Johns hopkins vs Iowa state — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Johns hopkins is the more selective of the two (6.4% vs 88.7% acceptance). Johns hopkins ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#17 vs #501-600). Johns hopkins graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($88K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 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 Iowa state 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 88.7% acceptance); Johns hopkins has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1204).
Johns hopkins graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($88K vs $63K); Johns hopkins has a higher 6-year graduation rate (93.8% vs 75.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $65,230); Johns hopkins offers a larger average aid package ($67,159 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Johns hopkins | Iowa state |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #17 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #16 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 6.4% | 88.7% |
| Yield rate | 47% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1204 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 45,895 | 23,095 |
| International students | 32% | 8% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $88K | $63K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $56K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $135K | $90K |
| Graduation rate | 93.8% | 75.3% |
| Retention rate | 98.1% | 87.6% |
| Median debt | $10,250 | $22,869 |
| Tuition · year | $65,230 | $28,881 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,159 | $15,665 |
| % of need met | 99.5% | 78% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $30,803 | $29,475 |
| Application fee | $70 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 30,210 | 30,432 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Johns hopkins or Iowa state?
It's harder to get into Johns hopkins. Johns hopkins accepts 6.4% of applicants, while Iowa state accepts 88.7%.
Do Johns hopkins or Iowa state graduates earn more?
Johns hopkins graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $88K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Johns hopkins vs Iowa state?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,230 per year at Johns hopkins and $28,881 per year at Iowa state.
What SAT score do you need for Johns hopkins or Iowa state?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Johns hopkins and 1204 at Iowa state; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Johns hopkins or Iowa state?
Johns hopkins ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #17 for Johns hopkins vs #501-600 for Iowa state.
Which university offers more financial aid — Johns hopkins or Iowa state?
The average aid package is $67,159 at Johns hopkins and $15,665 at Iowa state.
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