A Practical Visionary
Peyton Siler Jones, MA in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning '22, has had a lifelong passion for understanding the connections between social and ecological systems, which led her to Tufts.
Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning
Master's
Application Deadlines
Fall: January 15 (priority), April 15 (regular), rolling through August 1Spring: Part-time, domestic only: October 1 (priority), December 1 (final)
Summer: n/a
School/Department
Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning
Program Director
Rebecca Shakespeare
Contact
UEP_Admissions@tufts.edu
Location
Medford/Somerville
Format
On-campusCommitment Options
Full-timePart-time (Daytime)
Part-time (Evenings)
Average Duration
2 years
Credits
42
Tuition per Credit
$1949
Eligible for Aid/Scholarship
Yes
Tuition & Fees
GSAS bills tuition using a per-credit billing model, meaning you are billed for the number of credits you take each semester. This billing model is used to provide students better flexibility so they may "pay-as-they-go".
| Tuition* | $1,949 per credit |
| Total Credits Required | 42 |
| Enrollment Status | Part-Time: 3-6 credits (typically 1-2 courses) Full-Time: 9+ credits (typically 3 or more courses) |
Estimating Tuition Costs for this Program
This example pathway outlines estimated tuition costs per semester using a typical full-time course load. This is one possible pathway to completion; actual credits, costs, enrollment status, and degree completion time may vary based on a student’s course load.
| Full-Time Pathway | Fall | Spring | Total |
| Year 1 | 12 credits | 12 credits | 24 credits |
| $23,388 | $23,388 | $46,776 | |
| Year 2 | 9 credits | 9 credits | 18 credits |
| $17,541 | $17,541 | $35,082 | |
| Estimated Total Tuition Before Aid* | $81,858* | ||
Note: this example does not account for any scholarships that may be awarded at the time of admission. GSAS offers generous merit- and need-based tuition scholarships for qualified applicants. A list of funding opportunities is provided below.
*Estimated based on 2026-2027 tuition rates. Rates are subject to change each academic year. For further information about the full cost of attendance, including health insurance, fees, and estimated indirect costs (housing, transportation, etc.), visit Student Financial Services.
Financial Aid & Funding Opportunities
At Tufts University, we believe that every qualified applicant should have the opportunity to pursue graduate study, regardless of financial circumstances. We are committed to helping you navigate the financial aspects of your education and strive to make graduate school accessible through a variety of support options.
Scholarships and Awards Available for this Program
- Merit- and need-based tuition scholarships for master’s programs: To be considered, be sure to indicate your interest within the Financial Aid section of your application.
- The Future Leaders Fellowship is a full-tuition scholarship for outstanding full-time master’s students and entry-level OTD students. Future Leaders Fellows are selected by the GSAS Dean following their admittance to Tufts.
- The Repairing and Empowering Policy and Planning Fellowship is awarded to five MA/MS students each year by the Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning.
- The Alvin Levin Fellowship supports a prospective student with financial need in pursuing a graduate degree in the Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning at Tufts University each year. The fellowship’s objectives reflect Alvin Levin’s long‐term commitment to community organizing and grassroots politics combined with his strong interest in a sustainable environment on a global level.
- Fifth Year Master's Degree Program — current Tufts Undergraduates can enroll in this program which has reduced tuition costs and provides a Financial Aid Match with a graduate tuition scholarship proportional to the undergraduate tuition award at the time of application.
- City Year Corps members, alumni, and staff are eligible to receive a minimum scholarship award of 25% off tuition.
Work Opportunities and Awards
- There are various graduate assistantships and work opportunities available for master’s students across Tufts. In addition, the Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning offers various opportunities, including research positions and learning assistantships.
- The Graduate Student Open Access Publishing Fund provides financial support to students who want to publish their work open access.
- The Graduate Student Research Competition provides funding for expenses including equipment, materials, and supplies; research participant compensation; and expenses of travel to conduct research.
- Graduate Student Conference Reimbursement Fund is available for students to travel to present at or attend at a conference or professional meeting.
Visit our Graduate Financial Aid page for more information.
Dual Degree Options
Dual degrees allow students to earn two master's degrees awarded for work done in distinct disciplines by two schools of Tufts University or Boston College. The UEP Department offers the following dual degrees:
- Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning (MA) + Boston College Juris Doctor (JD)
- Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning (MA) + Fletcher School International Affairs (MA)
- Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning (MA) + Friedman School Nutrition (MS)
Meet Tufts UEP
Tufts UEP is a community of practicing scholars—our faculty, students and alumni are public-spirited individuals committed to engaged processes and just outcomes for cities and communities.
Program Spotlights
Many of the faculty are practitioners who bring awesome experience from the field and really get it. I look forward to continuing to apply what I've learned from them.
Peyton Siler Jones, MA in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning '22
Career Outcomes
Average Salary: $95K - $146K
Overall Satisfaction with Tufts Grad Program: 94%*
Average Age: 26
*Sources: January 2026 Lightcast Analyst, and 2024 GSAS-SOE Graduate Exit Survey
