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Tufts University vs University of Pennsylvania

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

8
Tufts Wins
7
Tied / N/A
31
University Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Mid-Atlantic
7,061
Enrollment
10,650
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

11%
Acceptance Rate
5%
1513
SAT Average
1553
34
ACT Midpoint
34
1470-1560
SAT Range
1510-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$70,704
In-State Tuition
$68,686
$70,704
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,686
$39,998
Average Net Price
$28,699
$11,284
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$-3,012
$9,811
Net Price ($30-48K)
$316
$14,923
Net Price ($48-75K)
$10,439
$58,570
Net Price ($110K+)
$55,972
12%
Pell Grant Rate
17%
19%
Federal Loan Rate
10%

Academics

93%
Graduation Rate
97%
96%
Retention Rate
99%
64%
Full-Time Faculty
79%
$14,205
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$22,117
15%
First-Gen Students
19%

Student Body

46%
Female
57%
41%
White
27%
10%
Hispanic
11%
6%
Black
9%
17%
Asian
28%
0.77
Diversity Index
0.81

Outcomes

$68,337
Earnings (6yr)
$90,555
$70,761
Earnings (8yr)
$100,118
$83,214
Earnings (10yr)
$111,371
$16,250
Median Debt
$15,715
0.2x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.14x
83%
Earning Above HS
90%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

212.66%
Mobility Rate
176.28%
6216.7%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
3025.0%
342.1%
From Bottom 20%
582.7%
$187,900
Parent Median Income
$95,400

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.88
-0.00
Friending Bias
-0.00
12.3%
Volunteering Rate
7.8%

Research (Times HE)

#53
World Rank
#109
64.1
Teaching Score
46.3
52.3
Research Score
49.2
83.9
Citations Score
77.6

The Overviews

Tufts University

Medford, MA · Private nonprofit

11% accept 93% grad $83,214 earnings $39,998 net

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.

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit

5% accept 97% grad $111,371 earnings $28,699 net

With an acceptance rate of just 5%, the University of Pennsylvania attracts students who are not only academically strong but also deeply passionate about their fields. This school is especially well-suited for those interested in areas like Biology and Biomedical studies, Social Sciences, Health Professions, Computer Science and IT, and Business and Marketing. The vibrant atmosphere of Philadelphia adds an urban edge to the college experience, making it a great fit for students looking to engage in both rigorous academics and lively city life.

Looking at the outcomes, graduates from Penn see significant returns on their investment. With a 10-year earnings average of $111,371, it's clear that a degree from here can open doors to lucrative career paths. While 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to supporting diverse backgrounds, the high graduation rate of 97% suggests that students who enroll are likely to complete their studies successfully.

Financially, the net price after aid sits at $28,699, which is manageable given the strong earning potential post-graduation. With a median debt of $15,715, students here can graduate with a reasonable financial burden. Those who thrive at Penn are often highly motivated, driven, and ready to take advantage of the rich resources and opportunities available within the institution and the surrounding city.

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