Carnegie mellon 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 11.7% acceptance). Johns hopkins ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #17). Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $88K). Johns hopkins has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,230 vs $66,246 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 Carnegie mellon for: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Johns hopkins for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Johns hopkins is more selective (6.4% vs 11.7% acceptance); Johns hopkins has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1546).
Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $88K); Carnegie mellon has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.1% vs 93.8%).
Johns hopkins has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,230 vs $66,246); Johns hopkins offers a larger average aid package ($67,159 vs $60,909).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Carnegie mellon | Johns hopkins |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #17 |
| Rank · THE | #24 | #16 |
| Acceptance rate | 11.7% | 6.4% |
| Yield rate | 45.7% | 47% |
| Median SAT | 1546 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 33,941 | 45,895 |
| International students | 46% | 32% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $115K | $88K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $103K | $89K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $183K | $135K |
| Graduation rate | 94.1% | 93.8% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 98.1% |
| Median debt | $21,750 | $10,250 |
| Tuition · year | $66,246 | $65,230 |
| Avg. aid package | $60,909 | $67,159 |
| % of need met | 100% | 99.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $31,298 | $30,803 |
| Application fee | $75 | $70 |
| Enrollment | 16,676 | 30,210 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Carnegie mellon or Johns hopkins?
It's harder to get into Johns hopkins. Carnegie mellon accepts 11.7% of applicants, while Johns hopkins accepts 6.4%.
Do Carnegie mellon or Johns hopkins graduates earn more?
Carnegie mellon graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $115K vs $88K.
How much is tuition at Carnegie mellon vs Johns hopkins?
Sticker-price tuition is $66,246 per year at Carnegie mellon and $65,230 per year at Johns hopkins.
What SAT score do you need for Carnegie mellon or Johns hopkins?
The median admitted SAT score is 1546 at Carnegie mellon and 1553 at Johns hopkins; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Carnegie mellon or Johns hopkins?
Johns hopkins ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Carnegie mellon vs #17 for Johns hopkins.
Which university offers more financial aid — Carnegie mellon or Johns hopkins?
The average aid package is $60,909 at Carnegie mellon and $67,159 at Johns hopkins.
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