<p>In the interest of giving the OP something he/she can latch onto beside PhD. output and vague “academic outcomes”, let me vouch for my D, currently at Tufts, who describes her peers there as exceedingly friendly; hyper-engaged with what’s going on in politics, culture, letters, etc.; whip smart and worldly. Her ability to connect with profs and advisors for help and research opportunities has exceeded her expectations. Her classes keep her plenty challenged (she’s a STEM major), but not oppressively so. She finds more than enough to keep her active in her free time, with trips to the MFA in Boston, a favorite tea shop a couple of stops away in Harvard Square, and beloved sushi and ice cream joints up the street in Davis Square. </p>
<p>Tufts is described as a “Goldilocks” school for its “just right” mix of small LAC feel and larger research university heft; its not-too-small, not-too-large student body; and its easy access to urban offerings without being a “city” school. My D is getting the complete experience there. </p>