Northwestern vs. Johns Hopkins

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwestern University in Evanston, IL with Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Johns Hopkins University is larger than Northwestern based on total student enrollment (30,210 students vs. 23,856 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Northwestern vs. Johns Hopkins Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwestern or Johns Hopkins? 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 Johns Hopkins University than Northwestern ($26,017 vs. $26,830).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Johns Hopkins University are 4.6% lower than at Northwestern University ($20,150 vs. $21,126).
• Northwestern University is 4.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Johns Hopkins (about $3,092 more per year; $68,322.00 vs. $65,230.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.7% higher at Northwestern than at Johns Hopkins University (about $3,092 more per year; $68,322.00 vs. $65,230.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Johns Hopkins University than at Northwestern University (60% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwestern University students is 7.4% larger than aid received by Johns Hopkins University students ($64,429 vs. $59,977).

Northwestern vs. Johns Hopkins Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwestern or Johns Hopkins? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Johns Hopkins and Northwestern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Johns Hopkins University (1550) is 10 points higher than at Northwestern (1540).
• Incoming Johns Hopkins students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 vs. 34 at Northwestern).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern University 1510/1570; Johns Hopkins University 1520/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern University 33/35; Johns Hopkins University 34/36.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwestern - Test optional; Johns Hopkins - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northwestern Jan 1, 2027; Johns Hopkins Jan 3, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northwestern students have the same average high school GPA (3.92) as students at Johns Hopkins (3.92).
• Northwestern has a higher acceptance rate (7.7%) than Johns Hopkins (6.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 55.3% at Northwestern vs. 47% at Johns Hopkins.

Northwestern vs. Johns Hopkins Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwestern and Johns Hopkins? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Northwestern University's six-year graduation rate (94%) is higher than Johns Hopkins University's (91%).
• Graduates from Northwestern University earn a median of about $4,000 more per year than Johns Hopkins graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,800 vs. $85,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Johns Hopkins University graduates have a $4,378 lower median loan debt than Northwestern graduates ($15,000 vs. $19,378).
• Among borrowers, Johns Hopkins graduates have an estimated $45 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northwestern graduates ($155 vs. $200).
• More Northwestern graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Johns Hopkins students, three years after graduation. (87% 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.