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