Yale vs Johns hopkins — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Yale is the more selective of the two (3.9% vs 6.4% acceptance). Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#11 vs #17). Yale graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($101K vs $88K). Johns hopkins has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,230 vs $67,250 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 Yale for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Johns hopkins for: lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Yale is more selective (3.9% vs 6.4% acceptance); Johns hopkins has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1534).
Yale graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($101K vs $88K); Yale has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.7% vs 93.8%).
Johns hopkins has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,230 vs $67,250); Yale offers a larger average aid package ($76,770 vs $67,159).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Yale | Johns hopkins |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #11 | #17 |
| Rank · THE | #10 | #16 |
| Acceptance rate | 3.9% | 6.4% |
| Yield rate | 68.4% | 47% |
| Median SAT | 1534 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 50,264 | 45,895 |
| International students | 22% | 32% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $88K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $124K | $89K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $194K | $135K |
| Graduation rate | 95.7% | 93.8% |
| Retention rate | 99.4% | 98.1% |
| Median debt | $12,975 | $10,250 |
| Tuition · year | $67,250 | $65,230 |
| Avg. aid package | $76,770 | $67,159 |
| % of need met | 100% | 99.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,185 | $30,803 |
| Application fee | $80 | $70 |
| Enrollment | 15,657 | 30,210 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Yale or Johns hopkins?
It's harder to get into Yale. Yale accepts 3.9% of applicants, while Johns hopkins accepts 6.4%.
Do Yale or Johns hopkins graduates earn more?
Yale graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $101K vs $88K.
How much is tuition at Yale vs Johns hopkins?
Sticker-price tuition is $67,250 per year at Yale and $65,230 per year at Johns hopkins.
What SAT score do you need for Yale or Johns hopkins?
The median admitted SAT score is 1534 at Yale and 1553 at Johns hopkins; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Yale or Johns hopkins?
Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #11 for Yale vs #17 for Johns hopkins.
Which university offers more financial aid — Yale or Johns hopkins?
The average aid package is $76,770 at Yale and $67,159 at Johns hopkins.
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