Johns hopkins vs Kansas state — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Johns hopkins is the more selective of the two (6.4% vs 81.7% 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 $57K). Kansas state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,568 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 Kansas 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 81.7% acceptance); Johns hopkins has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1151).
Johns hopkins graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($88K vs $57K); Johns hopkins has a higher 6-year graduation rate (93.8% vs 71.1%).
Kansas state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,568 vs $65,230); Johns hopkins offers a larger average aid package ($67,159 vs $15,968).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Johns hopkins | Kansas state |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #17 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #16 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 6.4% | 81.7% |
| Yield rate | 47% | 27.5% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1151 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 45,895 | 15,432 |
| International students | 32% | 5% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $88K | $57K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $52K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $135K | $83K |
| Graduation rate | 93.8% | 71.1% |
| Retention rate | 98.1% | 85.6% |
| Median debt | $10,250 | $21,250 |
| Tuition · year | $65,230 | $28,568 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,159 | $15,968 |
| % of need met | 99.5% | 77% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $30,803 | $25,179 |
| Application fee | $70 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 30,210 | 20,295 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Johns hopkins or Kansas state?
It's harder to get into Johns hopkins. Johns hopkins accepts 6.4% of applicants, while Kansas state accepts 81.7%.
Do Johns hopkins or Kansas state graduates earn more?
Johns hopkins graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $88K vs $57K.
How much is tuition at Johns hopkins vs Kansas state?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,230 per year at Johns hopkins and $28,568 per year at Kansas state.
What SAT score do you need for Johns hopkins or Kansas state?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Johns hopkins and 1151 at Kansas state; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Johns hopkins or Kansas state?
Johns hopkins ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #17 for Johns hopkins vs #501-600 for Kansas state.
Which university offers more financial aid — Johns hopkins or Kansas state?
The average aid package is $67,159 at Johns hopkins and $15,968 at Kansas state.
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