Johns hopkins vs Stony brook — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Johns hopkins is the more selective of the two (6.4% vs 49% acceptance). Johns hopkins ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#17 vs #301-400). Johns hopkins graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($88K vs $75K). Stony brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 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 Stony brook 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 49% acceptance); Johns hopkins has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1419).
Johns hopkins graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($88K vs $75K); Johns hopkins has a higher 6-year graduation rate (93.8% vs 75.6%).
Stony brook has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,741 vs $65,230); Johns hopkins offers a larger average aid package ($67,159 vs $15,261).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Johns hopkins | Stony brook |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #17 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | #16 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 6.4% | 49% |
| Yield rate | 47% | 14.7% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1419 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 45,895 | 55,880 |
| International students | 32% | 18% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $88K | $75K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $63K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $135K | $107K |
| Graduation rate | 93.8% | 75.6% |
| Retention rate | 98.1% | 89.7% |
| Median debt | $10,250 | $18,228 |
| Tuition · year | $65,230 | $32,741 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,159 | $15,261 |
| % of need met | 99.5% | 0.6% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $30,803 | $23,558 |
| Application fee | $70 | $0 |
| Enrollment | 30,210 | 26,689 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Johns hopkins or Stony brook?
It's harder to get into Johns hopkins. Johns hopkins accepts 6.4% of applicants, while Stony brook accepts 49%.
Do Johns hopkins or Stony brook graduates earn more?
Johns hopkins graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $88K vs $75K.
How much is tuition at Johns hopkins vs Stony brook?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,230 per year at Johns hopkins and $32,741 per year at Stony brook.
What SAT score do you need for Johns hopkins or Stony brook?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Johns hopkins and 1419 at Stony brook; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Johns hopkins or Stony brook?
Johns hopkins ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #17 for Johns hopkins vs #301-400 for Stony brook.
Which university offers more financial aid — Johns hopkins or Stony brook?
The average aid package is $67,159 at Johns hopkins and $15,261 at Stony brook.
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