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College comparison
Tufts vs WashU
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 |  Tufts Medford, MA |  WashU St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateTufts University is more selective | 11% | 12% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1470–1560 | 1500–1570 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 7,061 | 7,857 |
| Avg net price | $39,998 | $21,786 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)WashU reports higher median earnings | $83,214 | $86,182 |
| Graduation rate | 94% | 94% |
| Median debt | $16,250 | $17,500 |
| Economic mobility | 2.1% | 1.0% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Tufts vs WashU: how they compare
Two private universities with similar selectivity and graduation rates show key differences in financial value and student mobility.
By the numbers The core quantitative profiles from AdmitQuant data are similar in selectivity and outcomes: Tufts (11% acceptance, 1470–1560 SAT) and WashU (12% acceptance, 1500–1570 SAT) are peers, with nearly identical 94% graduation rates and 10-year median earnings ($83k vs. $86k). The decisive divergence is in financial value and economic mobility. WashU’s average net price of $22k delivers a value multiplier of 4.0× earnings per dollar, far exceeding Tufts’ 2.1× on a $40k net price. Conversely, Tufts’ economic-mobility rate is 213%, more than double WashU’s 104%, indicating it propels far more lower-income students into higher earnings brackets. Tufts shows higher admit-rate volatility (58% vs. 35%) and a slightly stronger DOE financial-health score (2.7 vs. 2.4).
Where they overlap Both are selective universities with suburban campuses, high graduation rates, and strong reputations in pre-medical and health sciences.
How they differ Culturally and geographically, the contrast is pronounced. Tufts is characterized by its proximity to Boston, offering integrated urban access and a politically engaged student body. WashU, located in St. Louis, is noted for its architecturally distinct campus and institutional resources for research and pre-med. Perceptions of a more pre-professional culture at WashU are discussed by students.
Who each suits Tufts suits a student seeking a college town integrated with a major city, a culture of civic engagement, and a campus with a pronounced record of economic mobility. WashU is a fit for a student prioritizing a self-contained campus with strong facilities and immediate financial value for families who qualify for its aid or merit packages.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Tufts University or Washington University in St Louis harder to get into?
- Tufts University is more selective: Tufts University's acceptance rate is approximately 11% and Washington University in St Louis's is approximately 12% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Tufts University vs Washington University in St Louis?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1470–1560 at Tufts University and 1500–1570 at Washington University in St Louis. 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.