Head-to-Head Comparison
Johns Hopkins University vs Rice University
- Johns Hopkins Wins
- 25
- Tied
- 16
- Rice Wins
- 13
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Rice University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $13,370 vs Johns Hopkins University's $18,809, Rice University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Rice University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $89,718 at ten years.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Johns Hopkins
- Less debt: Median debt of $10,250, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.2%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #13
Rice
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $89,718 ten years after enrollment, 2% more than Johns Hopkins University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,370, roughly $5,439 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Johns Hopkins graduates concentrate in Biology & Biomedical (23% of degrees); Rice in Biology & Biomedical (16%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Rice University over Johns Hopkins University. Median earnings of $89,718 ten years after enrollment vs $87,555.
Pick Rice University over Johns Hopkins University. Net price $13,370 vs $18,809.
Pick Johns Hopkins University over Rice University. THE World Rank #13 vs #47.
Pick Johns Hopkins University over Rice University. 2.2% mobility rate vs 1.6%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Johns Hopkins University and Rice University split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
Johns Hopkins University is the harder admit. It takes 6% of applicants, while Rice University takes 8%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,553 to 1,553.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Johns Hopkins University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Rice University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $13,370, about $5,439 a year below Johns Hopkins University's $18,809. Graduates of Johns Hopkins University also borrow less: median debt of $10,250, against $11,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $21,756 before any change in aid. Choosing Rice University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Rice University graduates report median earnings of $89,718, compared with $87,555 at Johns Hopkins University. That is a 2% advantage.
So what: An earnings gap of 2% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Moving people up
Johns Hopkins University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.2%; at Rice University, it is 1.6%. Johns Hopkins University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3.7% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.3%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Johns Hopkins University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, Johns Hopkins University sits higher, at #13 versus #47.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Rice University to keep costs and debt down; pick Johns Hopkins University if upward mobility and access matter most.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $18,809 runs well above Rice University's $13,370.
No strong negative signals — Rice competes well across the dimensions measured.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Rice (11.3% Early Decision admit rate vs 10.9%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 6%, Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore is tailored for driven students who are ready to engage deeply in their education. The standout programs here include Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science and IT, Social Sciences, and Health Professions, making it a solid choice for those interested in health, technology, and scientific research. The school's tight-knit community of about 5,700 students fosters collaboration and a culture of inquiry, appealing to individuals who thrive in an intellectually stimulating environment.
After graduation, alumni see impressive earning potential, with a median income of $87,555 ten years post-degree. This figure reflects the value of a degree from Johns Hopkins in the job market, particularly in fields like engineering and health professions. While 19% of students receive Pell Grants, this indicates that the university is accessible to a range of economic backgrounds, allowing for a diverse student body to grow and succeed.
Looking at the financials, the net price after aid comes to about $18,809, which is quite manageable given the high graduation rate of 94%. With a median debt of $10,250, graduates leave with a reasonable financial burden, setting them up for success. Students who make the most of their time here are often those who are proactive, curious, and willing to seek out opportunities in research and internships, setting themselves up for fruitful careers ahead.
Rice University
Houston, TX · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 8%, Rice University attracts driven students who are eager to excel academically and socially. This private nonprofit institution in Houston is ideal for those interested in fields like Engineering, Biology, Computer Science, and Mathematics. The strong graduation rate of 95% speaks volumes about the supportive environment here, where students are encouraged to dive deep into their studies and collaborate across disciplines.
Graduates from Rice see impressive earnings, with a median salary of $89,718 just ten years after finishing their degree. This figure is significant because it highlights the school's effectiveness in preparing students for successful careers. While 17% of students rely on Pell Grants, the overall affordability of education here, combined with the strong salary potential, makes it a viable option for many.
When it comes to the practical side of things, the net price after aid is around $13,370, and the median debt for graduates is relatively low at $11,000. These numbers suggest that students can graduate with manageable debt, which is a big plus in today’s economy. Those who thrive here are often collaborative, ambitious, and ready to engage with a diverse community, making the most of the excellent academic resources available to them.
Rankings They Appear On
Johns Hopkins University and Rice University appear together in 3 rankings. On the Best Colleges for Biology, Johns Hopkins University ranks #1 — Johns Hopkins University outranks Rice University by 3 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Biology as their top enrolled program field, comprising 23% of Johns Hopkins's student body and 16% of Rice's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Johns Hopkins) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Rice).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Johns Hopkins University or Rice University?
Johns Hopkins University is harder to get into, admitting 6% of applicants compared with 8% at Rice University.
Which is more affordable, Johns Hopkins University or Rice University?
Rice University is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,370 after aid versus $18,809 at Johns Hopkins University.
Do Johns Hopkins University or Rice University graduates earn more?
Rice University graduates earn more: median earnings of $89,718 ten years after enrollment, versus $87,555 at Johns Hopkins University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Johns Hopkins University or Rice University?
Rice University has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 94%.
Johns Hopkins University vs Rice University: which is better for social mobility?
Johns Hopkins University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.2% versus 1.6%.
Should you choose Johns Hopkins University or Rice University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Rice University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Johns Hopkins University if upward mobility and access to low-income students matter most. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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