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