Decoding Tufts University Tuition Fees and Costs: A Comprehensive Guide

Tufts University is dedicated to ensuring the success of every outstanding student who has earned admission. For prospective students considering Tufts University, understanding the costs associated with attending this esteemed institution is crucial. While the sticker price can seem daunting, Tufts is committed to making education accessible through various financial aid initiatives. This article breaks down the tuition fees, other expenses, financial aid opportunities, and work-study programs available at Tufts University.

Understanding the Cost of Attendance

The official cost of attendance at Tufts University has seen annual increases. Despite these increases, the actual average cost for students has decreased in recent years, thanks to the growing amount of financial aid provided.

For the 2025-2026 academic year, a typical first-year full-time undergraduate student in residence on the Medford/Somerville campus can expect the following expenses:

Tuition: \$71,982
Housing: \$10,660
Food (Meal Plan): \$8,906
Mandatory Health and Wellness Fee: \$1,238
Activity Fee: \$396
Health Insurance (Waived with approved alternate insurance): \$4,693
Total (Without University Health Insurance): \$93,182

It's important to note that the costs listed above represent on-campus housing and dining plans that include 3 meals daily. Your financial aid will offset this total cost of attendance, representing what you and your family will actually pay.

Detailed Breakdown of Costs Paid to the School (2025-2026)

The following table provides a detailed breakdown of costs paid directly to the school, categorized by housing situation:

Expense	On Campus: First-Years	Entering Transfers	On Campus: Sophomores	Resident Assistants	On Campus: Juniors & Seniors	Off Campus	Commuters
Tuition	\$71,982	\$71,982	\$71,982	\$71,982	\$71,982	\$71,982	\$71,982
Housing	\$10,660	\$10,660	\$12,588	\$10,660	\$10,660	\$1,000
Food	\$8,906	\$8,906	\$8,906	\$8,906	\$8,906	\$8,906	\$8,906
Fees	\$1,634	\$1,634	\$1,634	\$1,634	\$1,634	\$1,634	\$1,634
Total	\$93,182	\$93,182	\$95,110	\$93,182	\$93,182	\$83,522

Housing does not reflect the actual charge for an on-campus room selection, or the actual cost of off-campus rent and Federal Student Aid regulations require the use of the average cost of housing for each housing category.
Food does not reflect the actual charge for a meal plan selection, or the actual cost of food for a student who did not purchase a meal plan. The amount is based on the cost of the Tufts Full Plan.
Fees include mandatory Health and Wellness and Activity fees.

Other Expenses to Consider

Your cost of attendance also includes out-of-pocket expenses that vary for each individual but are categories of expenses that are important to plan for:

Books and Supplies: An estimated \$1,100 per year.
Personal Expenses: An estimated \$2,000 per year.
Health Insurance: Students who are not covered by a family member's insurance plan will need to enroll in the university's student health insurance plan, which incurs an additional cost. Financial aid may cover this expense for some students. However, many students can waive the university's health insurance plan if they have other coverage options.

Additional fees not included in the cost of attendance above may apply.

Understanding Tuition and Fees

Tufts University's tuition is \$73,616. Compared with the national average cost of tuition of \$46,950, Tufts University is more expensive. These figures include both tuition and fees, also referred to as the sticker price. Fees differ by institution and may fund library services, student gym facilities, student centers, technology resources and campus health centers.

As you’re comparing costs of different institutions, also consider the total cost and the net price. At Tufts University, the total cost is \$92,088. The net price is the average cost of the university after aid and scholarship funds are discounted from the total cost, which comes in at \$33,908 for the average student receiving need-based aid.

Tuition for Part-Time Students

Undergraduate students who have been approved for part-time status by their Advising Dean or have entered a program being billed per credit will be billed tuition corresponding to the number of registered credits for the semester during the 2025-2026 academic year. Students may request to be part-time in a given semester up until the day before the semester begins. The deadline is strictly enforced.

Tuition for Graduate Programs

GSAS bills tuition using a per-credit billing model, meaning you are billed for the number of credits you take each semester. The 2025-2026 tuition for most certificates offered by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences is \$1,028 per credit. The 2025-2026 tuition for the Post-Baccalaureate Mathematics certificate is \$1,028 per credit.

Tuition for the Post-Baccalaureate certificate in Studio Art is billed at a flat rate semi-annually. The 2025-2026 tuition for the Post-Baccalaureate in Studio Art is \$46,718 (or \$23,359 per semester). The School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences provide tuition scholarships to high achieving applicants to the Post-Bacc in Studio Art.

Tuition for students entering the Post-Baccalaureate Premedical certificate during the 2025-2026 academic year is \$45,888 (or \$22,944 per semester).

Housing and Food Costs

All first-year and sophomore students, except those who live at home and commute to Tufts, are required to live in university housing or recognized fraternities or sororities. Each semester you will be billed for your room as well as the housing commitment fee. The fee is \$750 for all rooms per semester. Exceptions will only be made when a student, subsequent to selecting a room is admitted to a study abroad program.

First-year students are required to enroll in the premium meal plan and second-year students may choose from several meal plans. Juniors, seniors, and students who live in exempt housing or commute are not required to be on a meal plan, although many choose to select one from any of the six meal plan options. Most Tufts undergraduates also use a JumboCash account which enables them to make purchases in all dining locations as well as other locations on and off campus.

Read also: Exploring Tufts Athletics

Financial Aid Opportunities at Tufts University

Tufts is dedicated to ensuring that every student who earns their spot at Tufts can attend, regardless of financial circumstances. Tufts is committed to enrolling more Pell-eligible students, adding to the significant progress we have already made. Many Tufts families with incomes up to \$300,000, with typical assets, qualify for some level of financial aid.

Financial aid refers to funding that students can use to pay for college and is generally awarded based on need or merit. Need-based aid is determined by your or your family’s demonstrated ability to pay for college, as calculated by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA. Merit-based aid, also called non-need-based aid, is awarded for a specific talent or academic achievement.

Students Receiving Financial Aid: 34%
Average Aid Package: \$56,797
Average Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award (First-year Students): \$58,196
Average Need-Based Self-Help Aid (First-year Students): \$3,717
Average Non-Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award (First-year Students): \$45,237

Tufts University met 100% of its students’ financial aid need.

Types of Financial Aid Available

Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA.

Need-Based Scholarships and Grants: These don’t need to be paid back.
Need-Based Loans: These must be paid back.
Work-Study Programs: These allow students to earn money while in school to help lessen the burden of student loans.

Financial Aid Statistics

Average Per Year After Aid: \$33,333
Average Net Price: \$33,333 per year

Financial Aid Dates

Application Due: February 15
Notification Date: April 1

Student Loan Debt at Tufts University

How much student loan debt you accumulate can affect your financial life long after college ends. Ideally, your total student loan debt should fall below your anticipated starting salary once you graduate.

At Tufts University, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is \$16,250. The median monthly federal loan payment (if it were repaid over 10 years at 5.05% interest) for student federal loan borrowers who graduated is \$172.

Average Total Indebtedness of 2024 Graduating Class: \$25,584
Graduating students who have borrowed (any loan type, 2024): 26%
Graduating students who have borrowed (private loans, 2024): 4%
Average Private Loan Debt at Graduation: \$64,668

Military Benefits

Tufts University is G.I. Bill certified and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Work-Study Opportunities at Tufts University

Tufts University provides a diverse range of work-study, internship, and on-campus employment opportunities for its students. These opportunities not only offer valuable work experience but also assist students in covering their educational expenses. Some of the specific positions available include Campus Center Managers, Event Staff Managers, Event Staff, Information Booth Attendants, Office Assistants, and Social Media Assistants.

The Department of Music at Tufts University also presents student employment opportunities in various positions crucial to the department's administrative functions. These positions are open to all students, irrespective of their program of study or work-study status. Roles regularly offered and filled by students include Main Office Student Workers, Publicity Assistants, Security Monitors, Ensemble Support Staff, and Ensemble Accompanists.

Student Activity Fee

All students are required to pay the student activity fee. This fee is proposed by the Tufts Community Union Student Senate each year. This fee supports the co-curricular experience for all undergraduate students by funding the operations and activities of over 300 recognized student organizations annually.

Estimating Your Bill Balance

The Student Account Calculator is a helpful interactive tool that full-time undergraduate Tufts students can use to estimate their bill balances in advance of the semester eBill being released in July and November.

The Tufts Tuition Pact

The Tufts Tuition Pact ensures that students from lower- and middle-income families can afford a Tufts education. Instead of focusing on debt, you can focus on your studies.

Concerns About Rising Costs

Tufts’ total cost of attendance has broken the \$90,000 barrier for the 2024-2025 academic year, reflecting the rising costs of higher education across the country. Concerns remain that the increased cost of attendance will impede socioeconomic diversity on campus.

Factors Contributing to Rising Tuition

According to Hurley, other contributors to Tufts’ rising tuition include investments in diversity, equity, inclusion and justice efforts, faculty hiring and annual salary and benefit increases, including those determined by collective bargaining agreements.

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