<p>Tufts has always been my first choice and I was so psyched when I got in, but I was also accepted into the SIS as American and the Honors Program with a pretty significant Presidential Scholarship... Tufts has not yet sent the financial aid package but I'm not expecting much.
Is Tufts worth the extra $$? Which has a better International Relations program? Also, which has better student life? I'm from the Midwest and a little nervous about going to school with a bunch of kids with the "ivy league complex", which is what I've heard about Tufts. But I've also heard that a lot of students transfer out of American to go to GT or GW. Can anyone help me out?</p>
<p>Tufts is famous for the Fletcher School of Diplomacy and IR. It is also considered to be a much more academically prestigious school, if that’s important to you. It is in a suburb of Boston, the best place in the country for a college student. 
There is a campus shuttle to the local subway station, and then it’s ~20 minute ride into downtown Boston, half that time to downtown Cambridge. If the $$ factor is a big one, perhaps American is a better choice, and it’s certainly an exciting time to be in the Washington, D.C. area.</p>
<p>I’m caught in somewhat of the same predicament, but between Northwestern & Tufts. What I have consistently heard is that you find a balance between prestige and your ability to get the good grades. Graduate school is more significant ultimately so when you decide, try to weigh these two factors.<br>
Tufts is certainly the more prestigious university, but could you get the As necessary to gain admittance into the Fletcher School?
Personally, I would say Tufts because a great program will set you up well for future goals, but if money really is a big hurdle, go to American. It’s a very respectable school.</p>
<p>Tufts may be more prestigious, but for undergraduates, the in-term and summer internships related to IR offered through American are astounding. American has a much better career center, and its IR school is a much larger part of the student body.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone! Tufts financial aid comes out today so then I’ll have a better idea of the money situation. Thanks for your input!</p>