Johns hopkins vs Illinois urbana-champaign — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Johns hopkins is the more selective of the two (6.4% vs 42.4% acceptance). Johns hopkins ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#17 vs #55). Johns hopkins graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($88K vs $81K). Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 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 Johns hopkins for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Illinois urbana-champaign 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 (6.4% vs 42.4% acceptance); Johns hopkins has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1440).
Johns hopkins graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($88K vs $81K); Johns hopkins has a higher 6-year graduation rate (93.8% vs 85.1%).
Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $65,230); Johns hopkins offers a larger average aid package ($67,159 vs $23,217).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Johns hopkins | Illinois urbana-champaign |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #17 | #55 |
| Rank · THE | #16 | #46 |
| Acceptance rate | 6.4% | 42.4% |
| Yield rate | 47% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1440 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 45,895 | 73,742 |
| International students | 32% | 25% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $88K | $81K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $71K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $135K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 93.8% | 85.1% |
| Retention rate | 98.1% | 94.8% |
| Median debt | $10,250 | $19,500 |
| Tuition · year | $65,230 | $35,124 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,159 | $23,217 |
| % of need met | 99.5% | 0.8% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $30,803 | $22,395 |
| Application fee | $70 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 30,210 | 59,238 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Johns hopkins or Illinois urbana-champaign?
It's harder to get into Johns hopkins. Johns hopkins accepts 6.4% of applicants, while Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4%.
Do Johns hopkins or Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn more?
Johns hopkins graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $88K vs $81K.
How much is tuition at Johns hopkins vs Illinois urbana-champaign?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,230 per year at Johns hopkins and $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign.
What SAT score do you need for Johns hopkins or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Johns hopkins and 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Johns hopkins or Illinois urbana-champaign?
Johns hopkins ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #17 for Johns hopkins vs #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign.
Which university offers more financial aid — Johns hopkins or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The average aid package is $67,159 at Johns hopkins and $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign.
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