renowned for its close-knit, honor-code-governed community and access to a consortium with Bryn Mawr and Swarthmore. Tufts is a larger research university, offering a broader range of programs and a more vibrant campus scene with notable D3 athletics. The social atmosphere at Tufts is described as more expansive.
Who each suits Haverford is ideal for the student who prioritizes a collaborative, tight-knit academic community and values close faculty interaction. Tufts suits a student who wants the resources and energy of a mid-sized university and desires a wider array of social and extracurricular options.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Haverford College or Tufts University harder to get into?
- Tufts University is more selective: Haverford College's acceptance rate is approximately 12% and Tufts University's is approximately 11% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Haverford College vs Tufts University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1460–1550 at Haverford College and 1470–1560 at Tufts University. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.