Tufts Repeats on Best College Values List

Financial Magazine Ranks Private Colleges for Value

– Allison Goldsberry

Despite being one of the most expensive colleges in Massachusetts, a financial magazine has ranked Tufts University among its 100 best college values.

Kiplinger has ranked Tufts 22nd among private universities for value. Kiplinger factors in graduation rate, academic support, competitiveness, financial aid awards, and students’ average debt at graduation, among other things.

Tufts has made Kiplinger’s value list before.

Value might seem like a relative term when average costs per year for public and private colleges are more than $20,000 and $40,000, respectively. However, Kiplinger points out that many families don’t pay the full sticker price due to financial aid, and institutions’ generosity in doling out aid is one of several factors Kiplinger weighs while creating its rankings.

While Tufts’ full sticker price is $65,000 this year, the average financial aid award is around $37,000. The university also offers a loan repayment assistance program for students who enter public service.