Tufts University vs American University
Tufts University and American University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Tufts, situated just outside Boston, boasts a lower acceptance rate, smaller student body, and higher graduation rate compared to American University in Washington, D.C. While Tufts excels in STEM fields, American University shines in international studies and public affairs. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details, including cost, financial aid, and student life, to determine which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() American University |
![]() Tufts University |
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Overview |
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Location | Washington, District of Columbia | Medford, Massachusetts |
Campus setting | City: Large | Suburb: Large |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (Non Profit) | Private (Non Profit) |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 90.0% | 97.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | Methodism | |
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 64.1% | 11.4% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$75
Graduate:
$61
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Undergraduate:
$75
Graduate:
$85
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SAT range | 1280 - 1440 | 1440 - 1550 |
ACT range | 29 - 33 | 33 - 35 |
Students submitting SAT score | 28.0% | 32.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 18.0% | 23.0% |
Total number of applicants | 19,650 | 31,198 |
Total number of admissions given out | 12,594 | 3,566 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 2,372 | 1,800 |
Yield rate | 18.8% | 50.5% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Required | Required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $70,512 | $81,700 |
Average net price | $28,622 | $31,630 |
Tuition | $52,542 | $61,646 |
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$10,096
Meal plan:
$6,314
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Room/dormitory:
$8,832
Meal plan:
$7,378
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
64.0%
Average amount $27,332 |
38.0%
Average amount $47,937 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
38.0%
Average amount $4,933 |
20.0%
Average amount $3,824 |
Students taking out private loans |
4.0%
Average amount $25,877 |
9.0%
Average amount $8,607 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
8,463
Men 37.2% Women 62.8% |
6,676
Men 44.8% Women 55.2% |
Graduate students |
6,389
Men 37.1% Women 62.9% |
6,617
Men 38.6% Women 61.4% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
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Moderate
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Out-of-state students | N/A | N/A |
International students | 10.6% | 14.0% |
Campus local/setting | City: Large | Suburb: Large |
Dormitory capacity | 4,080 | 4,100 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | N/A | New York California New Jersey Connecticut Maryland |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 12:1 | 10:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education | New England Commission on Higher Education |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 78.7% | 93.8% |
Dropout rate | 20.9% | 1.2% |
Transferred out | N/A | 4.8% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Taxation (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Economics (Master's Degrees)
Public Administration (Master's Degrees)
Public Policy Analysis (Master's Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
International Relations and National Security Studies (Master's Degrees)
Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degrees)
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Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
Dentistry (First Professional Degrees)
Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degrees)
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biomedical/Medical Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees)
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Public Health (Master's Degrees)
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