Johns Hopkins vs Houston - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
Houston accepts most of the applications it receives (73.9%), while Johns Hopkins turns away the overwhelming majority (6.4%).
The share of international students differs sharply: 15.2% (Johns Hopkins) against 5.7% (Houston).
Average aid for an international student is $16,051 (Johns Hopkins) and $4,456 (Houston).
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Johns Hopkins lists $89,539 against $45,970 (Houston), but after average aid what remains is $22,380 against $29,520.
The indicators describe a university as a whole, and your own course can sit a long way from that average.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Johns Hopkins is the more selective of the two (6.44% vs 73.92% acceptance). Johns Hopkins ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#17 vs #201-300). Johns Hopkins graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($88K vs $62K). Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($27,926 vs $67,170 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 graduate earnings.
Choose Houston for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Johns Hopkins is more selective (6.44% vs 73.92% acceptance); Johns Hopkins has a higher median SAT (1540 vs 1240).
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 ($27,926 vs $67,170); Johns Hopkins offers a larger average aid package ($67,159 vs $16,450).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Johns Hopkins | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #17 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | #16 | - |
| Acceptance rate | 6.44% | 73.92% |
| Yield rate | 47% | 26.5% |
| Median SAT | 1540 | 1240 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.93 | 3.49 |
| Number of applications | 45,895 | 31,716 |
| International students | 15.2% | 5.7% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $88K | $62K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $65K | $39K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $135K | $93K |
| Graduation rate | 93.8% | 64.6% |
| Retention rate | 98.1% | 87% |
| Median debt | $10,250 | $18,194 |
| Tuition · year | $67,170 | $27,926 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,159 | $16,450 |
| % of need met | 99.5% | 55.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $30,803 | $21,819 |
| Application fee | $70 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 30,210 | 47,980 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Johns Hopkins or Houston?
It's harder to get into Johns Hopkins. Johns Hopkins accepts 6.44% of applicants, while Houston accepts 73.92%.
Do Johns Hopkins or Houston graduates earn more?
Johns Hopkins graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $88K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Johns Hopkins vs Houston?
Sticker-price tuition is $67,170 per year at Johns Hopkins and $27,926 per year at Houston.
What SAT score do you need for Johns Hopkins or Houston?
The median admitted SAT score is 1540 at Johns Hopkins and 1240 at Houston; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Johns Hopkins or Houston?
Johns Hopkins ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #17 for Johns Hopkins vs #201-300 for Houston.
Which university offers more financial aid - Johns Hopkins or Houston?
The average aid package is $67,159 at Johns Hopkins and $16,450 at Houston.
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