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Tufts University vs Worcester State University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Medford MA · vs · Public, Worcester MA

The verdict

Worcester State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $53,524 in 4.4 years versus 4.6 years at Tufts University, on median earnings of $60,624 vs $83,214 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureTufts UniversityWorcester State University
Net price / yr$39,998$13,381
Total net cost$159,992$53,524
Median earnings, 10 yrs$83,214$60,624
Median debt$16,250$19,500
Payback4.6 yrs4.4 yrs
20-year net return$537,088$191,756

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Tufts University or Worcester State University?

Worcester State University, at $13,381 a year after aid versus $39,998 — a gap of $26,617 a year, or $106,468 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Tufts University or Worcester State University graduates earn more?

Tufts University graduates report a median $83,214 ten years after entry, $22,590 more than the $60,624 at Worcester State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Tufts University or Worcester State University?

Tufts University: its completers carry a median $16,250 in federal loans versus $19,500 at Worcester State University, a difference of $3,250. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

94% of students finish at Tufts University, against 61% at Worcester State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Tufts University vs Worcester State University: frequently asked questions

Is Tufts University or Worcester State University a better value?
Worcester State University. It clears its $53,524 net cost in about 4.4 years versus 4.6 years at Tufts University, on median earnings of $60,624 vs $83,214 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Tufts University or Worcester State University?
Worcester State University: $13,381/yr net price after aid versus $39,998/yr at Tufts University — a difference of $26,617 a year, or about $106,468 over four years.
Do Tufts University or Worcester State University graduates earn more?
Tufts University graduates earn a median $83,214 ten years after entry, versus $60,624 at Worcester State University — a $22,590 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.