Medford, MA · Private University
Is Tufts University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$83,214
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$67,844
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$67,844
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$271,376
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.23x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
5.6 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
93.3%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$16,250
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$35,435
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Tufts University graduates earn $38,214 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Tufts University ranked by graduate earnings
112 graduates
20 graduates
96 graduates
19 graduates
21 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Tufts University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Tufts University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer Science: $139,886) and the lowest (Fine and Studio Arts: $35,435) is $104,451/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer ScienceBest ROI | $139,886 | 2.1x |
| Mathematics(1yr data) | $110,512 | 1.6x |
| Economics | $105,444 | 1.6x |
| Chemical Engineering | $97,631 | 1.4x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $83,448 | 1.2x |
| Cognitive Science(1yr data) | $75,672 | 1.1x |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $71,732 | 1.1x |
| Political Science and Government | $65,957 | 1.0x |
| Public Health | $63,446 | 0.9x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $63,266 | 0.9x |
| Biology, General | $63,185 | 0.9x |
| Research and Experimental Psychology(1yr data) | $56,504 | 0.8x |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts(1yr data) | $56,418 | 0.8x |
| History | $55,116 | 0.8x |
| Area Studies | $54,435 | 0.8x |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $52,337 | 0.8x |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics(1yr data) | $49,164 | 0.7x |
| Sociology(1yr data) | $47,859 | 0.7x |
| Biopsychology | $45,640 | 0.7x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research(1yr data) | $40,044 | 0.6x |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology(1yr data) | $35,806 | 0.5x |
| Fine and Studio ArtsLowest | $35,435 | 0.5x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tufts University | 1.23x | $83,214 | Average ROI |
| Barnard College | 1.22x | $80,516 | Average ROI |
| Colgate University | 1.27x | $85,139 | Average ROI |
| Brown University | 1.37x | $93,487 | Average ROI |
| Middlebury College | 1.17x | $76,310 | Average ROI |
| Boston University | 1.28x | $83,238 | Average ROI |
The Bottom Line
Tufts University delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $83,214 10 years after starting — $38,214 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 5.6 years — faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.