Everything You Need to Know About Tufts Financial Aid
Three Types of Aid
Financial aid packages are comprised of a combination of grants, loans, and work-study.
Grants
Grants are awards that do not have to be repaid, and Tufts grants are always the largest source of grant aid received by Tufts undergraduates. Tufts Grants exceeded $58 million in 2010-111 and were by far the largest source of grant aid received by Tufts undergraduates. The amount of Tufts Grants ranged from $1000 to more than $45,000. Tufts students also receive grant funds from federal and state programs such as Pell and SEOG grants, ROTC scholarships, as well as funding from a variety of private sources.
The Class of 2014 received more than $18 million in total aid, $14 million of which was in the form of grants. More than a third of enrolling freshman received an institutional grant.
Student Loans
Students with total family incomes of less than $40,000 will typically receive a financial aid package that includes no student loans. Their full need will be met with grant funds and work study. All other financial aid recipients will be awarded student loans as a part of their financial aid package. The standard freshman loan amount is $5,000, but individual loan amounts may range from $500 to $7,000 (maximum). No interest accrues on these loans and no payments are due until after the student graduates or leaves school.
Click through for information on how Tufts treats outside scholarships.
Work-study
Financial aid recipients are usually also offered work study of up to $2000 per year. When students arrive in September, they can view our online employment listing for a campus job that matches their interest and academic schedule. Students are paid $8.00 – $12.00 per hour, and freshmen who choose work study jobs typically work 5 - 10 hours per week. Work study wages are paid directly to students to be used towards their living expenses on campus. Students who do not receive financial aid may still apply for non-work study jobs on campus and in the surrounding neighborhoods. Learn more about types of work study.
Merit Scholarships
Tufts does not offer merit or academic scholarships. All aid is based solely on financial need and is not adjusted for superior academic performance or extracurricular activities. The only exception is a small ($500 per year) award provided through the Tufts National Merit Scholarship program. ROTC program scholarships are also available.
Tufts National Merit Scholarships
Tufts National Merit Scholarships are awarded to National Merit finalists who notify the National Merit Corporation that Tufts University is their first choice. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years of enrollment at Tufts. Finalists who are eligible for financial aid will receive a $2000 annual Tufts National Merit Scholarship as well as any other need based aid for which they are eligible. Finalists who are not eligible for need based aid, or who do not apply for aid, will receive a $500 annual award.
ROTC
Students may use Army, Navy, and Air Force ROTC scholarships at Tufts. Scholarships may include funding towards tuition costs and, in some case, monthly stipends. Tufts ROTC students participate in ROTC through units at nearby Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). For details and application materials, contact Army, Navy or Air Force recruiters or call Tufts at 617- 627-2000 for further contact information for the ROTC units at MIT.