Head-to-head comparison
Johns Hopkins University vs. Vanderbilt University
Real published data on acceptance rates, cost, and outcomes. Side by side.
Calculate your odds at bothIs Johns Hopkins or Vanderbilt harder to get into?
Vanderbilt is harder to get into than Johns Hopkins. Vanderbilt's 5.6% acceptance rate is lower than Johns Hopkins's 7.3%.
Which is cheaper, Johns Hopkins or Vanderbilt?
Vanderbilt costs less on average. After grants and scholarships, Vanderbilt's average net price is $15,846 vs $18,809 at Johns Hopkins.
Which has higher post-graduation earnings?
Vanderbilt graduates earn more on average. Median earnings 10 years after entry are $87,555 at Johns Hopkins and $91,565 at Vanderbilt.
Full Comparison
| Metric | Johns Hopkins | Vanderbilt |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 7.3% | 5.6% |
| SAT mid-50% | 1530–1570 | 1490–1570 |
| ACT mid-50% | 34–36 | 34–35 |
| Cost of attendance | $91,710 | $92,522 |
| Avg net price (after aid) | $18,809 | $15,846 |
| Undergrad enrollment | 5,318 | 7,144 |
| 6-yr graduation rate | 93.8% | 93.5% |
| Median earnings (10yr) | $87,555 | $91,565 |
| Setting | Baltimore, Maryland | Nashville, Tennessee |
Sources: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (IPEDS) and school-published admit cycle data. Last verified May 2026.
The Real Differences
Vanderbilt is modestly harder to get into. The 1.7-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. Johns Hopkins is in Baltimore, Maryland; Vanderbilt is in Nashville, Tennessee. 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.
Johns Hopkins has a more international student body (15.2% non-resident students vs 11.2%). For applicants who value global exposure or have international academic interests, that mix shows up in classroom culture and alumni network.
Student Body Composition
The two schools have different student body compositions. Johns Hopkins is 54.9% women, 15.2% international, and 29.4% Asian-American. Vanderbilt is 52.5% women, 11.2% international, and 18.6% Asian-American.
| Demographic | Johns Hopkins | Vanderbilt |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 54.9% | 52.5% |
| International | 15.2% | 11.2% |
| White | 19.5% | 39.1% |
| Asian | 29.4% | 18.6% |
| Hispanic | 18.7% | 11.4% |
| Black | 8.3% | 9.2% |
Personalized estimate
What are your odds at Johns Hopkins vs. Vanderbilt?
Get a probability for both schools calibrated to your full profile, not the headline rate.
Run the calculatorThe Verdict
Pick Johns Hopkins if
- Your odds are realistic at Johns Hopkins (slightly easier admit)
- Higher 6-year graduation rate
- its world-leading biomedical research
Pick Vanderbilt if
- Net price matters: Vanderbilt costs $2,963 less per year on average
- Higher median post-grad earnings ($91,565 vs $87,555)
- the residential colleges on The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons
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
Johns Hopkins University
7.3% accept · Baltimore, Maryland
Full profile
Vanderbilt University
5.6% accept · Nashville, Tennessee
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.