Houston 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 73.9% acceptance). Johns hopkins ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #17). Johns hopkins graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($88K vs $62K). Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $65,230 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 Houston for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
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 73.9% acceptance); Johns hopkins has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1250).
Johns hopkins graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($88K vs $62K); Johns hopkins has a higher 6-year graduation rate (93.8% vs 64.6%).
Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $65,230); Johns hopkins offers a larger average aid package ($67,159 vs $16,450).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Houston | Johns hopkins |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #17 |
| Rank · THE | — | #16 |
| Acceptance rate | 73.9% | 6.4% |
| Yield rate | 26.5% | 47% |
| Median SAT | 1250 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.50 | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 31,716 | 45,895 |
| International students | 16% | 32% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $62K | $88K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $61K | $89K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $135K |
| Graduation rate | 64.6% | 93.8% |
| Retention rate | 87% | 98.1% |
| Median debt | $18,194 | $10,250 |
| Tuition · year | $22,547 | $65,230 |
| Avg. aid package | $16,450 | $67,159 |
| % of need met | 55.1% | 99.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $21,819 | $30,803 |
| Application fee | $75 | $70 |
| Enrollment | 47,980 | 30,210 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Houston or Johns hopkins?
It's harder to get into Johns hopkins. Houston accepts 73.9% of applicants, while Johns hopkins accepts 6.4%.
Do Houston or Johns hopkins graduates earn more?
Johns hopkins graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $88K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Houston vs Johns hopkins?
Sticker-price tuition is $22,547 per year at Houston and $65,230 per year at Johns hopkins.
What SAT score do you need for Houston or Johns hopkins?
The median admitted SAT score is 1250 at Houston and 1553 at Johns hopkins; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Houston or Johns hopkins?
Johns hopkins ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Houston vs #17 for Johns hopkins.
Which university offers more financial aid — Houston or Johns hopkins?
The average aid package is $16,450 at Houston and $67,159 at Johns hopkins.
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