In a continued push to make higher education more accessible, Tufts University has announced its groundbreaking Tufts Tuition Pact, set to launch for incoming students in Fall 2026. The initiative promises tuition-free attendance for U.S. undergraduate students from families earning less than $150,000 annually with typical assets.
Dean of Admissions and Enrollment Management JT Duck emphasized the university’s commitment in a recent update to counselors and educators. “As a first-generation-to-college student from a low-income family, I know firsthand the transformative power of higher education,” Duck shared, noting Tufts’ efforts to expand access for middle- and low-income families.
Tufts already meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, regardless of citizenship, covering the full cost of attendance. The new pact builds on this by eliminating tuition for qualifying domestic students, complemented by tools like the Instant Net Price Estimator for greater cost transparency. Over the past two years, Pell Grant recipient enrollment has risen from 11% to 16%.
Strong Outcomes and Athletic Success
Tufts graduates continue to excel, with the university ranked in LinkedIn’s top 20 for long-term career success and named one of Forbes’ “New Ivies” for employer favorites. An impressive 96% of recent alumni are employed or pursuing graduate studies/fellowships within six months of graduation.
On the field, the Jumbos dominated NCAA Division III, securing national championships in Men’s Soccer and Women’s Field Hockey this fall, following spring titles in Men’s Lacrosse and Women’s Rowing.
Notable alumni include Gregory Maguire (author of Wicked), Sonia Raman (WNBA Seattle Storm head coach), and Sabih Khan (Apple Chief Operating Officer).
Class of 2029: A Diverse and Accomplished Cohort
Tufts also recently released details on its current first-year class, the Class of 2029, selected from a highly competitive pool.
- Applications: 33,415
- Offers of Admission: 3,613
- Admission Rate: Approximately 10.8% (reflecting Tufts’ selectivity)
Enrolled first-year students total 1,762, with strong representation across demographics:
|
Category
|
Percentage/Details
|
|---|---|
|
Pell Grant Recipients
|
16%
|
|
First-Generation College Students
|
12%
|
|
International Students
|
12%
|
|
Female / Male
|
55% / 45%
|
|
Asian
|
19%
|
|
Hispanic
|
12%
|
|
Black or African American
|
6%
|
|
White
|
45%
|
|
Two or more races
|
9%
|
|
Public High School
|
54%
|
|
U.S. States Represented
|
44 (plus DC and territories)
|
Test-optional policies remain in place, with about half of applicants submitting scores. Middle 50% ranges for submitters: SAT 1470–1560 (combined Reading/Writing and Math), ACT 33–35.
Application Deadlines Approaching
Prospective members of Tufts’ Class of 2030 have until January 5, 2026, for Early Decision II and Regular Decision applications. Supporting materials may arrive later.
With over 150 majors/minors, R1 research status, and a residential campus minutes from Boston, Tufts offers a blend of big-university opportunities and close-knit community.
For more, visit the Tufts Admissions website or explore student blogs for insights into campus life.
