Head-to-Head Comparison
Johns Hopkins University vs Union College
- Johns Hopkins Wins
- 28
- Tied
- 24
- Union Wins
- 2
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Johns Hopkins University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $18,809 vs Union College's $34,561, Johns Hopkins University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Johns Hopkins University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Johns Hopkins
- Lower cost: Average net price of $18,809, roughly $15,752 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 94% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $10,250, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 6% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Union
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $88,604 ten years after enrollment, 1% more than Johns Hopkins University
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Johns Hopkins graduates concentrate in Biology & Biomedical (23% of degrees); Union in Social Sciences (21%). 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 Union College over Johns Hopkins University. Median earnings of $88,604 ten years after enrollment vs $87,555.
Pick Johns Hopkins University over Union College. Net price $18,809 vs $34,561.
Pick Johns Hopkins University over Union College. 94% completion rate vs 83%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Johns Hopkins University and Union College are close on paper, but Johns Hopkins University wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Johns Hopkins University is the harder admit. It takes 6% of applicants, while Union College takes 44%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,553 to 1,395.
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, Johns Hopkins University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $18,809, about $15,752 a year below Union College's $34,561. Graduates of Johns Hopkins University also borrow less: median debt of $10,250, against $25,337.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $63,008 before any change in aid. Choosing Johns Hopkins University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Union College graduates report median earnings of $88,604, compared with $87,555 at Johns Hopkins University. That is a 1% advantage. Set against borrowing, Johns Hopkins University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.12x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 1% 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.
Finishing the degree
Johns Hopkins University graduates a larger share of its students, 94% versus 83%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 11% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Johns Hopkins University to keep costs and debt down; pick Union College for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Johns Hopkins University saves about $15,752 a year, yet Union College graduates earn $1,049 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Johns Hopkins University concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, while Union College leans toward Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: Johns Hopkins University's enrollment of 5,693 far exceeds Union College's 2,046.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $34,561 runs well above Johns Hopkins University's $18,809.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,337, against $10,250 at Johns Hopkins University.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Johns Hopkins offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Union does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
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.
Union College
Schenectady, NY · Private nonprofit
Union College is a solid choice for students interested in a diverse range of studies, particularly in social sciences, engineering, biology, and psychology. With an enrollment of about 2,046 students and an acceptance rate of 44%, it strikes a balance between being accessible and maintaining a close-knit community. The graduation rate of 83% reflects a supportive environment where students tend to thrive and complete their degrees.
When it comes to what happens after graduation, students from Union College can expect a median earning of $88,604 within ten years of finishing their degree. This level of earning power suggests that graduates are well-prepared for the job market, with many finding roles that allow them to grow both personally and professionally. The affordability factor also plays a role in this, as financial burdens are important to consider when thinking about long-term success.
The financial bottom line shows a net price of $34,561 after aid, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. With a median debt of $25,337, students can graduate with a reasonable financial outlook, especially relative to their earning potential. Those who tend to thrive at Union are likely to be motivated, engaged, and ready to take on the academic rigor of the programs offered, all while enjoying the vibrant community atmosphere in Schenectady.
Rankings They Appear On
Johns Hopkins University is featured on the Best Online Colleges ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Johns Hopkins's top program is Biology (23% of enrollment), while Union leads with Sociology (21%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Johns Hopkins) and Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer (for Union).
The two schools feed different job markets. Johns Hopkins University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, while Union College concentrates in Humanities. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Johns Hopkins University or Union College?
Johns Hopkins University is harder to get into, admitting 6% of applicants compared with 44% at Union College.
Which is more affordable, Johns Hopkins University or Union College?
Johns Hopkins University is more affordable, with an average net price of $18,809 after aid versus $34,561 at Union College.
Do Johns Hopkins University or Union College graduates earn more?
Union College graduates earn more: median earnings of $88,604 ten years after enrollment, versus $87,555 at Johns Hopkins University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Johns Hopkins University or Union College?
Johns Hopkins University has the higher graduation rate, 94% versus 83%.
Should you choose Johns Hopkins University or Union College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Johns Hopkins University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Union College if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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