Boston university 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 11.1% acceptance). Johns hopkins ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #17). Johns hopkins graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($88K vs $83K). Johns hopkins has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,230 vs $68,102 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 university for: a larger aid package.
Choose Johns hopkins for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Johns hopkins is more selective (6.4% vs 11.1% acceptance); Johns hopkins has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1480).
Johns hopkins graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($88K vs $83K); Johns hopkins has a higher 6-year graduation rate (93.8% vs 88.7%).
Johns hopkins has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,230 vs $68,102); Boston university offers a larger average aid package ($69,396 vs $67,159).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Boston university | Johns hopkins |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #17 |
| Rank · THE | #75 | #16 |
| Acceptance rate | 11.1% | 6.4% |
| Yield rate | 35% | 47% |
| Median SAT | 1480 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 76,776 | 45,895 |
| International students | 32% | 32% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $83K | $88K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $76K | $89K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $122K | $135K |
| Graduation rate | 88.7% | 93.8% |
| Retention rate | 94.2% | 98.1% |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $10,250 |
| Tuition · year | $68,102 | $65,230 |
| Avg. aid package | $69,396 | $67,159 |
| % of need met | 92% | 99.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $36,774 | $30,803 |
| Application fee | $80 | $70 |
| Enrollment | 36,977 | 30,210 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Boston university or Johns hopkins?
It's harder to get into Johns hopkins. Boston university accepts 11.1% of applicants, while Johns hopkins accepts 6.4%.
Do Boston university or Johns hopkins graduates earn more?
Johns hopkins graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $88K vs $83K.
How much is tuition at Boston university vs Johns hopkins?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,102 per year at Boston university and $65,230 per year at Johns hopkins.
What SAT score do you need for Boston university or Johns hopkins?
The median admitted SAT score is 1480 at Boston university and 1553 at Johns hopkins; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Boston university or Johns hopkins?
Johns hopkins ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Boston university vs #17 for Johns hopkins.
Which university offers more financial aid — Boston university or Johns hopkins?
The average aid package is $69,396 at Boston university and $67,159 at Johns hopkins.
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