38 Interesting Facts about Tufts University

Dan April 12, 2023

Tufts University is a private research university located in Medford, Massachusetts. Founded in 1852, it has a rich history and a reputation for academic excellence, social engagement, and global leadership. Tufts is known for its innovative approach to teaching and research, interdisciplinary programs, and strong commitment to civic engagement and social responsibility.

One of Tufts’ most notable strengths is its interdisciplinary approach to education. The university is organized into ten schools and colleges, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of fields, including arts and sciences, engineering, medicine, law, and international relations. Tufts also has several interdisciplinary institutes and centers, such as the Tisch College of Civic Life, which promote cross-disciplinary collaboration and research.

Another notable feature of Tufts is its commitment to civic engagement and social responsibility. The university emphasizes the importance of active citizenship and social justice, encouraging students to become engaged and informed citizens who can make a positive impact on their communities and the world. Tufts offers a wide range of community service and volunteering opportunities, as well as courses and programs focused on social and environmental issues.

Tufts also has a strong global presence, with international programs and partnerships that span the globe. The university offers study abroad programs in over 30 countries, as well as numerous international research collaborations and initiatives. Tufts also has a large and diverse international student community, with students from over 100 countries, and a range of programs and resources to support their academic and social success.

What about Tufts University interesting facts? Let’s take a look at these 38 interesting facts about Tufts University.

1. Tufts University was founded in 1852 by Christian universalists who sought to create a nonsectarian institution.
2. The university was named after Charles Tufts, a wealthy Boston businessman who donated the land for the campus.
3. Tufts is located in Medford, Massachusetts, just a few miles outside of Boston.
4. The university is made up of four campuses: the main campus in Medford/Somerville, the Boston Health Sciences campus, the Grafton Veterinary campus, and the Talloires campus in France.
5. Tufts is home to over 12,000 students, including undergraduates, graduate students, and professional students.
6. The university offers over 175 undergraduate majors and minors, and over 80 graduate and professional programs.
7. Tufts is known for its strong programs in international relations, engineering, and veterinary medicine.
8. Tufts has a unique mascot: Jumbo the elephant. Jumbo was the name of a real elephant that was brought to the United States by P.T. Barnum and eventually donated to Tufts.
9. Tufts is also home to the Beelzebubs, an all-male a cappella group that has appeared on several television shows and recorded numerous albums.
10. The university has a strong focus on interdisciplinary education and research, with many programs and centers that bring together scholars from different fields.
11. Tufts has a long history of social activism, with students and faculty involved in movements for civil rights, environmental justice, and other social causes.
12. The university is committed to sustainability, with initiatives to reduce energy use, promote recycling, and encourage alternative transportation.
13. Tufts has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries.
14. The university has a range of study abroad programs, with opportunities in over 30 countries.
15. Tufts is a member of the Association of American Universities, an elite group of research universities in the United States.
16. Tufts is home to the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, one of the most prestigious international affairs schools in the world.
17. The university has a strong emphasis on experiential learning, with opportunities for internships, research, and community service.
18. Tufts has a lively arts scene, with a theater program, a music program, and several galleries and museums on campus.
19. The university has a strong athletic program, with 29 varsity sports teams and numerous club and intramural sports.
20. The Tufts mascot, Jumbo the elephant, has been featured in several movies and television shows, including The Simpsons and The West Wing.
21. The university has a long-standing rivalry with nearby Boston College, with the two schools competing in numerous sports.
22. Tufts is home to several notable research centers, including the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy and the Institute for Global Leadership.
23. The university has a strong commitment to community service, with over 60% of Tufts students participating in community service or volunteering.
24. Tufts has a vibrant Greek life community, with over 20 fraternities and sororities on campus.
25. The university has a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, with several programs and centers that support student startups and innovation.
26. Tufts has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, with numerous programs and initiatives focused on promoting equity and social justice.
27. The university has a strong relationship with nearby Tufts Medical Center, with many opportunities for collaboration and joint research projects.
28. Tufts has a unique program called the “1+4 Bridge Year Program,” which allows incoming freshmen to spend a year doing community service work before beginning their college coursework.
29. The university has a strong commitment to sustainability, with several LEED-certified buildings on campus and a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
30. Tufts has a strong focus on global health, with programs and initiatives focused on addressing health disparities and promoting public health worldwide.
31. The university has a strong emphasis on the arts, with a vibrant arts community that includes theater, music, dance, and visual arts.
32. Tufts has a strong alumni network, with over 100,000 alumni living around the world.
33. The university has a strong commitment to social justice, with numerous programs and initiatives focused on promoting equity and inclusion.
34. Tufts is home to the Center for the Humanities at Tufts, which promotes interdisciplinary research and scholarship in the humanities.
35. The university has a strong focus on entrepreneurship, with several programs and initiatives designed to support student startups and promote innovation.
36. Tufts has a strong commitment to civic engagement, with programs and initiatives focused on promoting active citizenship and community service.
37. The university has a strong focus on research, with numerous research centers and institutes that span a wide range of fields.
38. Tufts has a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary education, with many programs and centers that bring together scholars from different fields.

Tufts University is a world-renowned institution with a rich history, a strong commitment to social justice and civic engagement, and a reputation for academic excellence and global leadership. With a diverse and vibrant community of students, faculty, and staff, Tufts offers a unique and stimulating learning environment that fosters interdisciplinary thinking, innovative research, and active citizenship. Its emphasis on sustainability, entrepreneurship, global health, and the arts reflects its commitment to addressing the most pressing challenges of our time. Whether you are a student, a faculty member, an alum, or simply interested in learning more about this remarkable university, Tufts offers endless opportunities to explore, discover, and make a difference in the world.