Johns hopkins vs North carolina — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Johns hopkins is the more selective of the two (6.4% vs 15.3% acceptance). Johns hopkins ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#17 vs #35). Johns hopkins graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($88K vs $72K). North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 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 North carolina 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 15.3% acceptance); Johns hopkins has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1439).
Johns hopkins graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($88K vs $72K); Johns hopkins has a higher 6-year graduation rate (93.8% vs 91.2%).
North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 vs $65,230); Johns hopkins offers a larger average aid package ($67,159 vs $20,705).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Johns hopkins | North carolina |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #17 | #35 |
| Rank · THE | #16 | #70 |
| Acceptance rate | 6.4% | 15.3% |
| Yield rate | 47% | 45.5% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1439 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 4.50 |
| Number of applications | 45,895 | 66,535 |
| International students | 32% | 9% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $88K | $72K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $69K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $135K | $112K |
| Graduation rate | 93.8% | 91.2% |
| Retention rate | 98.1% | 96.6% |
| Median debt | $10,250 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $65,230 | $41,203 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,159 | $20,705 |
| % of need met | 99.5% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $30,803 | $20,382 |
| Application fee | $70 | $85 |
| Enrollment | 30,210 | 32,680 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Johns hopkins or North carolina?
It's harder to get into Johns hopkins. Johns hopkins accepts 6.4% of applicants, while North carolina accepts 15.3%.
Do Johns hopkins or North carolina graduates earn more?
Johns hopkins graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $88K vs $72K.
How much is tuition at Johns hopkins vs North carolina?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,230 per year at Johns hopkins and $41,203 per year at North carolina.
What SAT score do you need for Johns hopkins or North carolina?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Johns hopkins and 1439 at North carolina; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Johns hopkins or North carolina?
Johns hopkins ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #17 for Johns hopkins vs #35 for North carolina.
Which university offers more financial aid — Johns hopkins or North carolina?
The average aid package is $67,159 at Johns hopkins and $20,705 at North carolina.
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