Lehigh University vs Johns Hopkins University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Lehigh University and Johns Hopkins University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Lehigh University vs Johns Hopkins University at a glance
Lehigh University admits 25.9% of applicants and Johns Hopkins University 6.4% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $25,272 at Lehigh University and $18,431 at Johns Hopkins University. Six-year graduation rates are 85.2% and 93.4%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Lehigh University admits 25.9% of applicants and Johns Hopkins University 6.4%, so Johns Hopkins University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $25,272 a year at Lehigh University and $18,431 at Johns Hopkins University; Johns Hopkins University costs $6,841 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $14,290 at Lehigh University and $1,772 at Johns Hopkins University.
- 85.2% of students graduate within six years at Lehigh University, against 93.4% at Johns Hopkins University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $116,342 for Lehigh University and $104,590 for Johns Hopkins University; Lehigh University is $11,752 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $21,371 at Lehigh University and $12,000 at Johns Hopkins University.
- Lehigh University enrolls 5,898 students (small city) and Johns Hopkins University 5,693 (large city).
Side by side
Lehigh 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.
| Measure | Lehigh University | Johns Hopkins University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 25.9% | 6.4% |
| Applicants | 14,107 | 39,515 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1370–1500 | 1520–1570 |
| ACT middle 50% | 31–34 | 34–36 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $25,272 | $18,431 |
| Tuition, in state | $67,920 | $67,170 |
| Tuition, out of state | $67,920 | $67,170 |
| Cost of attendance | $84,497 | $88,834 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $14,290 | $1,772 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $13,708 | $2,136 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $19,587 | $4,014 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $20,869 | $12,170 |
| Over $110,000 | $36,233 | $43,081 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 85.2% | 93.4% |
| First-year retention | 93.7% | 98.1% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $116,342 | $104,590 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $21,371 | $12,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $243 | $136 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 5,898 | 5,693 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Small | City: Large |
| Location | Bethlehem, PA | Baltimore, 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
Lehigh University reports 66 bachelor's programs and Johns Hopkins University 63; 40 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Lehigh University vs Johns Hopkins University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Lehigh University or Johns Hopkins University?
Johns Hopkins University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Lehigh University admits 25.9% of applicants and Johns Hopkins University admits 6.4%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Lehigh University 1370–1500; Johns Hopkins University 1520–1570.
Which is cheaper, Lehigh University or Johns Hopkins University?
Johns Hopkins University has the lower average net price after grants: $25,272 a year at Lehigh University against $18,431 at Johns Hopkins University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $14,290 and $1,772. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Lehigh University or Johns Hopkins University graduates earn more?
Lehigh University graduates earn more at the median: $116,342 ten years after entry for Lehigh University and $104,590 for Johns Hopkins University. Median federal debt at graduation is $21,371 and $12,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Lehigh University or Johns Hopkins University?
Johns Hopkins University does: 85.2% of Lehigh University students graduate within six years, against 93.4% at Johns Hopkins University.
How big are Lehigh University and Johns Hopkins University?
Lehigh University has 5,898 students in Bethlehem, PA and Johns Hopkins University has 5,693 students in Baltimore, MD.