Tufts University, located in Medford and Somerville, Massachusetts, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, typical of many U.S. institutions. The academic year is divided into two main semesters—Fall and Spring—with an optional Summer session. The Fall semester generally begins in early September and concludes in mid-December, while the Spring semester starts in mid-January and ends in mid-May. Tufts also offers a short Winter term for select programs or intensive courses, providing students with flexibility for accelerated learning or internships. Breaks, including Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring recesses, align with national holidays and offer students time for rest or research.
- Fall Semester Start: September 2, 2025 (estimated, typically the first week of September after Labor Day). Classes begin for all undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Thanksgiving Break: November 26–30, 2025 (estimated). Campus closes for the holiday, with no classes held.
- Fall Semester End/Exams: December 15–20, 2025 (estimated). Final exams and project submissions conclude the semester.
- Winter Break: December 21, 2025–January 12, 2026 (estimated). Extended break for students and faculty.
- Spring Semester Start: January 13, 2026 (estimated). Classes resume after Winter Break.
- Spring Break: March 16–22, 2026 (estimated). A week-long recess for students.
- Spring Semester End/Exams: May 4–9, 2026 (estimated). Final exams and assessments wrap up.
- Commencement: May 17, 2026 (estimated). Graduation ceremonies for all eligible students.
- Early Decision I Deadline: November 1, 2025 (estimated). Binding decision with notifications typically released in mid-December.
- Early Decision II Deadline: January 1, 2026 (estimated). Second binding option with notifications in mid-February.
- Regular Decision Deadline: January 1, 2026 (estimated). Non-binding application with notifications by early April.
- Financial Aid Deadline: February 1, 2026 (estimated). Submission of CSS Profile and FAFSA for need-based aid consideration.
- Enrollment Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2026 (estimated). Deadline for admitted students to confirm enrollment for the Class of 2030.
The academic calendar at Tufts University aligns closely with regional and national norms for U.S. higher education, particularly in the Northeast, where semesters are structured around major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. This scheduling offers predictability for students, including international ones, who may need to plan travel or visa arrangements around breaks. Tufts’ optional Winter and Summer terms provide additional flexibility, catering to students seeking to accelerate their studies or engage in experiential learning. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on historical patterns, they reflect the university’s commitment to a balanced and accessible academic schedule.
