Carnegie Mellon University vs Johns Hopkins University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared

    Verified federal figures for Carnegie Mellon University and Johns Hopkins University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.

    Carnegie Mellon University logoCarnegie Mellon UniversityPittsburgh, PAJohns Hopkins University logoJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore, MD

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    Carnegie Mellon University vs Johns Hopkins University at a glance

    Carnegie Mellon University admits 11.7% of applicants and Johns Hopkins University 6.4% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $35,780 at Carnegie Mellon University and $18,431 at Johns Hopkins University. Six-year graduation rates are 94.3% and 93.4%, respectively.

    Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025

    What the data shows

    Key differences

    • Carnegie Mellon University admits 11.7% of applicants and Johns Hopkins University 6.4%, so Johns Hopkins University is the more selective.
    • The average net price after grants is $35,780 a year at Carnegie Mellon University and $18,431 at Johns Hopkins University; Johns Hopkins University costs $17,349 less a year.
    • For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $14,468 at Carnegie Mellon University and $1,772 at Johns Hopkins University.
    • 94.3% of students graduate within six years at Carnegie Mellon University, against 93.4% at Johns Hopkins University.
    • Median earnings ten years after entry are $125,257 for Carnegie Mellon University and $104,590 for Johns Hopkins University; Carnegie Mellon University is $20,667 higher.
    • Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,000 at Carnegie Mellon University and $12,000 at Johns Hopkins University.
    • Carnegie Mellon University enrolls 7,304 students (large city) and Johns Hopkins University 5,693 (large city).

    Side by side

    Carnegie Mellon University and Johns Hopkins University in numbers

    The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.

    Carnegie Mellon University compared with Johns Hopkins University
    MeasureCarnegie Mellon UniversityJohns Hopkins University
    Admissions
    Acceptance rate11.7%6.4%
    Applicants32,89639,515
    SAT middle 50% (composite)1500–15701520–1570
    ACT middle 50%34–3534–36
    Cost
    Average net price (after grants)$35,780$18,431
    Tuition, in state$68,776$67,170
    Tuition, out of state$68,776$67,170
    Cost of attendance$86,759$88,834
    Net price by family income
    Family income up to $30,000$14,468$1,772
    $30,001–$48,000$4,293$2,136
    $48,001–$75,000$17,816$4,014
    $75,001–$110,000$24,455$12,170
    Over $110,000$56,003$43,081
    Outcomes
    Graduation rate (six years)94.3%93.4%
    First-year retention98%98.1%
    Median earnings, 10 years after entry$125,257$104,590
    Median federal debt at graduation$19,000$12,000
    Typical monthly loan payment$216$136
    Size and setting
    Total students7,3045,693
    TypePrivate nonprofitPrivate nonprofit
    SettingCity: LargeCity: Large
    LocationPittsburgh, PABaltimore, MD

    Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.

    Bachelor's programs both offer

    Carnegie Mellon University reports 114 bachelor's programs and Johns Hopkins University 63; 44 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:

    Questions about Carnegie Mellon University vs Johns Hopkins University

    Every answer uses the figures in the table above.

    Is it harder to get into Carnegie Mellon University or Johns Hopkins University?

    Johns Hopkins University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Carnegie Mellon University admits 11.7% of applicants and Johns Hopkins University admits 6.4%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Carnegie Mellon University 1500–1570; Johns Hopkins University 1520–1570.

    Which is cheaper, Carnegie Mellon University or Johns Hopkins University?

    Johns Hopkins University has the lower average net price after grants: $35,780 a year at Carnegie Mellon University against $18,431 at Johns Hopkins University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $14,468 and $1,772. Your own price depends on family income and aid.

    Do Carnegie Mellon University or Johns Hopkins University graduates earn more?

    Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn more at the median: $125,257 ten years after entry for Carnegie Mellon University and $104,590 for Johns Hopkins University. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,000 and $12,000.

    Which has a higher graduation rate, Carnegie Mellon University or Johns Hopkins University?

    Carnegie Mellon University does: 94.3% of Carnegie Mellon University students graduate within six years, against 93.4% at Johns Hopkins University.

    How big are Carnegie Mellon University and Johns Hopkins University?

    Carnegie Mellon University has 7,304 students in Pittsburgh, PA and Johns Hopkins University has 5,693 students in Baltimore, MD.