Cornell 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 8.8% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#12 vs #17). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $88K). Johns hopkins has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,230 vs $69,314 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 Cornell for: a higher world ranking, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Johns hopkins for: higher selectivity, higher retention, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Johns hopkins is more selective (6.4% vs 8.8% acceptance); Johns hopkins has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1535).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $88K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 93.8%).
Johns hopkins has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,230 vs $69,314); Johns hopkins offers a larger average aid package ($67,159 vs $62,257).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Cornell | Johns hopkins |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #12 | #17 |
| Rank · THE | #20 | #16 |
| Acceptance rate | 8.8% | 6.4% |
| Yield rate | 66% | 47% |
| Median SAT | 1535 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 67,846 | 45,895 |
| International students | 26% | 32% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $88K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $89K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $166K | $135K |
| Graduation rate | 95.4% | 93.8% |
| Retention rate | 97.8% | 98.1% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $10,250 |
| Tuition · year | $69,314 | $65,230 |
| Avg. aid package | $62,257 | $67,159 |
| % of need met | 100% | 99.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,244 | $30,803 |
| Application fee | — | $70 |
| Enrollment | 19,027 | 30,210 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Cornell or Johns hopkins?
It's harder to get into Johns hopkins. Cornell accepts 8.8% of applicants, while Johns hopkins accepts 6.4%.
Do Cornell or Johns hopkins graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $88K.
How much is tuition at Cornell vs Johns hopkins?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,314 per year at Cornell and $65,230 per year at Johns hopkins.
What SAT score do you need for Cornell or Johns hopkins?
The median admitted SAT score is 1535 at Cornell and 1553 at Johns hopkins; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Cornell or Johns hopkins?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #12 for Cornell vs #17 for Johns hopkins.
Which university offers more financial aid — Cornell or Johns hopkins?
The average aid package is $62,257 at Cornell and $67,159 at Johns hopkins.
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