Tufts University

Overview

Acronyms: TU

Founded: 1852

Control Type: Private

Entity Type: Non-profit

World Rank: #362

Rank in United States: #82

Motto: Pax et Lux

Colours: Brown and blue

Mascot: Jumbo the Elephant

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Established in 1852, the Tufts University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the small city of Medford (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Massachusetts.

Officially accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Tufts University (TU) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Tufts University (TU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 172-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 10-19% making this US higher education organization an extremely selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

TU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

For visits or applications to Tufts University, location and primary contact details are below. Open days are typically announced via social channels — follow them to receive event notifications.

Academic Details

Below are the institutional metrics for Tufts University: scale, staffing balance, and accreditation context. These shape the academic experience more than headline rankings often suggest.

Academic Structures

Tufts University's academic backbone. Endowed schools (named after donors) may differ from general units in funding levels, scholarships available, and curriculum focus.

Programs Offered

The programmes you can apply for at Tufts University are grouped by degree level. Programme-level accreditation (separate from institutional) matters for regulated professions like law, medicine, and engineering.

How to apply to Tufts University

What applying to Tufts University typically involves — research, eligibility check, document prep, submission, and follow-up.

1. 1
   Identify the right programme

   Use the programme finder to browse Tufts University's 194 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.

2. 2
   Check entry requirements

   Programme-level requirements at Tufts University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.

3. 3
   Prepare your application documents

   Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.

4. 4
   Submit via the institution

   Tufts University processes applications through www.tufts.edu. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.

5. 5
   Get in touch with admissions

   Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (617) 628 5000. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tufts University

The questions below summarise Tufts University's vital institutional details — useful as a quick reference before drilling into specific sections.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

The institutions topping the United States's rankings give national context for Tufts University. Context matters because employer perception in the United States often correlates with national rankings.

Harvard University

Cambridge · Private · Rank #1

Stanford University

Stanford · Private · Rank #8

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore · Private · Rank #13

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge · Private · Rank #16

University of Washington

Seattle · Public · Rank #19

Members of Open Education Consortium (OEC)

Below: Open Education Consortium (OEC) member institutions alongside Tufts University, useful for shortlists weighted toward partnerships. Partnership-driven shortlisting works well when post-graduate mobility is part of your plan.

Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Shanghai · Public · Rank #5

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley · Public · Rank #41

Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich

Zürich · Public · Rank #57

Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

Leuven · Public · Rank #78

Yonsei University

Seoul · Private · Rank #102

Faculties at Nearby Universities

If you're weighing Tufts University against other institutions in the area, these neighbouring universities offer overlapping faculties and similar admissions cycles. They are useful for shortlisting based on travel distance or campus environment.

University of California, Davis

Davis · Public · Rank #83

The University of Oklahoma

Norman · Public · Rank #389

The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Oklahoma City · Public · Rank #827

The University of Tulsa

Tulsa · Private · Rank #1581

Oklahoma State University

Stillwater · Public · Rank #2086

Where Else to Study Liberal Arts

Liberal Arts is taught at multiple universities across the United States — these alternatives to Tufts University are worth weighing. Each programme reflects different academic traditions, industry connections, and research priorities.

Cornell University

Ithaca · Private · Rank #25

Adler University

Chicago · Private · Rank #32

Duke University

Durham · Private · Rank #48

New York University

New York City · Private · Rank #49

University of Chicago

Chicago · Private · Rank #53

Universities Often Compared with Tufts University

Comparable institutions to Tufts University — by academic scale and standing — are gathered below. Same-tier shortlists give you flexibility on admissions outcomes without compromising on institutional level.

University of Central Florida

Orlando · Public · Rank #367

Georgetown University

Washington · Private · Rank #356

University of California, Riverside

Riverside · Public · Rank #354

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond · Public · Rank #350

University of Kentucky

Lexington · Public · Rank #343