Johns hopkins vs Duke — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Duke is the more selective of the two (5.7% vs 6.4% acceptance). Johns hopkins ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#17 vs #39). Duke graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($98K vs $88K). Johns hopkins has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,230 vs $68,758 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 retention, lower tuition.
Choose Duke for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Duke is more selective (5.7% vs 6.4% acceptance); Johns hopkins has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1548).
Duke graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($98K vs $88K); Duke has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.8% vs 93.8%).
Johns hopkins has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,230 vs $68,758); Duke offers a larger average aid package ($72,437 vs $67,159).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Johns hopkins | Duke |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #17 | #39 |
| Rank · THE | #16 | #27 |
| Acceptance rate | 6.4% | 5.7% |
| Yield rate | 47% | 58.8% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1548 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 45,895 | 51,795 |
| International students | 32% | 22% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $88K | $98K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $115K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $135K | $172K |
| Graduation rate | 93.8% | 96.8% |
| Retention rate | 98.1% | 98% |
| Median debt | $10,250 | $13,000 |
| Tuition · year | $65,230 | $68,758 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,159 | $72,437 |
| % of need met | 99.5% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $30,803 | $27,515 |
| Application fee | $70 | — |
| Enrollment | 30,210 | 17,499 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Johns hopkins or Duke?
It's harder to get into Duke. Johns hopkins accepts 6.4% of applicants, while Duke accepts 5.7%.
Do Johns hopkins or Duke graduates earn more?
Duke graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $98K vs $88K.
How much is tuition at Johns hopkins vs Duke?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,230 per year at Johns hopkins and $68,758 per year at Duke.
What SAT score do you need for Johns hopkins or Duke?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Johns hopkins and 1548 at Duke; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Johns hopkins or Duke?
Johns hopkins ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #17 for Johns hopkins vs #39 for Duke.
Which university offers more financial aid — Johns hopkins or Duke?
The average aid package is $67,159 at Johns hopkins and $72,437 at Duke.
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