USC vs. Johns Hopkins

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA with Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Southern California is larger than Johns Hopkins based on total student enrollment (46,566 students vs. 30,210 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Southern California is located in Los Angeles, CA (Large City setting); Johns Hopkins University is in Baltimore, MD (Large City setting).
• University of Southern California is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Johns Hopkins University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Southern California 9:1; Johns Hopkins University 6:1.

USC vs. Johns Hopkins Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USC 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 USC ($26,017 vs. $43,412).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Southern California are 1.1% lower than at Johns Hopkins University ($19,931 vs. $20,150).
• University of Southern California is 10.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Johns Hopkins (about $6,867 more per year; $72,097.00 vs. $65,230.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.5% higher at USC than at Johns Hopkins University (about $6,867 more per year; $72,097.00 vs. $65,230.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Southern California than at Johns Hopkins University (70% vs. 60%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Johns Hopkins University students is 27.9% larger than aid received by University of Southern California students ($59,977 vs. $46,897).

USC vs. Johns Hopkins Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USC 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 USC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Johns Hopkins University (1550) is 50 points higher than at USC (1500).
• Incoming Johns Hopkins students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 vs. 33 at USC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Southern California 1450/1550; Johns Hopkins University 1520/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Southern California 32/35; Johns Hopkins University 34/36.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USC - Test optional; Johns Hopkins - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Johns Hopkins Jan 3, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Johns Hopkins students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at USC (3.83).
• USC has a higher acceptance rate (9.8%) than Johns Hopkins (6.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 43.3% at USC vs. 47% at Johns Hopkins.

USC vs. Johns Hopkins Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USC 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).

• Johns Hopkins University's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than University of Southern California's (90%).
• Graduates from Johns Hopkins University earn a median of about $300 more per year than USC graduates about ten years after starting college ($85,800 vs. $85,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Johns Hopkins University graduates have a $7,375 lower median loan debt than USC graduates ($15,000 vs. $22,375).
• Among borrowers, Johns Hopkins graduates have an estimated $76 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USC graduates ($155 vs. $231).
• More Johns Hopkins graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USC students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.