Head-to-Head Comparison
Tufts University vs University of Portland
- Tufts Wins
- 28
- Tied
- 11
- Portland Wins
- 12
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Portland offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Tufts University achieves a higher graduation rate (93% vs 80%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $39,998 compared to University of Portland's $28,210 for in-state paths. Students who choose University of Portland benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $82,804 at ten years.
51 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Tufts
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $83,214 ten years after enrollment, 0% more than University of Portland
- 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
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.1%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 11% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Portland
- Lower cost: Average net price of $28,210, roughly $11,788 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Tufts graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (20% of degrees); Portland in Health Professions (29%). 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 Tufts University over University of Portland. Median earnings of $83,214 ten years after enrollment vs $82,804.
Pick University of Portland over Tufts University. Net price $28,210 vs $39,998.
Pick Tufts University over University of Portland. 2.1% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Pick Tufts University over University of Portland. 93% completion rate vs 80%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Tufts University and University of Portland are close on paper, but Tufts University wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Tufts University is the harder admit. It takes 11% of applicants, while University of Portland takes 89%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,513 to 1,277.
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, University of Portland comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $28,210, about $11,788 a year below Tufts University's $39,998. Graduates of Tufts University also borrow less: median debt of $16,250, against $21,370.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $47,152 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Portland leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Tufts University graduates report median earnings of $83,214, compared with $82,804 at University of Portland. That is a 0% advantage. Set against borrowing, Tufts University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.2x to 0.26x.
So what: An earnings gap of 0% 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 80%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 13% 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
Tufts University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.1%; at University of Portland, it is 0.9%. Tufts University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3.4% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.8%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Tufts 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Portland to keep costs and debt down; pick Tufts University for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Portland saves about $11,788 a year, yet Tufts University graduates earn $410 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Tufts University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Computer Science & IT, while University of Portland leans toward Health Professions, Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $39,998 runs well above University of Portland's $28,210.
- Business and consulting-track students: Tufts University has less business program depth, and University of Portland offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Tufts University's enrollment of 7,061 far exceeds University of Portland's 2,957.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,370, against $16,250 at Tufts University.
- Engineering-focused students: Tufts University has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Portland 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) 3 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
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.
University of Portland
Portland, OR · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of just under 3,000 students, the University of Portland is a great fit for those seeking a close-knit community while still accessing solid academic programs. Students here often dive into popular fields like Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, and Psychology. An acceptance rate of 89% indicates that the university welcomes a diverse range of applicants, making it an appealing option for many.
After graduation, students can expect to earn about $82,804 within ten years, which can be quite encouraging when considering job prospects. This earning potential reflects the university's focus on practical skills and career readiness. While nearly a quarter of students receive Pell Grants, the supportive environment helps many move up in their careers, even if specific mobility rates aren’t available.
When it comes to the financials, the net price after aid sits at $28,210, which can be manageable for many families. The median debt for graduates is $21,370, suggesting that most students can graduate with a reasonable amount of student loans. Those who thrive here are often proactive, engaged, and looking for a collaborative atmosphere that values both academic and personal growth.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Portland is featured on the Best Business Colleges in Oregon ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Tufts's top program is Sociology (20% of enrollment), while Portland leads with Nursing (BSN) (29%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Tufts) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Portland).
The two schools feed different job markets. Tufts University is strongest in Social Sciences, Computer Science & IT, while University of Portland concentrates in Health Professions, Business & Marketing. 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 Tufts University or University of Portland?
Tufts University is harder to get into, admitting 11% of applicants compared with 89% at University of Portland.
Which is more affordable, Tufts University or University of Portland?
University of Portland is more affordable, with an average net price of $28,210 after aid versus $39,998 at Tufts University.
Do Tufts University or University of Portland graduates earn more?
Tufts University graduates earn more: median earnings of $83,214 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,804 at University of Portland.
Which has a better graduation rate, Tufts University or University of Portland?
Tufts University has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 80%.
Tufts University vs University of Portland: which is better for social mobility?
Tufts University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.1% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose Tufts University or University of Portland?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Portland if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Tufts University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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