Tufts vs UC Berkeley
How Tufts and UC Berkeley stack up on the numbers that decide where you apply: selectivity, cost after aid, testing, and essays.
| Tufts | UC Berkeley | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 10.5% | 11.6% |
| SAT (middle 50%) | 1480-1560 | Not reported |
| Testing policy | Test-optional | Test-blind |
| Type | Private | Public |
| Location | MA | CA |
| Sticker price (per year) | $92,088 | $38,000 |
| Average cost after aid | $39,142 | $17,000 |
| Supplemental essays | 2 | 4 |
- Tufts is harder to get into than UC Berkeley (10.5% versus 11.6%), so treat it as the bigger reach.
- After aid, UC Berkeley is usually the cheaper option ($17,000 versus $39,142 per year on average).
- On testing, Tufts is test-optional while UC Berkeley is test-blind.
- UC Berkeley asks for more supplemental writing (4 essays versus 2), so budget more time for its application.
- Run the free chances calculator to see your real odds at both, then get a free read on each school's essays.
Tufts vs UC Berkeley FAQ
Is Tufts or UC Berkeley harder to get into?
Tufts is harder to get into, admitting about 10.5% of applicants versus 11.6% at UC Berkeley.
Is Tufts or UC Berkeley cheaper?
After financial aid, UC Berkeley is usually cheaper, about $17,000 per year on average versus $39,142 at Tufts.
See your real chances at Tufts and UC Berkeley.
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