Johns Hopkins vs. Vanderbilt

Comparable Facts

Compare Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD with Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Johns Hopkins University is larger than Vanderbilt based on total student enrollment (30,210 students vs. 13,575 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Johns Hopkins University is located in Baltimore, MD (Large City setting); Vanderbilt University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Johns Hopkins University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Vanderbilt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Johns Hopkins University 6:1; Vanderbilt University 8:1.

Johns Hopkins vs. Vanderbilt Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Johns Hopkins or Vanderbilt? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Vanderbilt University than Johns Hopkins ($25,186 vs. $26,017).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Johns Hopkins University are 8.6% lower than at Vanderbilt University ($20,150 vs. $22,054).
• Vanderbilt University is 3.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Johns Hopkins (about $2,268 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $65,230.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.5% higher at Vanderbilt than at Johns Hopkins University (about $2,268 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $65,230.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Vanderbilt University than at Johns Hopkins University (67% vs. 60%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanderbilt University students is 7.4% larger than aid received by Johns Hopkins University students ($64,404 vs. $59,977).

Johns Hopkins vs. Vanderbilt Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Johns Hopkins or Vanderbilt? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Vanderbilt and Johns Hopkins.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Johns Hopkins University (1550) is 10 points higher than at Vanderbilt (1540).
• Incoming Johns Hopkins students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (35 vs. 34 at Vanderbilt).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Johns Hopkins University 1520/1570; Vanderbilt University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Johns Hopkins University 34/36; Vanderbilt University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Johns Hopkins - Required; Vanderbilt - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Johns Hopkins Jan 3, 2027; Vanderbilt Jan 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Johns Hopkins students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at Vanderbilt (3.89).
• Johns Hopkins has a higher acceptance rate (6.4%) than Vanderbilt (5.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 47% at Johns Hopkins vs. 61.2% at Vanderbilt.

Johns Hopkins vs. Vanderbilt Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Johns Hopkins and Vanderbilt? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Vanderbilt University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Johns Hopkins University's (91%).
• Graduates from Johns Hopkins University earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than Vanderbilt graduates about ten years after starting college ($85,800 vs. $83,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vanderbilt University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Johns Hopkins graduates ($14,000 vs. $15,000).
• Among borrowers, Vanderbilt graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Johns Hopkins graduates ($144 vs. $155).
• More Vanderbilt graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Johns Hopkins students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 81%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.