Tufts University
Medford, MA
Quick Facts
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Tufts University
Tufts University: A historic beacon of research, innovation, and global engagement since 1852.
Tufts University stands as a distinguished private research institution, illuminating minds from its historic hilltop campus in Medford and Somerville, Massachusetts, with additional vibrant hubs in Boston, Grafton, and Talloires, France. Founded in 1852 by Christian universalists with a vision to provide a nonsectarian institution of higher learning, Tufts began its journey on a barren hill, with its benefactor Charles Tufts famously declaring, "I will put a light on it." This commitment to enlightenment and progress continues to define the university today, as it has grown from a small liberal arts college into an "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" institution and a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities.
Prospective students and families will discover a university renowned for its comprehensive academic offerings and interdisciplinary spirit. Tufts boasts over 90 undergraduate and 160 graduate programs across ten schools, including the country's oldest graduate school of international relations, the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. The School of Engineering offers an entrepreneurial focus through its Gordon Institute, while the School of Arts and Sciences, the university's largest, provides a broad foundation in liberal arts alongside specialized offerings like the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. Tufts' commitment to cutting-edge research is evident in facilities like the Science and Engineering Complex (SEC) and the upcoming Joyce Cummings Center, fostering collaboration across neuroscience, environmental science, computer science, and economics.
Beyond academics, Tufts cultivates a dynamic student experience, empowering its over 13,000 students to thrive in diverse environments. From its main campus to specialized facilities housing medical, dental, and nutrition schools in Boston, and a veterinary campus in Grafton, students benefit from a wide array of resources and opportunities. The university's rich history, including its transformation from Tufts College to Tufts University and the legacy of the Jackson College for Women, underscores a constant evolution and dedication to inclusivity. With its "Peace and Light" motto, Tufts prepares its Jumbos to become global citizens, equipped with the knowledge and innovative spirit to make a significant impact on the world.
Key Highlights
- ✦Established in 1852, making it the third-oldest college in the Boston area.
- ✦Classified as an "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" and a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU).
- ✦Boasts an endowment of $2.6 billion as of 2024.
- ✦Enrollment of 13,599 students (fall 2024), including 7,126 undergraduates.
- ✦Home to the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, the oldest graduate school of international relations in the United States, founded in 1933.
- ✦Offers over 90 undergraduate and 160 graduate programs across multiple campuses in Massachusetts and Talloires, France.
- ✦Features the Gordon Institute within the School of Engineering, known for fostering entrepreneurship in engineering fields.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
9 notable schools within Tufts University
Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy
The first graduate school of international affairs in the United States, established in 1933.
School of Arts and Sciences
The largest school, encompassing both the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University.
School of Engineering
Offers an entrepreneurial focus through its Gordon Institute and provides master's and PhD programs in various engineering disciplines.
School of Medicine
Located on the Boston campus, established in 1893.
School of Dental Medicine
Integrated the Boston Dental College in 1899 and is located on the Boston campus.
Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy
One of the nutrition schools established during Jean Mayer's presidency, focused on nutrition science and policy.
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Located on the Boston campus, focused on advanced biomedical research and education.
Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
One of the veterinary schools established during Jean Mayer's presidency, with facilities in Grafton.
School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University
Affiliated with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and acquired by Tufts in 2016.
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