Boston college vs Johns hopkins — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Johns hopkins is the more selective of the two (6.4% vs 16.4% acceptance). Johns hopkins ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #17). Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $88K). Johns hopkins has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,230 vs $70,702 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Boston college for: higher graduate earnings, lower graduate debt.
Choose Johns hopkins for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Johns hopkins is more selective (6.4% vs 16.4% acceptance); Johns hopkins has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1507).
Boston college graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $88K); Johns hopkins has a higher 6-year graduation rate (93.8% vs 90.8%).
Johns hopkins has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,230 vs $70,702); Johns hopkins offers a larger average aid package ($67,159 vs $61,753).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Boston college | Johns hopkins |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #17 |
| Rank · THE | — | #16 |
| Acceptance rate | 16.4% | 6.4% |
| Yield rate | 42.5% | 47% |
| Median SAT | 1507 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 34,779 | 45,895 |
| International students | 12% | 32% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $88K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $89K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $162K | $135K |
| Graduation rate | 90.8% | 93.8% |
| Retention rate | 96% | 98.1% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $10,250 |
| Tuition · year | $70,702 | $65,230 |
| Avg. aid package | $61,753 | $67,159 |
| % of need met | 100% | 99.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,892 | $30,803 |
| Application fee | — | $70 |
| Enrollment | 14,726 | 30,210 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Boston college or Johns hopkins?
It's harder to get into Johns hopkins. Boston college accepts 16.4% of applicants, while Johns hopkins accepts 6.4%.
Do Boston college or Johns hopkins graduates earn more?
Boston college graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $88K.
How much is tuition at Boston college vs Johns hopkins?
Sticker-price tuition is $70,702 per year at Boston college and $65,230 per year at Johns hopkins.
What SAT score do you need for Boston college or Johns hopkins?
The median admitted SAT score is 1507 at Boston college and 1553 at Johns hopkins; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Boston college or Johns hopkins?
Johns hopkins ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Boston college vs #17 for Johns hopkins.
Which university offers more financial aid — Boston college or Johns hopkins?
The average aid package is $61,753 at Boston college and $67,159 at Johns hopkins.
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