Johns hopkins vs Virginia — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Johns hopkins is the more selective of the two (6.4% vs 16.8% acceptance). Johns hopkins ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#17 vs #201-300). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($88K vs $87K). Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 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 Virginia for: a higher graduation rate, 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 16.8% acceptance); Johns hopkins has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1480).
Johns hopkins graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($88K vs $87K); Virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.6% vs 93.8%).
Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 vs $65,230); Johns hopkins offers a larger average aid package ($67,159 vs $37,123).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Johns hopkins | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #17 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | #16 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 6.4% | 16.8% |
| Yield rate | 47% | 40% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1480 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 45,895 | 58,951 |
| International students | 32% | 12% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $88K | $87K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $79K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $135K | $130K |
| Graduation rate | 93.8% | 95.6% |
| Retention rate | 98.1% | 97.9% |
| Median debt | $10,250 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $65,230 | $59,512 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,159 | $37,123 |
| % of need met | 99.5% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $30,803 | $25,137 |
| Application fee | $70 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 30,210 | 26,470 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Johns hopkins or Virginia?
It's harder to get into Johns hopkins. Johns hopkins accepts 6.4% of applicants, while Virginia accepts 16.8%.
Do Johns hopkins or Virginia graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $88K at Johns hopkins and $87K at Virginia.
How much is tuition at Johns hopkins vs Virginia?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,230 per year at Johns hopkins and $59,512 per year at Virginia.
What SAT score do you need for Johns hopkins or Virginia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Johns hopkins and 1480 at Virginia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Johns hopkins or Virginia?
Johns hopkins ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #17 for Johns hopkins vs #201-300 for Virginia.
Which university offers more financial aid — Johns hopkins or Virginia?
The average aid package is $67,159 at Johns hopkins and $37,123 at Virginia.
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