Tufts University
Medford, MA
Quick Facts
“Pax et Lux (Latin)”("Peace and Light")
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Tufts University
Tufts: A beacon of research and innovation, blending liberal arts with professional excellence since 1852.
Step into the vibrant intellectual landscape of Tufts University, a distinguished private research institution that masterfully combines a rich liberal arts tradition with cutting-edge professional education. Since its founding in 1852 by Christian universalists who sought to establish a nonsectarian institution of higher learning, Tufts has grown from a small college into an "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" powerhouse. Its original commitment to providing "a light" on the hill, as envisioned by benefactor Charles Tufts, continues to illuminate a path for students seeking profound academic engagement and impactful research.
Prospective students will discover a dynamic environment across its campuses in Medford and Somerville, Massachusetts, with additional facilities in Boston, Grafton, and Talloires, France. Tufts offers an impressive array of over 90 undergraduate and 160 graduate programs, fostering interdisciplinary thought and entrepreneurial spirit. The university is particularly renowned for the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, the country's oldest graduate school of international relations, alongside its highly respected schools of Engineering, Medicine, Dental Medicine, Nutrition, and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts.
Academically, Tufts stands out for its deep commitment to innovation and discovery. Historically, it has been home to pioneers like Amos Dolbear, who installed an early working telephone, and Stephen M. Babcock, developer of the practical test for butterfat in milk. Today, this spirit thrives in modern facilities like the Science and Engineering Complex and the upcoming Joyce Cummings Center, which are designed to foster collaborative research in fields ranging from neuroscience to environmental science. Students at Tufts are encouraged to engage with complex global challenges, contributing to a community that values both scholarly rigor and civic responsibility, making it an ideal place to prepare for a future of leadership and positive change.
Key Highlights
- ✦Established in 1852, Tufts is the third-oldest college in the Boston area, with a motto of "Pax et Lux" (Peace and Light).
- ✦Classified as an "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," reflecting its commitment to groundbreaking research.
- ✦Home to the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, the nation's oldest graduate school of international relations.
- ✦Offers over 90 undergraduate and 160 graduate programs across ten schools, serving 13,599 students.
- ✦Boasts an endowment of $2.7 billion and is led by President Sunil Kumar.
- ✦Mascot is Jumbo the Elephant, named after a specimen donated by P.T. Barnum in 1884.
- ✦Known for pioneering innovations, including the first working telephone by Amos Dolbear and the practical Babcock Test for butterfat in milk.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
8 notable schools within Tufts University
Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy
The country's oldest graduate school of international relations, renowned for global affairs expertise.
School of Engineering
Offers an entrepreneurial focus, including the Gordon Institute, across various engineering disciplines.
School of Arts and Sciences
The largest school, encompassing a wide range of undergraduate and graduate liberal arts and sciences programs, including the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Medical School
A leading institution for medical education and research, located on the Boston campus.
Dental School
Integrates the former Boston Dental College, providing comprehensive dental education.
Nutrition Schools
Focuses on groundbreaking research and education in nutrition science and policy.
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Dedicated to advanced research and training in the biomedical fields, affiliated with medical centers.
School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University
Affiliated with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, offering professional art education.
Find Scholarships at Tufts University
Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.
Start Your Free Search