Washington university 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 12.1% acceptance). Johns hopkins ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#23 vs #17). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($86K vs $88K). Johns hopkins has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,230 vs $65,790 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 Washington university for: a higher graduation rate, a larger aid package, 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 12.1% acceptance); Johns hopkins has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1530).
Johns hopkins graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($88K vs $86K); Washington university has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.3% vs 93.8%).
Johns hopkins has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,230 vs $65,790); Washington university offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $67,159).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Washington university | Johns hopkins |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #23 | #17 |
| Rank · THE | #69 | #16 |
| Acceptance rate | 12.1% | 6.4% |
| Yield rate | 46.7% | 47% |
| Median SAT | 1530 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 32,754 | 45,895 |
| International students | 27% | 32% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $88K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $88K | $89K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $135K |
| Graduation rate | 94.3% | 93.8% |
| Retention rate | 95% | 98.1% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $10,250 |
| Tuition · year | $65,790 | $65,230 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,604 | $67,159 |
| % of need met | 100% | 99.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $26,666 | $30,803 |
| Application fee | $75 | $70 |
| Enrollment | 16,357 | 30,210 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Washington university or Johns hopkins?
It's harder to get into Johns hopkins. Washington university accepts 12.1% of applicants, while Johns hopkins accepts 6.4%.
Do Washington university or Johns hopkins graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $86K at Washington university and $88K at Johns hopkins.
How much is tuition at Washington university vs Johns hopkins?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,790 per year at Washington university and $65,230 per year at Johns hopkins.
What SAT score do you need for Washington university or Johns hopkins?
The median admitted SAT score is 1530 at Washington university and 1553 at Johns hopkins; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Washington university or Johns hopkins?
Johns hopkins ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #23 for Washington university vs #17 for Johns hopkins.
Which university offers more financial aid — Washington university or Johns hopkins?
The average aid package is $75,604 at Washington university and $67,159 at Johns hopkins.
Harvard
Stanford
Massachusetts institute of technology
Princeton
Yale
Cornell
Penn
Northwestern
North carolina
Duke