Notre dame vs Johns hopkins — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Johns hopkins is the more selective of the two (6.4% vs 11.3% acceptance). Johns hopkins ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #17). Notre dame graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($100K vs $88K). Notre dame has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,025 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 Notre dame for: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
Choose Johns hopkins for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Johns hopkins is more selective (6.4% vs 11.3% acceptance); Johns hopkins has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1520).
Notre dame graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($100K vs $88K); Notre dame has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95% vs 93.8%).
Notre dame has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,025 vs $65,230); Notre dame offers a larger average aid package ($67,855 vs $67,159).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Notre dame | Johns hopkins |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #17 |
| Rank · THE | — | #16 |
| Acceptance rate | 11.3% | 6.4% |
| Yield rate | 61.7% | 47% |
| Median SAT | 1520 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 29,942 | 45,895 |
| International students | 13% | 32% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $100K | $88K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $98K | $89K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $135K |
| Graduation rate | 95% | 93.8% |
| Retention rate | 99% | 98.1% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $10,250 |
| Tuition · year | $65,025 | $65,230 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,855 | $67,159 |
| % of need met | 100% | 99.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $30,400 | $30,803 |
| Application fee | $85 | $70 |
| Enrollment | 13,042 | 30,210 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Notre dame or Johns hopkins?
It's harder to get into Johns hopkins. Notre dame accepts 11.3% of applicants, while Johns hopkins accepts 6.4%.
Do Notre dame or Johns hopkins graduates earn more?
Notre dame graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $100K vs $88K.
How much is tuition at Notre dame vs Johns hopkins?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,025 per year at Notre dame and $65,230 per year at Johns hopkins.
What SAT score do you need for Notre dame or Johns hopkins?
The median admitted SAT score is 1520 at Notre dame and 1553 at Johns hopkins; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Notre dame or Johns hopkins?
Johns hopkins ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Notre dame vs #17 for Johns hopkins.
Which university offers more financial aid — Notre dame or Johns hopkins?
The average aid package is $67,855 at Notre dame and $67,159 at Johns hopkins.
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