

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