Head-to-head comparison
University of Chicago vs. Johns Hopkins University
Real published data on acceptance rates, cost, and outcomes. Side by side.
Calculate your odds at bothIs UChicago or Johns Hopkins harder to get into?
UChicago is harder to get into than Johns Hopkins. UChicago's 5.4% acceptance rate is lower than Johns Hopkins's 7.3%.
Which is cheaper, UChicago or Johns Hopkins?
UChicago costs less on average. After grants and scholarships, UChicago's average net price is $14,860 vs $18,809 at Johns Hopkins.
Which has higher post-graduation earnings?
UChicago graduates earn more on average. Median earnings 10 years after entry are $91,885 at UChicago and $87,555 at Johns Hopkins.
Full Comparison
| Metric | UChicago | Johns Hopkins |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 7.3% |
| SAT mid-50% | 1510–1580 | 1530–1570 |
| ACT mid-50% | 34–35 | 34–36 |
| Cost of attendance | $89,040 | $91,710 |
| Avg net price (after aid) | $14,860 | $18,809 |
| Undergrad enrollment | 7,559 | 5,318 |
| 6-yr graduation rate | 95.9% | 93.8% |
| Median earnings (10yr) | $91,885 | $87,555 |
| Setting | Chicago, Illinois | Baltimore, Maryland |
Sources: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (IPEDS) and school-published admit cycle data. Last verified May 2026.
The Real Differences
UChicago is modestly harder to get into. The 1.9-point gap matters at the margin but doesn't change the overall difficulty tier. Both schools draw similar applicant pools and admit similar profiles.
Geographic difference matters more than the campus tour suggests. UChicago is in Chicago, Illinois; Johns Hopkins is in Baltimore, Maryland. Climate, cost-of-living, and proximity to job markets in your target field shape the four-year experience and post-grad pipeline more than most prospective students realize.
Student Body Composition
The two schools have different student body compositions. UChicago is 45.8% women, 17.6% international, and 19.3% Asian-American. Johns Hopkins is 54.9% women, 15.2% international, and 29.4% Asian-American.
| Demographic | UChicago | Johns Hopkins |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 45.8% | 54.9% |
| International | 17.6% | 15.2% |
| White | 29.5% | 19.5% |
| Asian | 19.3% | 29.4% |
| Hispanic | 16.9% | 18.7% |
| Black | 6.9% | 8.3% |
Personalized estimate
What are your odds at UChicago vs. Johns Hopkins?
Get a probability for both schools calibrated to your full profile, not the headline rate.
Run the calculatorThe Verdict
Pick UChicago if
- Net price matters: UChicago costs $3,949 less per year on average
- Higher median post-grad earnings ($91,885 vs $87,555)
- Higher 6-year graduation rate
- the Core
Pick Johns Hopkins if
- Your odds are realistic at Johns Hopkins (slightly easier admit)
- its world-leading biomedical research
Headline numbers favor one school or the other on each axis, but neither is unambiguously “better.” The right answer depends on your major fit, geographic preference, financial need, and personal odds at each. Most applicants who get into one of these schools also get into the other.
Full School Pages
For complete admissions data, supplemental essay strategy, and class profile breakdowns:
Full profile
University of Chicago
5.4% accept · Chicago, Illinois
Full profile
Johns Hopkins University
7.3% accept · Baltimore, Maryland
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard for acceptance rates, test ranges, financial aid, demographics, completion, and earnings.
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) for the underlying federal data.
- Each school's most recent published Common Data Set for cycle-specific admissions stats.
Last verified May 2026. Stats reflect each school's most recent publicly published admit cycle.