Stanford vs Johns hopkins — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Stanford is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 6.4% acceptance). Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#2 vs #17). Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $88K). Johns hopkins has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,230 vs $65,910 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 Stanford for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Johns hopkins for: a higher graduation rate, higher retention, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Stanford is more selective (3.6% vs 6.4% acceptance).
Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $88K); Johns hopkins has a higher 6-year graduation rate (93.8% vs 91.9%).
Johns hopkins has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,230 vs $65,910); Stanford offers a larger average aid package ($75,816 vs $67,159).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Stanford | Johns hopkins |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #2 | #17 |
| Rank · THE | #6 | #16 |
| Acceptance rate | 3.6% | 6.4% |
| Yield rate | 79.9% | 47% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 60,646 | 45,895 |
| International students | 23% | 32% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $124K | $88K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $89K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $220K | $135K |
| Graduation rate | 91.9% | 93.8% |
| Retention rate | 97% | 98.1% |
| Median debt | $12,000 | $10,250 |
| Tuition · year | $65,910 | $65,230 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,816 | $67,159 |
| % of need met | 100% | 99.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,507 | $30,803 |
| Application fee | $100 | $70 |
| Enrollment | 18,121 | 30,210 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Stanford or Johns hopkins?
It's harder to get into Stanford. Stanford accepts 3.6% of applicants, while Johns hopkins accepts 6.4%.
Do Stanford or Johns hopkins graduates earn more?
Stanford graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $124K vs $88K.
How much is tuition at Stanford vs Johns hopkins?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,910 per year at Stanford and $65,230 per year at Johns hopkins.
What SAT score do you need for Stanford or Johns hopkins?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Stanford and 1553 at Johns hopkins; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Stanford or Johns hopkins?
Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #2 for Stanford vs #17 for Johns hopkins.
Which university offers more financial aid — Stanford or Johns hopkins?
The average aid package is $75,816 at Stanford and $67,159 at Johns hopkins.
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