The following is what I posted on an active Tufts vs. Harvard thread:
"Just got off the phone with my Tufts sophomore D. She was attracted to the school for the same reasons you are. You might think the blush would be off the rose by this time. It’s not. If anything, it’s deepened. After two years at Tufts, she has become a learner, not a student. Someone interested in world affairs and in knowledge for its own sake, apart from grades. Someone buoyed and energized by her advisors and teachers, who reward her for her studiousness and push her to aim higher and deeper.
If Tufts is responsible for the change in her, or at least meeting her halfway along the course of her personal development, then I can’t help but recommend it."
As to your concerns about students not getting into Boston much… it’s not true. My D has favorite cafes/ tea shops/ thrift stores/ bookshops/ etc. in Davis Square, Harvard Square and Boston proper. She feels the entire area is her community. Tufts kids are “cool” in the best way–unpretentious, cause-focused, down-to-earth, whip smart, open-minded, friendly to a fault. No one culture dominates the school, which is why you find it described as both preppy and boho. Food ranked among the best. Dorms not as bad as people say. And yes, there are lots of things to do on campus, acc. to D. Even Bubble Tea Parties!
This Payscale College Salary Report measure might be of interest, though I know there are criticisms of it. Tufts is at #9 on Research U list; Wash U at #42.
http://www.payscale.com/college-salary-report/bachelors
Whatever the coin decides, congrats.