Is WashU or Tufts better for building a career in Boston?

For building an early-career network in Boston, Tufts has the clearer advantage. Its Medford/Somerville campus is directly adjacent to Boston, and students can realistically pursue internships, research roles, informational interviews, and part-time work with local organizations during the academic year. That repeated in-person exposure matters more than a single summer in the city.

Its proximity to the MBTA makes trips to downtown Boston and Cambridge manageable without a car, so connecting with employers is woven into campus life rather than requiring dedicated travel.

WashU is nationally respected and can absolutely lead to Boston opportunities, especially through its career center, alumni network, and summer internships.

Tufts is not automatically the right choice if WashU offers a substantially better academic program, financial package, or campus experience for you. But when the deciding factor is practical access to Boston employers and local alumni while you are still an undergraduate, Tufts provides a meaningful location-based edge.