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College comparison
NYU 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 |  NYU New York, NY |  Tufts Medford, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateNew York University is more selective | 9% | 11% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1480–1560 | 1470–1560 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 28,663 | 7,061 |
| Avg net price | $37,050 | $39,998 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Tufts reports higher median earnings | $82,509 | $83,214 |
| Graduation rate | 88% | 94% |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $16,250 |
| Economic mobility | 3.6% | 2.1% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
NYU vs Tufts: how they compare
Both NYU and Tufts are private universities offering strong outcomes, but they deliver them through fundamentally different environments and student experiences.
By the numbers The two are remarkably close on core metrics. Both report identical 10-year median earnings of $83k. Selectivity is comparable, with NYU slightly lower at a 9% acceptance rate versus Tufts' 11%, and nearly identical SAT 25-75th percentiles (NYU: 1480–1560; Tufts: 1470–1560). NYU holds a slight edge in value and economic mobility, offering 2.2× earnings per dollar of net price (vs. Tufts' 2.1×) and a much higher economic-mobility rate of 363% (vs. 213%). NYU's average net price is $37k versus Tufts' $40k. However, Tufts shows greater stability with far lower admit-rate volatility (58% vs. NYU's 127%) and a higher graduation rate (94% vs. 88%). Both share a strong DOE financial-health score of 2.7/3.
Where they overlap They are peer institutions in prestige and outcomes, both providing a rigorous education that leads to strong financial returns. Each attracts high-achieving, globally-minded students and offers extensive resources.
How they differ The contrast is defined by setting and structure. NYU is an urban-integrated university with no traditional campus, its life woven directly into New York City. Tufts offers a more contained, traditional suburban campus experience in the Boston area. This shapes social life profoundly: NYU leverages the city as its campus, while Tufts fosters a more self-contained community.
Who each suits NYU suits the independent, self-motivated student who thrives in a fast-paced, unstructured urban environment and wants access to a global city's opportunities. Tufts is ideal for the student who prefers a cohesive campus community with a strong identity, a more traditional collegiate feel, and easier access to a defined social scene, while still being near a major metro area.
Quick answers
- Is New York University or Tufts University harder to get into?
- New York University is more selective: New York University's acceptance rate is approximately 9% and Tufts University's is approximately 11% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for New York University vs Tufts University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1480–1560 at New York University 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.