Johns hopkins vs Northwestern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Johns hopkins is the more selective of the two (6.4% vs 7.7% acceptance). Johns hopkins ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#17 vs #33). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($88K vs $89K). Johns hopkins has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,230 vs $68,322 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 retention.
Choose Northwestern for: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Johns hopkins is more selective (6.4% vs 7.7% acceptance); Johns hopkins has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1533).
Northwestern graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($89K vs $88K); Northwestern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.1% vs 93.8%).
Johns hopkins has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,230 vs $68,322); Northwestern offers a larger average aid package ($68,110 vs $67,159).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Johns hopkins | Northwestern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #17 | #33 |
| Rank · THE | #16 | #31 |
| Acceptance rate | 6.4% | 7.7% |
| Yield rate | 47% | 55.3% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1533 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 45,895 | 49,474 |
| International students | 32% | 20% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $88K | $89K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $93K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $135K | $139K |
| Graduation rate | 93.8% | 95.1% |
| Retention rate | 98.1% | 98% |
| Median debt | $10,250 | $15,000 |
| Tuition · year | $65,230 | $68,322 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,159 | $68,110 |
| % of need met | 99.5% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $30,803 | $32,540 |
| Application fee | $70 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 30,210 | 23,431 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Johns hopkins or Northwestern?
It's harder to get into Johns hopkins. Johns hopkins accepts 6.4% of applicants, while Northwestern accepts 7.7%.
Do Johns hopkins or Northwestern graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $88K at Johns hopkins and $89K at Northwestern.
How much is tuition at Johns hopkins vs Northwestern?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,230 per year at Johns hopkins and $68,322 per year at Northwestern.
What SAT score do you need for Johns hopkins or Northwestern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Johns hopkins and 1533 at Northwestern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Johns hopkins or Northwestern?
Johns hopkins ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #17 for Johns hopkins vs #33 for Northwestern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Johns hopkins or Northwestern?
The average aid package is $67,159 at Johns hopkins and $68,110 at Northwestern.
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