In my opinion, Tufts is not on par with the top Ivies based on what is deemed “prestigious” in a school – loads of Nobel and other award winning scholars; writers, scientists, thinkers and retired politicians of national and international stature; profoundly accomplished students with near-perfect test scores, children of famous and vastly rich alumni, infinitesimal acceptance rate and high yield, international profile, etc. Probably also not considered the equivalent of Williams, Amherst, Swarthmore or U of Chicago either (though all of these also have reputations as overly rigorous sweatboxes). Tufts is often compared to Wesleyan, though I think in the general layperson’s mind, Wesleyan still has a bit more prestige. Probably “on par” with Northwestern, Carleton, Haverford, Hamilton, Davidson – Tufts is now considered a “very selective” and highly regarded school known for a very bright, interesting and unpretentious student body, that still may have more of a regional appeal than a national one (though California ranks 3rd among states who send kids to Tufts, most are from MA, NY and NJ). Few students will choose Tufts over a top Ivy, though probably many of them should-- However, having said that, a Tufts degree is getting more and more valuable and well-known and we are very happy that our daughter chose to go there, tuition notwithstanding!