Head-to-Head Comparison
George Washington University vs Tufts University
- George Washington Wins
- 21
- Tied
- 9
- Tufts Wins
- 22
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, George Washington University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Tufts University achieves a higher graduation rate (93% vs 85%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $39,998 compared to George Washington University's $36,586. Students who choose George Washington University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $90,873 at ten years.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
George Washington
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment, 9% more than Tufts University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $36,586, roughly $3,412 a year less
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.2%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Tufts
- Higher grad rate: 93% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $16,250, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 11% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #53
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
George Washington graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (33% of degrees); Tufts in Social Sciences (20%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick George Washington University over Tufts University. Median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment vs $83,214.
Pick George Washington University over Tufts University. Net price $36,586 vs $39,998.
Pick Tufts University over George Washington University. THE World Rank #53 vs #95.
Pick George Washington University over Tufts University. 2.2% mobility rate vs 2.1%.
Pick Tufts University over George Washington University. 93% completion rate vs 85%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
George Washington University and Tufts University split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
Tufts University is the harder admit. It takes 11% of applicants, while George Washington University takes 47%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,433 to 1,513.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Tufts University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, George Washington University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $36,586, about $3,412 a year below Tufts University's $39,998. Graduates of Tufts University also borrow less: median debt of $16,250, against $20,449.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $13,648 before any change in aid. Choosing George Washington University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, George Washington University graduates report median earnings of $90,873, compared with $83,214 at Tufts University. That is a 9% advantage. Set against borrowing, Tufts University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.2x to 0.23x.
So what: An earnings gap of 9% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Tufts University graduates a larger share of its students, 93% versus 85%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 9% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
George Washington University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.2%; at Tufts University, it is 2.1%. George Washington University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.4%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, George Washington University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, Tufts University sits higher, at #53 versus #95.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick George Washington University to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
Tufts University is harder to get into, with a 11% admit rate, but George Washington University posts the higher mobility rate, at 2.2%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Research prestige does not track graduate pay in this pairing. Tufts University ranks higher globally (#53 vs #95), but George Washington University alumni out-earn theirs ten years after enrollment. For undergraduates outside research careers, the rank is the weaker guide.
Their academic identities diverge. George Washington University concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, while Tufts University leans toward Engineering, Computer Science & IT. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $20,449, against $16,250 at Tufts University.
- Engineering-focused students: Tufts University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: George Washington University's enrollment of 11,182 far exceeds Tufts University's 7,061.
- Business and consulting-track students: Tufts University has less business program depth, and George Washington University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
George Washington offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Tufts does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
George Washington University
Washington, DC · Private nonprofit
George Washington University reports a striking graduation rate of 85%. This figure reflects the university's commitment to student success and its supportive academic environment. With a significant portion of students completing their degrees, GWU stands out for those seeking reliable pathways to graduation.
The earnings potential for graduates is compelling. Alumni earn an average of $90,873 within ten years of graduation. This income level positions graduates well within the job market, contributing to long-term financial stability. Although specific mobility data is not available, the high graduation rate suggests that many students are likely to improve their economic circumstances through their education at GWU.
The net price for attending George Washington University is $36,586, with a median debt of $20,449. This balance makes it an appealing choice for students who can manage costs while aiming for solid post-graduate earnings. GWU attracts those interested in fields like social sciences, health professions, and business, where graduates find ample opportunities to thrive in Washington, D.C.'s dynamic job market.
Tufts University
Medford, MA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 11%, Tufts University attracts students who are ready to engage in a vibrant academic community. This school is ideal for those passionate about social sciences, engineering, biology and biomedical fields, computer science and IT, or the visual and performing arts. What stands out is the commitment to a well-rounded education that encourages exploration and interdisciplinary study, making it a great fit for curious minds eager to make an impact.
After graduation, students can expect a solid earning potential, with a 10-year median salary of $83,214. This figure highlights the strong return on investment for graduates. With a graduation rate of 93%, it's clear that students not only thrive academically but also transition successfully into their careers. While the Pell Grant rate is at 12%, indicating that a smaller percentage of students come from low-income backgrounds, those who do tend to find pathways to upward mobility in their professional lives.
Looking at the practical side, the net price of attending Tufts is around $39,998 after aid, which is significant but manageable for many. Graduates carry a median debt of $16,250, a figure that suggests a thoughtful balance between investment in education and financial responsibility. Students who tend to thrive here are those who are driven, engaged, and ready to take advantage of the diverse opportunities available on campus and beyond.
Rankings They Appear On
George Washington University is featured on the Highest-Paying Online MBA Programs ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Sociology as their top enrolled program field, comprising 33% of George Washington's student body and 20% of Tufts's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for George Washington) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Tufts).
The two schools feed different job markets. George Washington University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Psychology, while Tufts University concentrates in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into George Washington University or Tufts University?
Tufts University is harder to get into, admitting 11% of applicants compared with 47% at George Washington University.
Which is more affordable, George Washington University or Tufts University?
George Washington University is more affordable, with an average net price of $36,586 after aid versus $39,998 at Tufts University.
Do George Washington University or Tufts University graduates earn more?
George Washington University graduates earn more: median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment, versus $83,214 at Tufts University.
Which has a better graduation rate, George Washington University or Tufts University?
Tufts University has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 85%.
George Washington University vs Tufts University: which is better for social mobility?
George Washington University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.2% versus 2.1%.
Should you choose George Washington University or Tufts University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose George Washington University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Tufts University if you want the more selective, higher-stats peer group. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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